SF Mixology @ Myth & Taverna in San Jose

Fascinating 2 hr class about bartending and a brief history of alcoholic beverages.

Notable learnings:
1. Simple syrup for cocktails – 1:1 sugar:water
2. A Sling – the first alcoholic drinks, stemmed from needing to be able to sterilize otherwise undrinkable water. 4:1 – 4 parts alcohol, 1 part simple syrup. Add ice, stirred, not shaken, until 25% of ice dissolves.
2a. Sample drink – Old Fashioned: 4 parts whiskey (1 oz), 1 part simple syrup (1/4 oz), 1 drop bitters, 1 slice orange peel (gently squeezed). Bitters cut down on the burn of ethanol and orange peel helps balance drink.
3. A Sour – more evolved drink. Fresh citrus has no comparison.
3a. Sample drink – Gin Sour: 2 parts gin (1/2 oz), 1 part simple syrup (1/4 oz), 1 part lemon juice (1/4 oz), flaming spray of absinthe (to create depth – huge difference between aroma and actual taste of the drink)
4. Hair of the Dog – much more alcoholic and confusing
4a. Sample drink – Corpse Reviver: 1 part gin, 1 part some weird french liqueur (le blanc?), 1 part triple sec, 1 part lemon juice