It's not the same as a traditional junior year abroad, but you could study under a leading Scottish mixologist at his new "cocktail college" in Inverness, on the shores of the famous Loch Ness.It's called Mixed Up Events. Andy Adams (right) plans to work out of the Brooklyn's bar in the city's Queensgate section, offering group sessions on the history of the classic drinks and how to make s of mixing the perfect cocktail.
“I see my cocktail academy as a fun way of learning something new and interesting and a fabulous way to relax and meet new people or get to know workmates or acquaintances better," Adams said in an interview with the Press & Journal. “Everyone gets to sample some of the classic cocktails, and then they get behind the bar and make their own from a huge range of ingredients.
“This is a first for Inverness, and the city is certainly ready for it. Cocktails are very popular here, but a lot of people are put off trying to make them themselves because they think it’s complicated or expensive, but that’s simply not the case. The equipment’s cheap. You can start with just your own or your friends’ favourite spirit, a couple of liqueurs and some fresh fruit or fruit juice and build up as you gain confidence. You can put together something that is absolutely delicious in as little as 30 seconds, and even the most complex recipes, like those used by professionals in cocktail-making competitions, can be mixed in just six minutes.”
Adams' credentials are sound. In addition to winning numerous bartending competitions, he has one of four Scots who made it to the United Kingdom finals in London of the Cocktail World Cup. Until it was sold earlier this year, he was the general manager of Rocpool Reserve, a luxury boutique hotel in Inverness. He then decided to create his own business.
ON THE WEB
• Scotland's Most Expensive Cocktail
• Things to Do in Inverness
• Scottish Tourist Board
• Dowd's Guides
