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Not to trespass on my esteemed colleague Robert Simonson’s beat, but a recent e-mail was too—well, thirst-inducing—to pass up. Midtown hotel Andaz 5th Avenue just announced a monthly course of mixology classes in its chic downstairs bar, led by master bartenders Shane McGowan and Sean Diener. The first one took place this past Saturday and remaining ones are priced at $60.
But this is not just a how-to primer with shakers, bitters and twists: Partnering with the ad agency Spotco, Andaz has given the course a Broadway spin. Each class is built around a cocktail that was inspired by a show now running on the Great White Way: Pippin, Cinderella, Motown and A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.
While I don’t normally report on bars, I know the shows and enjoy the odd cocktail, so dropped by to sample the wares. Shane whipped up a “Fair-Weather Phoenix,” (pictured above, greedily half-guzzled) the special based on Pippin.
Fair-Weather Phoenix
1.5 oz. Lunazul Reposado
.5 oz. Ilegal Mezcal
.75 oz. Sorel
.25 oz. Cruzan Black Strap
.25 oz. Spiced Chipotle Demerara Syrup
4 dash Mole bitters
1 dash Angostura bitters
Glass: Rocks
Ice: Yes
Garnish: Orange peel
This tequila-rum concoction has an agreeable spice-and-smoke kick, due to the use of chipotle syrup and mole bitters. Shane gives it a theatrical finish, lighting up the flammable orange oil squeezed from the peel. As for the drink’s connection to the Stephen Schwartz musical, Shane says he was inspired by the moment in the show when Pippin is told to jump into a box of fire and “become one with the flames.” Shane took that as a reference to the mythic bird known as the Phoenix, and Pippin’s refusal of the trial as a sign of his inconstant will. And you thought it was just juice to get turnt up!
The October class is built around Cinderella, and here Shane went with an iconic element of the fairy tale and the Rodgers & Hammerstein musical: “Glass Slipper.” It’s a Prosecco cocktail that is incredibly clear, almost translucent. Instead of squeezing lemon in—which might cloud the contents—he spoons in crystals of citric acid. It’s a sparkling, sweet, evanescent affair, just like the show. But don’t have too many of them: You might wind up at midnight stuffed inside a pumpkin.
So if you like Broadway and always wanted to take a mixology class, this one is for you. You can also enjoy savory bites from the bar downstairs and at the end of the class, you get a limited edition tote bag filled with the Andaz 5th Avenue mixology kit, which includes a shaker, bespoke mixtures needed to make the cocktails at home and other treats. As a special surprise, one of the totes will contain a four tickets to that month’s show. Not a bad deal. Sign up here.