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It's a sad yet somehow totally accepted truth in New York City that a nice cocktail will easily run you $14 or $15. But investing in the ingredients and making them yourself (for a date, a dinner party or just a night in with Netflix) will save you some cash and impress your friends (or your Netflix account, whatever). At these five mixology classes, you'll become your own bartender in no time.
Tea-infused cocktails
If you're a tea-drinker, this is the cocktails course for you. Sanctuary T's resident mixologist will teach you how to make delicious herbal drinks using spirits and syrups infused with tea. Your $75 ticket includes appetizers to share, five cocktails and unlimited tea and coffee. (337B W Broadway, Mondays 6:30pm)
Classic cocktails
Start with the drinks that have withstood the test of time. Tom Macy, head bartender at Clover Club in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn will teach you how to mix ten classic cocktails at this course at The Brooklyn Kitchen. Yes, you'll get to drink them all, and yes, there will be snacks to keep that buzz under control. (100 Frost St, Jul 30, 6:30pm, $95)
Bartending
Want to go pro? This two-week training course will give you all the skills you need to hop behind a real bar, and start getting paid as a drink slinger. Licensed professionals will teach you at the state-of-the-art ABC Training Center in the Bronx, and they'll even assist you with job placement after—if you're serious about bartending. (2471 Morris Ave, Bronx, various times, $199)
Herbal alcohol Tour: Gin
Nature lovers, combine your interest in plants with your interest in day drinking. Hosted by the Brooklyn Botanical Garden, this class teaches you about the herbs and plants used to create gin, giving you a full tour of the herb garden. Then sip a refreshing cocktail in the kitchen with gin from a local Brooklyn distillery. (337B W Broadway, August 8, 11am, 1:15pm, $20)
Cocktails 101
New to mixology? Or to cocktail making in general? Don't worry—this class will teach you the fundamentals of which alcohols mix well, what flavors to add to make the perfect cocktail, and which ingredients work best together. The perfect first step towards becoming that cool friend who throws cocktail parties. (109 W 17th St, Oct 2, 7pm, $110)