Yu M.
Yelp
While exploring our options at New Orleans for a 3-day trip, my girlfriend decided to dedicate one afternoon to the New Orleans Drink Lab. We had no idea about how to make any mixed drinks; the opportunity to not just learn the basics but also experience part of the New Orlean's drinking culture was quite exciting. With high expectations, we arrived at the Drink Lab on a pedal bike ready to get buzzed with our own creation.
The drink lab is on the second floor of the Victory bar, whose owner Daniel is the instructor for our mixology class. The victory bar is amazing in itself but that is for another review. Upon entering the lab, we were immediately impressed by the decor. Similiar to feeling smarter by simply being at an ivy league school campus, the drink lab instantly made me feel like a champion mixologist. All the tools and equipment orderly laid on the counter ready to do magic.
After a few glaases of champagne and a few plates of delicious Jambalaya rice to set the mood, Daniel the instructor started the class. Too much detail might ruin the fun, but we were able to make three drinks: 1) Sazerac Rye, 2) Ramos Gin Fizz, and 3) Hurricane. My finished products were amazing, I loved all three drinks so much I finished them all. Daniel's teaching style is a comedy show in itself: he told interesting stories about the drinks he was teaching and joked around with his students the entire time. His style makes the whole experience enjoyable even for people who aren't into drinks. At the end of the class, not only did I have a ton of fun hanging out with Daniel, I walked out having discovered three delicious drinks and learned how to make them. It was truely an awesome experience.
I am from Vegas. One may question why I would choose to expose myself to the craft of mixology in New Orleans, when I can learn from the city where part of its sin is made up by fancy cocktails and talented Bartenders. The answer is a simple one: Vegas has no Daniel.