Ever mixed a beer cocktail or a Strappy Sandal? Explore the ever-evolving art of libations with a fascinating beer class or inspiring mixology class at The Institute of Culinary Education in New York City. Our experts are industry visionaries who are redefining the way we enjoy food and drink.

Saturday, January 7, 7-9 PM

Samuel Merritt, one of 100 Certified Cicerone Beer Sommeliers in the US, spent a decade selling and teaching great beer with the Craft Brewers Guild and the Brooklyn Brewery in New York. He now runs his own company, Civilization of Beer, a beer education consulting company founded in 2006 whose first goal is to close the gap between beer studies and wine studies and return beer to its proper place at the American table. In Beer 101, you will gain an understanding of the basics of beer ingredients, brewing processes, the difference between ales and lagers, and much more. He will also discuss the role craft beers are playing in today’s changing culinary landscape, taste some great beer and, above all, show you a great time! This is a perfect course for people who have an interest in beer, but need the tools to begin fully experiencing the affordable luxury that is craft beer.

Friday, January 6, 6:30-9:30 PM

Join Anthony Caporale, host of Art of the Drink TV, for a masterclass on the spirits of Mexico. You will learn the history, production methods, and classifications of tequila, and taste through a variety of brands and styles. Then you will expand your palate even further with a mezcal sampling that will rival the complexities of single malt Scotch. From crisp, floral blancos to rich, smokey extra-añejos, once you learn to appreciate the full range of agave spirits you'll never look at a margarita the same way.

Friday, January 20, 7-9 PM

Whether you're a Scotch drinker, a Bourbon fan, or just want to develop an appreciation for dark liquors, this course is for you. Anthony Caporale, producer and host of Art of the Drink TV and former beverage manager for Mesa Grill, will introduce you to the history and science behind cask-aged spirits. You will learn the correct way to taste and evaluate different styles, sample both common and rare brands, and compare flavor profiles. Then you will taste popular cocktail recipes that use whiskey, bourbon, and scotch. Come over to the dark side and find out how fun and accessible the world of whiskey can be!

Saturday, February 25, 6:30-8:30 PM

Every bartender has been stumped by a guest who orders a drink he or she has never heard of before. With the hundreds, or even thousands, of different recipes listed in bartending books, it's nearly impossible to learn them all. While the majority of cocktails included in these ponderous tomes are never ordered in the real world, there are several dozen drinks that every good bartender---professional or recreational---should commit to memory. Anthony Caporale, producer and host of Art of the Drink TV and former beverage manager for Mesa Grill, has compiled a must-know cocktail list into his "Bartender's Canon." You will get to make and taste Daiquiri; Jack Rose; Margarita; Old Fashioned; Sour; Brandy Alexander; Long Island Iced Tea; Manhattan; Negroni; Rusty Nail; and Sazerac.

Wednesday, March 21, 6-10 PM

Chef-Instructor Erica Wides and mixologist Michael Cecconi bring their extensive knowledge of comestibles and cocktails to teach you how to put together a captivating cocktail party. Leave the boxed wine and the store-bought shrimp cocktails at the door and learn how to make delicious punches and libations for a party like: Ginger-Lime Shandies; Heirloom Citrus Punches; Pain-Free Mojitos; and tasty tidbits such as Quick-Pickled Local Vegetables; Hot-Smoked Mackerel with Yuzu-Crème Fraîche; Buffalo Frogs' Legs; Handmade Pretzels with Spicy Mustard; Paella Arancini; and Goat Meatballs.

Thursday, March 22, 6:30-9:30 PM

Join Michael Cecconi, mixologist behind the drinks at www.litspirits.com, for an introduction into the world of cocktails. Besides learning to make well-balanced and delectable classic cocktails, you will also taste your way through the essential spirits of a home bar and become familiar and comfortable with the tools of the trade. You will learn to prepare a perfect Martini; Mojito; Piña Colada; and French 75.

Friday, March 23, 6:30-9:30 PM

Cocktail craftsman Michael Cecconi works with a DIY mentality, coupled with a love of great tasting cocktails, to teach you new ways to spice up the classics and make unique concoctions. In this class, you will make homemade tonic, reductions, flavored ice, coconuts, beer syrup, and learn to use those in the drinks that best highlight them.

Saturday, March 24, 6:30-9:30 PM

With the endless selection of spirits available at the liquor store and the expanse of bottles behind most bars, deciding what to drink can be dizzying. Let Michael Cecconi, who has more than 12 years bartending in New York, weed through the choices and share with you some of the best of the rest, which go much beyond gin, rum, and whiskey. You will make cocktails using amaro, mescal, applejack, and anisette.

Saturday, April 14, 6:30-8:30 PM

Take your cocktails to the next level and start mixing like a chef. Instructor Anthony Caporale, host of Art of the Drink TV, will show you how to make incredible drinks using herbs, spices, vegetables, and other ingredients more commonly found in the kitchen than behind the bar. You will learn to make a Seafood Bloody Mary, add bell peppers to your Mojitos, and spice up your martinis with fresh basil. You're guaranteed to move your liquor cabinet closer to your window garden after this class!

Friday, May 11, 6:30-8:30 PM

Just spent an hour doing hot box yoga? Hitting the gym three times a week like clockwork? That doesn't mean you have to give up all your gains when you enjoy a great drink! Master the latest trend in cocktail culture and learn to make low or no sugar drinks that taste just as good as the higher-calorie classics. Join Bar Chef Anthony Caporale, producer and host of Art of the Drink TV and U.S. brand ambassador for Drambuie, to mix and taste a selection of skinny cocktails that's perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate!