Once it was discovered that there was a bartending school in the Exchange, it was a no-brainer that we needed to hold a R:ED event there. The owner, Brandon Whyte, not only has his business in the area, but he is a R:ED member too!
On Tuesday November 4th, about 35 R:ED members and guests packed the Exchange Bartending School on Princess for what was billed as an "educational" evening: Making Mad Men Inspired Cocktails.
We were greeted at the door with a French 75 cocktail - and with that the "education" began! Brandon talked to us about cocktails and bartending -- clearly a man with passion for his career.
He gave us detailed instruction in the fine art of making the cocktail brought back to fame by the Mad Men TV show: the Old Fashioned. Then his lovely staff of bartenders went to work to make an Old Fashioned for each.
Next it was our turn for hands-on bartending: the classic martini. Brandon discussed the history of martini's, and talked about shaken vs stirred, dryness and techniques. Then four groups of two went behind the bar to make their own martini.
Our last cocktail was a Negroni (or Boulevardier, if you substituted bourbon for the gin). Yum!
The evening included a lot of time for sipping on your cocktails and meeting new neighbours. There was a lot of community building at this event!
Continuing with the Mad Men theme, we had a door prize (generously donated by the Exchange Bartending School) for the best Mad Men look. The winner was Lindsay P. (aka "Betty Draper), who not only had the look and the outfit, she even made a package of Lucky cigarettes. It was Lindsay's birthday, so her win was doubly appropriate.
It was a very fun evening. Special thanks to Brandon Whyte and his bartender staff for doing such a great job hosting us.