Cocktails-At-Home Workshops

Welcome to The Joy of Cocktails' Cocktails-At-Home Workshops, where learning the art of crafting cocktails is approachable, fun, and tailored for home bar enthusiasts like you. Whether you’re just starting to stock your bar or looking to refine your skills, these classes will transform how you entertain and enjoy cocktails at home.

What Are the Classes?

Our cocktail classes are designed by home bar enthusiasts, for home bar enthusiasts. This means you’ll learn practical tips, insights, and foundational techniques from someone who shares your goal — consistently creating refreshing and memorable drinks for friends and family at home.

The foundation of our classes is the 6 Cocktail Templates as defined by Death & Co. in their renowned book, Cocktail Codex. These templates—Old Fashioned, Martini, Daiquiri, Sidecar, Whiskey Highball, and Flip—provide a versatile framework for mastering a range of cocktails.

Why should I learn these 6 templates?

By learning the 6 cocktail templates you will:

  • Build confidence in crafting timeless cocktails, many with roots in the late 19th and early 20th centuries
  • Discover your personal preferences, whether you love spirit-forward drinks or enjoy sweet and sour profiles
  • Shop for your home bar with ease, knowing exactly which bottles and tools to prioritize
  • Get more out of your "in town" or "vacation destination" cocktail bar experiences by better understanding bar menus and signature house cocktails

        What can I expect in each class?

        • Handcrafted Cocktails: You’ll craft and taste an average of three cocktails per session, including flight-sized samples and full-sized drinks to enjoy throughout the session
        • Class Size & Duration: Classes are designed for 6 participants and run approximately 2 hours.
        • Cost*: $85 per person (alcohol not included).
        • *You will be instructed which bottles to buy for each course; each travel or prep charges may apply based on location.

        What does The Joy of Cocktails provide?

        We will bring everything you need to enjoy a seamless, educational, and entertaining experience:

        • Customized class plan and menu
        • Glassware and professional bar tools
        • Ingredients like fresh citrus, syrups, and bitters
        • Ice, linens, hand towels, and décor
        • Basic bar snacks (with optional charcuterie boards available for an additional cost)

        What do you, as the host, need to provide?

        To create the perfect setup, all you need to provide is:

        • A cleared countertop or kitchen island
        • Access to the kitchen sink
        • Freezer space for ice and chilling glassware

        Meet Your Instructor: Russell Sparkman

        With decades of teaching experience, from SCUBA diving to digital marketing, Russell Sparkman, founder of The Joy of Cocktails, combines his passion for storytelling with his passion for crafting cocktails at home.

        Sparkman’s journey into the world of cocktails began during COVID lockdowns, transforming a section of his kitchen into a home bar. Many hundreds of recipes and drinks later, with family and friends, has provided Sparkman with a comprehensive understanding of home bar essentials. During the classes, Sparkman shares pragmatic approaches suitable for the home bar enthusiast, from menu development to liquor purchases, to making quality ice to making syrups, to buying new or vintage glassware.

         

        What are the classes?

        Each class focuses on one of the 6 Cocktail Templates in Cocktail Codex, helping you build a comprehensive skill set:

         

         

        CLASS 1: THE SIDECAR
        A timeless blend of cognac, orange liqueur, and citrus.

        Why It’s Foundational:

        The Sidecar is a classic sour cocktail that perfectly balances a base spirit (cognac), citrus (lemon juice), and a sweetener (orange liqueur). This formula is a cornerstone of mixology, adaptable to a wide range of spirits and flavor profiles. Its structure defines the "sour" category of cocktails.

        Extended Family:

        Margarita (tequila, lime juice, triple sec)
        White Lady (gin, lemon juice, triple sec)
        Between the Sheets (cognac, rum, triple sec, lemon juice)
        Boston Sidecar (rum, brandy, triple sec, lime juice)
        Mai Tai (rum, lime juice, orgeat, orange liqueur)


            CLASS 2: THE OLD FASHIONED
            A classic for whiskey lovers with sugar and bitters.

            Why It’s Foundational:

            The Old Fashioned is one of the earliest cocktails, showcasing the base spirit without complex additions. Its simple formula of spirit, sugar, water, and bitters is the backbone of many modern cocktails. It emphasizes balance and the enhancement of the spirit’s natural flavors.

            Extended Family:

            Sazerac (rye whiskey or cognac, sugar, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe rinse)
            Manhattan (rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Angostura bitters)
            Mint Julep (bourbon, sugar, mint)
            Boulevardier (whiskey, sweet vermouth, Campari)
            Negroni (gin, sweet vermouth, Campari)

            CLASS 3: THE DAQUIRI
            A refreshing rum-based staple

            Why It’s Foundational:

            The Daiquiri is the template for all cocktails in the "sour" family, combining a spirit, citrus, and sweetener in perfect harmony. It sets the standard for tropical and tiki drinks, as well as countless other variations.

            Extended Family:

            Mojito (rum, lime juice, sugar, mint, soda water)
            Caipirinha (cachaça, lime, sugar)
            Tom Collins (gin, lemon juice, sugar, soda water)
            Gimlet (gin or vodka, lime juice, simple syrup)
            Pisco Sour (pisco, lime juice, simple syrup, egg white)

             

            CLASS 4: THE MARTINI
            The ultimate in elegance and simplicity

            Why It’s Foundational:

            The Martini is the quintessential spirit-forward cocktail, showcasing the base spirit and vermouth in harmony. Its minimalist recipe highlights the importance of balance and precision in mixology. The Martini has also inspired numerous variations that play with its simplicity.

            Extended Family:

            Vodka Martini (vodka, dry vermouth)
            Gibson (gin, dry vermouth, cocktail onion garnish)
            Vesper (gin, vodka, Lillet Blanc)
            Dirty Martini (gin or vodka, olive brine, vermouth)
            Reverse Martini (more vermouth, less gin or vodka)

            CLASS 5: THE WHISKEY HIGHBALL
            A bubbly crowd-pleaser.

            Why It’s Foundational:

            The Highball represents the spirit + mixer formula, which is one of the simplest and most adaptable templates in cocktail-making. Its focus on proportion and simplicity makes it a universal starting point for countless drinks.

            Extended Family:

            Gin & Tonic (gin, tonic water, lime)
            Moscow Mule (vodka, ginger beer, lime)
            Dark ‘n’ Stormy (dark rum, ginger beer, lime)
            Paloma (tequila, grapefruit soda, lime)
            Cuba Libre (rum, cola, lime)

            CLASS 6: THE FLIP
            A rich, creamy cocktail to impress any guest.

            Why It’s Foundational:

            The Flip is an archetype that uses whole eggs to create a creamy, velvety texture. This cocktail showcases the art of creating luxurious, dessert-like drinks while maintaining balance. It’s the foundation for many festive and indulgent cocktails.

            Extended Family:

            Eggnog (spirit, egg, milk, cream, sugar, spices)
            Ramos Gin Fizz (gin, lemon, lime, cream, egg white, orange flower water, soda)
            Irish Coffee Flip (Irish whiskey, coffee, sugar, egg)
            Port Flip (port wine, brandy, sugar, egg)
            Espresso Martini with Egg White (vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, egg white)

                Let’s Shake Things Up!

                Book your Joy of Cocktails In-House Cocktail Class today and start crafting memorable drinks with confidence and style. Whether it’s for a celebration, team-building event, or just a fun evening with friends, this is the perfect way to elevate your home bar game.

                Book Now or Contact Us to learn more!