Hendrick’s Delightfully Peculiar Cocktail Academy

So my Monday and Tuesday were pretty much the worst days ever as I was just getting back from a lavish vacation. When I first got this invite, I praised Jesus. Cocktail party mid-​week? Uh, yes please. Event was spot on. And although I didn’t think I was a big fan of gin, well, apparently I was.
When I first signed in I already had a ticket waiting for one cocktail beforehand. Bam. No prolonging this sobriety whatsoever. Within a few minutes of lounging with the regulars in the bar area, we made our way to our own private room upstairs where we had a spread of appetizers and seating with various gadgets that would be used to make our drinks. It was quite an impressive layout.
After getting a few of the delish appetizers (Salmon cucumber nibs, etc.!), they kicked things off with an info session on Hendrick’s gin. Anything alcohol related is always interesting. Afterwards, we transitioned into how to make a few amazing cocktails. These drinks were absolutely great. Of course, I rolled a little dirtier on mine, but the recipes were also very, very good. It was definitely a good time being your own personal bar tender for a night… and apparently I’m a natural.
Overall, everything was done up well in a laid back and fun setting. Always an added bonus when conversing with a good group of Unilocalers too!
Props to everyone involved in putting this together, especially Dandelion Market and Hendrick’s! You guys did a great job and kept my mind off my sad work life for a moment or two! Already looking forward to another!

Simply fantastic! Start to finish this was an awesome little event!
We started of with a refreshing gin and tonic! I was a bit skeptical at first… and thought to myself, «Is this it?!»
But then we were invited upstairs and boy was I surprised. Dandelion put together a fantastic setup for us and provided some tasty bites. Every one was also provided with all the necessary glassware, juices, fruits, mixers, garnishes, etc. As the night wen’t on we watched a presentation on the history of Hendricks’s while making our own cocktails.
I’ve done some cocktail classes in the past, and this one was by far the most fun! I guess it help’s when your surrounded by a great group of Unilocal friends.
Thank you to Dandelion hosting and thank you to Hendrick’s for all the awesome cocktails. A big thank you to Fred as well for putting on a super entertaining presentation.
A+

I am so in love with this event! I think I said «I’m so excited» about 20 times! I had no idea what to expect, but I am so lucky to have been invited to this event.
Everything and everyone was amazing! From the appetizers, to our place setting at the table to the presentation. Everyone had a smile on their face the entire time.
I now know how to make a yummy gin drink (no idea before or even what I liked in mine). And I can not wait to make that punch!
Thank you to those who organized and was a part of this event! Seriously fabulous (smiling and writing). Everyone gets a 5!

We were sipping on gin and juice! This was one of those amazing events where you don’t know what the hell it is but you throw caution to the wind, sign up and end up loving every minute of it! Everyone had their own minibar set up! Complete with fresh fruit, handmade syrups, juicer, small groups even had their own punch bowl! Most informative recipes and a much needed reminder how amazing/​versatile gin is! What a great group, Dandelions were on hand for our every whim and most importantly plenty of Hendrick’s Gin!

What a fun event!
I was already a fan of Hendrick’s Gin as a normal gin and tonic. However, this mixology class really opened my eyes to the potential for it to be so much more. Because of all the botanicals used, gins are very unique from each other. This event really educated me to how Hendrick’s blend of botanicals could be paired with other things to make some incredible concoctions.
Our host clearly had a passion for Hendrick and not only educated us about the drinks but also the history of the company and the process by which it is made.
I also loved the old timey décor they use as part of their brand.
Thanks to Dandelion Market for hosting too.

So I have two confessions: 1. I do not like gin and 2. I have never tried Hendrick’s…see number 1.
We started the evening off with a gin and tonic from the bar. I was anticipating handing off my gin and tonic to my husband. However, the first sip was just so smooth! It wasn’s that pine needle taste that I remembered! Absolutely delish.
The event was held upstairs and everyone had their own individual station set up with stirrers, glasses, juices, lemons, juicers, syrups, garnishes, etc. Very nicely set up. I loved hearing about the history of Hendrick’s and what goes into making gin.
The three cocktails we made were a cucumber lemonade, a blueberry green tea lemonade, and a punch. All were really good! I think my favorite was the punch because of the balance between sweet and bitter… plus, the giant ice cube in the punch bowl was just fun!
Thanks Dandelion and Hendricks for hosting us. It was an incredible event and I am so glad to have had the opportunity to attend! You guys made me into a gin drinker!

To be honest, I really had no idea what I was getting into on a Tuesday night, but I’m glad I went because it was an amazing time! The folks at Hendrick’s took over the 2^nd floor of Dandelion Market to have a «GIN» class. It was awesome learning about Hendrick’s history, learning about gin in general, as well as Hendrick’s approach to their product.
Fred did an awesome job presenting the info with some pretty impressive slides — I appreciated the art on them… very old-​school «circus poster» is how I would describe it. It has it’s own signature and is very memorable.
The folks running the event were amazing, our every need was taken care of: fresh supplies, clearing glasses, answering questions… you name it.
Thank you to Hendricks for putting this cocktail academy on! Makes you appreciate just how much thought and effort is put into their product and how best to present it in the form of deliciousness. I definitely have more appreciation for the guys and gals behind the bar making drinks!

So, I’m going to be completely honest: I’m not a huge gin fan. I think most taste like Pine Sol. Bleh. (Sidenote: I just had to Google how to spell Sol) However, Hendrick’s is the one exception to that. I’ve been a huge fan of this brand and all the cocktails I’ve consumed made with it. My all-​time favorite was the grasshopper at E2. Moment of silence please. I miss that place. And Miki. And grasshoppers.
Any-​who, I attended this event about a year and half ago when they did it in Charlotte. When I heard it was back, I signed up immediately. And after I claimed my spot, I emailed all my friends and told them to do the same.
The event kicked off with a cocktail and some light apps from Dandelion. The salmon mousse on the cucumber was my favorite. The class began with the Hendrick’s ambassador explaining the history of the product and what makes their brand so unique.
Now on to the good stuff, guests get the opportunity to learn how to make three different cocktails. We did a cucumber lemonade, a blueberry tea cucumber, and a punch. All three were delicious (and perfect for Summer), but my favorite was the cucumber lemonade. This class makes you have a whole new respect for the bartenders who churn out fresh squeezed lemon juice for your drinks. I’m going to tell people that my lemon just sucked and it had nothing to do with my arm strength. Fail. They even had little goodie bags for everyone to take home.
Bravo to everyone at Hendrick’s for a fantastic event. I’ve had about a dozen people email me the last two days and ask when it’s going to happen again.