The Roosevelt Room's Master Class Series - Cocktail Co-Stars

For centuries, distilled spirits have been the star of the show in classic cocktails. However, they’ve always been supported by their lower-alcohol and complexly-flavored co-stars, commonly referred to as “modifiers.” This catch-all term can refer to liqueurs, cordials, bitters, amari, absinthe, fortified and aromatized wines. Many of these modifiers have distilled spirits as their base, however, wine-based modifiers have also been a major part of the bartender’s cocktail-creating lexicon. 

During this in-depth course, attendees will taste through a flight of a multitude of unique and incredibly delicious labels, while learning about their origin, what makes each one unique, and the role that these products often play in cocktails. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to cocktails, so we’ll also discuss some of the notable classic cocktails that break this mold. 

In addition to learning about each type of modifier, attendees will receive instruction on the fundamentals of tasting, develop an understanding and appreciation of their nuances, guidance on identifying them based on their trademark qualities, and what to look for in products of superior quality. At the end of the course, you’re certain to leave feeling like a certified modifiers connoisseur!

Attendees must be 21 years of age. Class promptly begins at 12pm and concludes at 2:30pm. Hors d’oeuvres will be served at the beginning of the course. Guests are encouraged to stick around after the course concludes to enjoy our Sunday Happy Hour service at 3pm!

Topics Covered:

• A brief history of each type of modifier and how they’ve evolved over the centuries.
• The unique processes utilized in the production of liqueurs, cordials, amari, bitters, & absinthe, & fortified wines.
• Step-by-step instruction on deductive tasting, and how to describe what’s in the glass.
• Predominant characteristics of each modifier category, and the subtle nuances that make them unique.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Roosevelt Room, 307 W 5th Street, Austin, United States