Virtual History of the World through Booze

With its earliest history seated in the ancient practice of Alchemy, the art of Distillation was created by those same early chemists trying to turn lead into gold. Though they did not succeed in creating that precious metal, they did succeed in transforming grain into spirit, and those after them turned that spirit into something magical. 

We will explore how the art of Fermentation (conversion of sugars to alcohol) led to the practice of Distillation (extraction of alcohol from fermented mash by heating), travelling from the Neolithic era to the present day. Distilled spirits have played a significant role throughout history, earning the moniker of "water of life" (eaux de vie, acqua vitae). 

We will begin our journey with a brief overview of the history of Distillation, then we will examine how politics, necessity, medicine, and etiquette shaped the way we drink today. To close, we will toast the long and storied history by crafting a classic cocktail: the Sour. 

Materials Needed to Fully Participate:
For the toast at the end, if the participant would like to join:

• 1 Lemon
• Rich Simple Syrup (make ahead: Bring 1/2 cup water to a boil. Dissolve in 1 cup sugar (White sugar is fine). Allow to cool. Store in the fridge.)
• 2 oz Whiskey or Gin
• 1 Egg (optional)
• Ice
• A shaker or sealable jar
• Hawthorne Strainer or Fine Mesh StrainerJigger, Shot Glass, or Tablespoon

About the Instructor

I am the Head Bartender at the iconic Top of the Standard. I have created cocktails for the bar for 2+ years. Since being in quarantine, I have used what I've learned to teach classes for private clients and weekly on Instagram Live. I joke that I'm the Bob Ross of cocktails in that I teach techniques for making cocktails but I don't believe in mistakes, just happy accidents. My classes are a mix of technical production, tasting and a deep-dive into the fascinating science and history behind cocktails and spirits we enjoy today.

Virtual Class FAQ

What will be included in my Virtual Class package?

One ticket includes an access link to your live, online class. The class will be delivered via web conferencing software and feature a live, professional instructor who will walk you through a lesson as described above. You will have the opportunity to ask questions as well as participate from home.

How many people is my purchase good for?

Each ticket is good for one "device" (i.e. one computer, phone, tablet, etc. you'll be logging in from). This ensures we don't get more people in the class than the instructor can handle. Though we understand some people live together and will be working/learning together, the intent is that each class still allows for the same attention to attendees as if students purchased separately. Please be respectful of this!

Will I need anything from home to use in the class?

You will need a reliable Internet connection as well as a computer or device with which you can access your virtual class. We recommend you arrive to class 5-10 minutes early to ensure you're able to set up your device and connection. Additionally, if the class is more than just a lecture you will likely want any materials listed in the course description as "Materials Needed to Participate Fully", though you're welcome to purchase a seat and sit in and just watch.

Am I able to ask questions or interact with the class?

Yes, you'll both be able to ask questions using the chat function in the video hosting software as well as at certain intervals during the class via voice/audio. If the class winds up being on the smaller side, more spontaneous interaction/questions will be encouraged.


Do I have to show my video or speak during class?

While we recommend you do show your video and speak when encouraged to by the instructor, video and audio participation are never mandatory. We find classes have more fun experiences when people are engaging with one another, but understand not everyone will want to do so and that's ok!