Neat to Sweet: Crafting Cocktails with Vodka & Bourbon

Join us for a hands-on mixology experience where you’ll explore the bold warmth of whiskey and the crisp versatility of vodka. This class guides you through the tools, techniques, and flavor profiles of four vibrant seasonal cocktails—two whiskey/bourbon-based, and two vodka-based.

Whether you're team bourbon or team vodka, you'll walk away with new skills, great drinks, and maybe a new favorite spirit.

Brief History of Vodka and Whiskey/Bourbon:

Vodka

Origins: Thought to have originated in Eastern Europe, particularly Russia and Poland, in the 8th–9th centuries.

Characteristics: Known for its neutrality and clean finish, vodka is typically distilled multiple times to achieve purity.

Popular Use: Its smooth flavor makes it a versatile base in countless cocktails.

Whiskey/Bourbon

Origins: Whiskey traces its roots back to medieval Ireland and Scotland, while bourbon is a distinctly American spirit that emerged in the 18th century in Kentucky.

Bourbon Requirements: Must be made in the U.S., contain at least 51% corn, and aged in new charred oak barrels.

Flavor Notes: Whiskey generally leans smoky, spicy, and caramel-rich. Bourbon tends to be sweeter due to the high corn content.

Bartender Kit Description

For this class, each participant will receive or use a standard bartender kit, which includes:

16 oz Standard Shaker 

Used for shaking cocktails to combine and chill ingredients.

Strainer 

Fits over the shaker to strain out ice and fruit bits when pouring.

Bar Spoon 

Long, twisted handle ideal for stirring in tall glasses or layered drinks.

Jigger 

Dual-sided measuring tool for precision (½ oz and 1 oz sides).

Muddler 

Used to release aromatic flavors in herbs and fruits

WHISKEY/BOURBON COCKTAILS

Strawberry Mint Julep

A fresh and fruity take on the Southern classic. Light and cooling with a sweet berry twist.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon

• Fresh strawberries (sliced)

• Fresh mint leaves

• ½ oz Strawberry puree 

• ½ oz Mint syrup 

• Ice

Instructions:

Muddle

In a julep cup or rocks glass, muddle the strawberries, mint leaves, and simple syrup until the strawberries are juicy and the mint is fragrant.

Add Bourbon

Pour in the bourbon and give it a gentle stir to mix.

Ice It Up

Fill the cup with crushed ice, mounding it slightly over the top.

Garnish

Slap a sprig of mint between your palms to release the oils and stick it in the ice. Add a small strawberry or slice for extra flair.

Optional Fizz

Top with a splash of club soda if you want a slightly lighter, sparkling version.

Smoked Peach Old Fashioned

Classic Old Fashioned with a smoky-sweet peach infusion that feels perfect for summer nights.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Whiskey or Bourbon

• ½ oz  Peach syrup

• 1 dash Angostura bitters

• 1 dash smoked bitters or a smoking gun (optional)

• Charred peach slice (for garnish)

Instructions:

Smoke the Glass

Place your old fashioned glass upside down, use a smoking gun to fill the glass with smoke. Let it sit while you build the cocktail.

Build the Cocktail

In a mixing glass, combine:

• 2 oz bourbon

• ½ oz peach simple syrup

• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

• Add ice and stir for about 20–30 seconds.

Serve

Flip over your smoked glass, add a large ice cube, and strain the cocktail into the glass.

Garnish

Express an peach peel over the top (optional) and garnish with a charred peach slice.

VODKA COCKTAILS

Blueberry Moscow Mule

A juicy, berry-filled twist on the classic mule, served in a copper mug for an icy cool experience.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka

• ½ oz fresh lime juice

• ½ oz blueberry syrup

• 4 oz ginger beer

• Ice

Instructions:

• In a copper mule mug or a rocks glass, add vodka, lime juice, and blueberry simple syrup.

• Fill the glass with ice.

• Top with ginger beer and gently stir.

• Garnish with fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint.

Strawberry Basil Lemonade

Bright, herbal, and citrusy—perfectly refreshing with just the right amount of kick.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Vodka

• 1 oz fresh lemonade

• 1 oz of strawberry puree

• ¾ oz basil syrup

• Fresh strawberries

• Fresh basil leaves

• Ice

Instructions:

• Muddle the strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker until well broken down and aromatic.

• Add vodka, lemonade, and basil syrup to the shaker.

• Fill with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds.

• Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice (use a fine strainer for a smoother finish).

• Top with a splash of club soda for fizz, or leave still for a stronger, juicier flavor.

• Garnish with a basil sprig and a strawberry or lemon wheel on the rim.