A downtown Vancouver bar is giving you an opportunity to hone your mixology skills this fall.
D/6 Bar & Lounge at Parq Casino is hosting a series of Cocktail Masterclasses beginning Wednesday, November 5th. Each seminar runs for 2 hours, leading groups on an in-depth exploration of the history behind traditional and contemporary cocktail culture and how to craft iconic libations like the Mojito, Whisky Sour and Old Fashioned.
“Cocktails are more than mixed drinks — they’re cultural artifacts that reflect history, innovation and social change,” says General Manager Miles François.
“From early medicinal tonics to contemporary craft mixology, cocktails have evolved alongside shifts in society, trade and taste. We look forward to distilling some of this cocktail lore and history as we lead guests through a comprehensive masterclass on the fine art of crafting cocktails.”
D/6 Bar & Lounge
Held in D/6’s private quarters located behind the hidden bookcase, the classes will guide guests on a journey through the early origins of cocktails from the 17th and 18th centuries; the ‘Golden Age of Cocktails’ in the mid-19th Century, Prohibition and its impact, mid-20th century developments, and the craft cocktail renaissance in the 1980s and ’90s.
The classes will also delve into modern cocktail culture and more current trends that include sustainability, the advent of zero-proof and low-ABV options and the recent boom in craft bars and revival of speakeasy culture.
D/6 Bar & Lounge
D/6’s bartenders will highlight the core spirits (vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, brandy), modifiers such as vermouth, liqueurs and fortified wines, and accents like citrus, syrups, bitters, herbs and spices. Participants will learn how all these ingredients are used to balance the flavour, aroma and texture of libations.
Guests will enjoy a hands-on cocktail workshop covering essential techniques – shaking, stirring, muddling, layering, and building drinks. Each participants will also learn how to balance dilution and temperature and perfect garnishing skills like expressing citrus oils, prepping herbs, and adding decorative touches.
With the holiday season quickly approaching, these classes will help take your festive celebrations to the next level!
Each class can accommodate up to 10 participants and is priced at $70 per guest plus tax and gratuity.
D/6 Bar & Lounge Cocktail Masterclasses
Location: 39 Smithe St, Vancouver
Date: November 5th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, 25th and 27th
Price: $70 per person