Cocktail Classes
Enjoy the experience of a Gulch Distillers signature cocktail class, designed to enhance the skills of the novice or seasoned home barkeeper. Learn some tips, techniques, and recipes to easily mix beautiful cocktails in your home bar. On the third Saturday of every month we lead a FREE, one-hour class on individual mixology topics, at high noon (unless noted otherwise).
While the education is free, cocktails are available for purchase.
Gulch Distillers Summer Cocktail Class Series
May 20 – Amaro Like There’s No Tomorrow
Make your own amaro during Helena Craft Beer Week! Learn about the big and varied world of bitter liqueurs: different styles, classic ingredients, and the basic method to make your own amaro at home. Participants will have the opportunity to select their own ingredients to take home and make their own bitter liqueur. We have 2 times offered for this class: 11:00am and 1:00pm.
June 17 – Syrups Simplified
Our craft cocktail program is as essential to the Gulch experience as our micro-distilled spirits. A fundamental component of our craft cocktails are our house-made syrups. Learn how to make the essentials, including grenadine, ginger syrup, and a variety of simple syrups, and learn just how easy it is to do.
July 15 – Carbonated Cocktails
This class will focus on an advanced technique that requires some specialized equipment but results in a stimulating and unforgettable cocktail. We will cover the basics of carbonation and several ways to add effervescence–from the most basic and accessible to the flat-out geeky.
August 19 – Ginger Brew
Ginger beer is a staple in many cocktails, most notably the famed Moscow Mule. You’ve probably made your own mules at home, but have you made your own ginger beer? Take your mule making to next level with the information provided in this demonstration.
Gulch Distillers Fall Cocktail Class Series
September 16 – Infusions
We use infusions all the time, in our production process and cocktail program. Learn passive and rapid infusion techniques to impart a variety of flavors and colors to your spirits and cocktails.
October 21 – Gin it to Win it
Have you ever wanted to create your own gin? While not exactly a cocktail class, we will use this session to discuss the basics of gin botanicals and production methods. You will have the opportunity to select your own botanicals to make your own signature gin at home.
November 18 – Punches and Batches
With the holidays right around the corner, ready yourself to serve craft cocktails with ease at your next holiday party. We will look at the history of punch and review the do’s and don’ts of batching cocktails. Take home some batch cocktail recipes that are guaranteed to impress your guests.