One of our Manchester food and drink writers, Kelly, gets behind the bar at Black Dog Ballroom NWS, to give their new cocktail masterclasses a whirl.
Rating:
In a Word:
Intoxicating
Appeals to:
Birthday parties, hen dos, stag dos… basically any excuse to get royally drunk with your mates on your favourite kryptonite – cocktails galore.
The Venue:
Black Dog Ballroom NWS has long been a popular haunt for students, bar crawls and drinks at any o’clock. From nights out and rounds of pool with mates, to hangover food on a weekend, this really is the everyman bar of Manchester.
Nestled on Oxford Road, this particular venue has several floors, including an undercover terrace on the third floor. Arriving at the cocktail masterclass showcase, we found a space that’s perfect for parties and group entertainment.
To celebrate the launch of Black Dog’s new cocktail masterclasses, we were given a chance to guinea pig these boozy activities for ourselves….
The Boardwalk
Tucked away from the terrace is a rather exclusive, suave-looking space called the ballroom. Here you can mess around making cocktails, without the scrutiny of other people standing impatiently around the bar. It also made an intimate setting for The Boardwalk, the prohibition-style masterclass we were introduced to first.
As our mixologist took us on a whirlwind tour of 19th and 20th century America, we sampled the delights of Sazerak – the official drink of Louisiana, apparently, White Lady Cocktail, and Mary Pickford.
Each drink was served with an illustrious history of the cocktail, as we took it in turns to make them ourselves. Listen carefully though – the barman may just test you with a random quiz question a few drinks down the line, to see if you’ve been listening. Drinking rewards and punishments (Sambuca face at the ready) depend on your answers…
It’s worth pointing out that this would make a great masterclass for men – you won’t feel emasculated drinking whiskey cocktails and sporting flat caps, so you can indulge your sweet spot without facing the wrath of the lads.
Poco Loco
Next up, a whirlwind tour of Central America, as our second masterclass gave us a flavour of some of Mexico’s finest cocktails. For a taste of Latino passion, these fun and fruity cocktails were a match made in heaven.
To get into the ‘spirit’ of the theme, sombreros, maracas and stick-on ‘stashes were a must. Armed with our not-so-authentic Mexican attire, we were given the chance to make Hurricanes and the classic Tequila Sunrise – Frozen Margaritas will be joining the line-up as the warmer weather arrives.
Okay, so the cocktail connoisseurs amongst you will know that in fact neither Hurricane nor Tequila Sunrise originate from Mexico, but the masterclass certainly loosened our hips and tongues; these sweet and potent cocktails are not for the faint-hearted! Thankfully, nachos and guacamole arrived soon after to soak up the rum…
Studio 54
For a masterclass with a little more glitz, Studio 54 definitely hits the spot. Inspired by the New York disco scene, these cocktails put an elegant twist on your night out with the girls (or men, we’re not judging).
Our smartly-clad mixologist again gave us a short and sweet history of each cocktail, as he taught us how to make Espresso Martinis, Manhattans and Long Island Ice Tea. We were also treated to a few top cocktail-making tips, including how to achieve that fluffy foam when shaking (not stirring) up your egg whites.
This New York disco-themed showcase is perfect for those seeking a VIP treatment on their cocktail masterclass, whilst learning a few tricks of the trade along the way!
The Verdict:
As an amateur mixologist who isn’t a stranger to the occasional masterclass, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the Black Dog trilogy. Interactive, hands-on and undeniably fun, each of these masterclasses brings its own unique charm to the table.
At just £25 per person, these sessions are great value for money for the drinks alone. Accommodating groups from four to twenty-strong, it’s a fabulous activity for birthdays, corporate events, stag dos and hen dos, with bespoke masterclasses and private rooms available for larger groups.
Once you’ve drunk your bodyweight in spirits, you can carry on the party in the karaoke booth, soak up the booze with the delicious Black Dog pizzas, or head out into the night to carry on the festivities around Oxford Road or Northern Quarter. What’s not to love!?
The Details:
11-13 New Wakefield St,
Manchester
M1 5NP
Tel: 0161 236 4899
Email: bookings@blackdognws.co.uk