mad men mixology

Though my M-F in undergrad consisted of endless hours deciphering code and solving discrete math problem sets, my weekends in college were typically spent at sorority parties holding red plastic cups filled with cranberry vodkas or amaretto sours.  Don't judge, I was young.  Vodka is still my punishment of choice, but apparently, these days, I'm supposed to be ordering drinks with a sophisticated name.

Thankfully, LA does not lack for fancy cocktail bars and I didn't mind checking out a few more to cross this particular task off my 30 by 30.  Last summer, I went to The Bazaar by José Andrés and had some of the most spectacular drinks.  This holiday season, they are offering a series of "Cocktail Fundamentals" classes and I decided to check out "The Cocktails of Mad Men".

 The Bazaar Mixology

"The Cocktails of Mad Men class on November 4th harkens back to the Drapers’ heydey with a retrospective on bourbon, rye and vodka, a discussion of the relative merits of vermouth (French versus Italian), and demonstrations to teach you how to craft classics like the Moscow Mule, Gimlet, and Manhattan, along with Andrés’ modern takes like Liquid Cherry."

So. Many. Glasses.

Essentially, this class was a gazillion incredibly boozy cocktails with delicious small plates and history lessons scattered in-between rounds.  I tried to be studious and pay attention, but sadly, my hastily taken notes didn't seem to make much sense the next day.

Mint sugar raw brown sugar cube muddled, shaken with ice

Stuffed peppers with some fancy tomato sauce.

JFK James Bond "I had a dream"... Vespers & Mad Men


Yeah, I know.  Clearly, I was too distracted by the glasses that kept magically appearing at my table.

Drink List

Cucumber Collins

Vesper

Moscow Mule

Blue Hawaiian

Mint Julep

Manhattan

Various ryes/whiskeys, gins, vermouths, and bitters

I'm not classy enough for whiskey, which felt like a horrible burn down my throat.  The Blue Hawaiian (frozen with dry ice!) was a grown-up snow-cone that required a larger spoon.  However, I thought the Cucumber Collins and Moscow Mules were fantastic, as evidenced by the empty glasses in front of me. 

So, I'm sorry, Cranberry Vodka, we had some good times, but I think it might be time for us to part ways.  But don't worry, you'll always be a fond reminder of my college years.  Gimlet, anyone?