The Week in Drinks: Spirits and Classes

Lou Bustamante

​With four days worth of Halloween partying behind us, it's time to start thinking about the holidays. What better way to prepare than with some education and tastings? This week features a few classes and a great opportunity to taste some new spirits.

Mixology 101 at Boothby Center
Where: The Boothby Center, 1161 Mission (at 8th)
When: Weds., Nov. 2nd, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Cost: $95 in advance

The rundown: Get all the fundamentals down with hands on training in tools, cocktail construction, categories, and ingredients. Focused on the home enthusiast, it breaks down the various components of a drink by mixing a series of cocktails. It also includes planning tips on prepping and setting up your bar so that you get to enjoy your own party.

Drink Me Magazine Grand Tasting
Where: 111 Minna, 111 Minna (at Second St.)
When: Fri., Nov. 4th, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $20 in advance; $30 at the door

The rundown: The bi-monthly liquor focused magazine hosts a spirit, beer, and wine filled event in what could be the best tasting value around. An easy $20 bill gets you entry and tastings of all the potables being poured along with one full-sized drink at the bar. If the tasting convinces you to put on your dancing shoes, stick around--Friday night dancing follows the tasting event.

Beer Traditions with Rich Higgins
Where: The Boothby Center, 1161 Mission (at 8th)
When: Sun., Nov. 6th, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Cost: $55 in advance

The rundown: Rich Higgins, brewmaster at Social Kitchen is leading a series of classes focused on the different beer traditions through lectures and lots of sampling. The series kicks off with UK beers and continues with German (11/13), Belgian (12/11), and American (01/08). The basics of styles and flavors will be covered along with discussions on how technology, taxation, taste, and terroir have affected the flavors of the beers and the evolution of the beer traditions.