FOOD + DRINK
THE THIRSTY FARRIER
COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS
THERE ’ S NO DENYING THAT THE ART OF MIXOLOGY IS ONE TO BE MARVELLED AT . WITH MORE BARS AND RESTAURANTS SATISFYING BOTH OUR CREATIVE NEEDS AND OUR TASTE BUDS WITH AN EVER-GROWING ABUNDANCE OF ELEGANT AND OUTLANDISH COCKTAILS , WITH EVERYTHING FROM THE TIMELESS CLASSICS TO WACKY ORIGINALS ENTICING US TO SAMPLE , COCKTAILS ARE BECOMING AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY EVENING OR MEAL OUT . AS OUR LOVE FOR THESE DELICIOUS DRINKS HAS CONTINUED TO GROW , SO HAS OUR INTRIGUE AND NEED TO EMBRACE COCKTAIL MAKING IN MORE WAYS THAN JUST ORDERING FROM THE MENU AND WATCHING ON IN AWE AS A TALENTED MAGICIAN-LIKE FIGURE CONJURES IT UP BEHIND A BAR . ENTER BROTHERS DAN AND JON TRAINER … BY OLIVIA RICCINI
Taking our love for these delicious drinks that step further , first of all with their cleverly converted mobile horsebox bar back in 2019 , ( which was also the inspiration behind the name ), founders Dan and Jon decided to share their craft with their customers , devising their very own Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Making Masterclass . Here , groups of cocktail lovers , including everyone from complete beginners to professionals , and those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks , will make four tempting tipples to be proud of . Putting down our pens and rolling up our sleeves , the insideKENT team joined an excitable group of cocktail maker apprentices one dark , winter ’ s night at The Coachworks , and got ready to shake up our evening to exciting new levels of fun and creativity .
If , like us , you have more experience in sampling and critiquing cocktails over making them , you might expect to feel a little overwhelmed at the thought of crafting your own . But do not fear , The Thirsty Farrier brothers not only lift spirits high with their fun and friendly natures but also make cocktail crafters feel at ease , always on hand with tips and advice for those in need . Lucky enough to be trying one of The Thirsty Farrier ’ s new set of cocktails with a festive twist , exclusively for the month of December , we set about creating a cranberry gin fizz , gingerbread flavoured espresso martinis ( garnished with a tiny gingerbread man ) chai-infused yuletide white Russians and lemon meringue pie margaritas .
Lined up each side of a long table abundant with boozy ingredients , buckets of ice and Christmassy treats , we listened carefully as Dan and Jon gave concise instructions on how to go about concocting our first cocktail , whilst teaching us the correct terminology for the mixology equipment that lay before each of us . Running for at least two hours , each crafter can benefit from Jon and Dan ’ s unwavering expertise , which covers everything from how to correctly shake your cocktail to the exact science behind bringing out the best flavours . Not only is it clear that Dan and Jon know everything there is to know about crafting the perfect tipple , they also know how to throw a great party and ‘ lift spirits ’ throughout the night with games , unique icebreakers and of course , plenty of laughter . Wherever you are and whoever you might be with , The Thirsty Farrier is sure to bring the party to you .
What makes The Thirsty Farrier so unique , is the brothers ’ commitment to their guest ’ s experience . Whether you are there to learn or simply enjoy a night of tasting scrumptious cocktails , you will undoubtedly walk away more knowledgeable in the art of mixology , unable to escape the passion that scintillates from Dan and Jon to each eager guest . After teaching us a top tip on the best way to hold and separate the glass from the cocktail shaker , Jon told us that he and his brother were delighted to be back in face-to-face masterclasses this Christmas , “ Christmas in 2020 was difficult for everyone , so bringing some much-needed cheer to friends and families this year with the festive classes has been marvellous . With our new menu of handcrafted cocktails , each with a Christmassy twist , we can ’ t wait to share our knowledge to help others serve up some incredible cocktails this season .”
The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Masterclass costs from £ 45pp ( min group size 6 ). The class lasts around 2 hours and you ' ll learn to make four of your favourite cocktails . The Thirsty Farrier Cocktail Class at The Coachworks ( coach-works . co . uk ) costs from £ 30pp and must be booked in advance .
www . thethirstyfarrier . co . uk
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