Shake things up with these Sonoma County cocktail classes

Sonoma County may be best known for its world-class wines, but its cocktails are nothing to sneeze at. Producing a delicious, well-balanced cocktail at home, however, is much more complicated than popping a cork or twisting a cap. Getting just the right balance of alcohol, sweet, acid, savory and umami can be as tricky as an octopus spinning plates.

Thankfully, numerous craft distilleries (and one superstar mixologist) are willing to share their cocktail-making secrets. Read on to discover some of the best upcoming cocktail classes in Sonoma County.

Cocktail classes with Scott Beattie at Barndiva

If the term “garden-to-glass” elicits a burst of excitement, head over to Barndiva in Healdsburg, where mixologist extraordinaire Scott Beattie teaches cocktail classes that sing with seasonal ingredients.

Beattie’s next public classes will be 4-6 p.m. Saturday, April 13, and Saturday, May 11, when he’ll offer hands-on instruction of 12 cocktail recipes — from shaken to stirred and beyond. Some are classic (Negroni, Manhattan), some low-alcohol (Aperol spritz), and plenty are fun (shiso pisco mojito, Moroccan cosmo).

Expect plenty of local, edible garnishes, including flowers, citrus and fresh herbs. Nonalcoholic cocktails are available upon request.

Cost: $150 per person. Passed appetizers are an additional $25 per person.

For more information about public and private cocktail classes, contact Scott Beattie at Scott.Beatti@barndiva.com.

‘Your Drink is Trash’ cocktail workshop at Little Saint

At Little Saint, a plant-based gathering place for food, wine, cocktails and beyond in Healdsburg, sustainability is the name of the game.

Nowhere is that more apparent than The Second Story, Little Saint’s upstairs dining concept, which offers “closed-loop cocktails” produced “through the lens of zero-waste.”

“The idea lies in consuming the entire fruit or vegetable … and squeezing out every ounce of its potential,” said Matt Seigel, executive director of beverage and hospitality. “From peel to pulp, every part is utilized to its fullest extent, with the ultimate goal of leaving nothing for compost. This approach … celebrates the product (while) exemplifying Little Saint’s commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness.”

Now, customers can learn how to make their own “closed-loop cocktails” during monthly workshops with Matt Seigel, Little Saint’s executive director of beverage and hospitality.

Launched in January, the series highlights a different ingredient each month, which has so far included beets, grapefruit and avocado.

On Sunday, April 21, from 3-5 p.m., the theme will be sugar snap peas.

Tickets: $65 per person. To sign up, visit littlesainthealdsburg.com/happenings.

Little Saint Healdsburg: 25 North St., Healdsburg.

The Art of Distilling & Mixology at Young & Yonder Spirits

Learn about the art of distilling and mixology from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, at Young & Yonder Spirits, a craft distillery and casual cocktail bar in downtown Healdsburg. An educational, behind-the-scenes distillery tour with head distiller Tim Welch will kick off the class, where guests will gain insight into spirits production before heading toward the cocktail shakers.

Then, Taylor Orr will step in to guide guests on the creation of their own specialty cocktails. Bites from Appellation Healdsburg will be provided throughout the evening.

This class is offered through Crafted at Appellation, a hands-on learning series designed to connect local makers with community members and guests.

Tickets: $125 per person.

For more information on Crafted at Appellation or to purchase tickets, visit appellationhotels.com/crafted.

Young & Yonder Spirits: 449 Allan Ct., Healdsburg.

Cocktail-making at Alley 6 Craft Distillery, Healdsburg

Alley 6 Craft Distillery co-founder Jason Jorgensen will be leading a hands-on cocktail class from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, June 12, at the distillery’s downtown Healdsburg location.

Founded in 2012 by Jorgensen and his wife, Krystle Jorgensen, Alley 6 is recognized for its worthy, small-batch spirits, including numerous whiskeys, gins and specialty products like candy cap bitters.

During the class, guests will learn how to make three of Jorgensen’s favorite cocktails, as well as bottled cocktails they can take home. Small bites will be provided by chef Charlie Palmer, co-founder of Appellation, which is presenting this class through its Crafted learning series.

Tickets: $125 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit appellationhotels.com/crafted.

Alley 6 Craft Distillery, 1401 Grove St., Healdsburg

Private cocktail classes at Prohibition Spirits

Located in the Sonoma Plaza, Prohibition Spirits was founded by husband and wife team Fred and Amy Groth, who launched their business making limoncello. Today, the duo produces an eclectic array of noteworthy artisanal spirits, including whiskey, gin, vodka, brandy and numerous other options.

Cocktail classes here are a private affair that teach guests the principles of mixology through the hands-on creation of three cocktails. Classes can be personalized to suit a particular interest, such as whiskey or gin, but the distillery is happy to take the reins if needed.

Classes last about 90 minutes and can accommodate small groups as well as parties, corporate events, team building and more.

Prices from $65 per person. For more information, visit prohibition-spirits.com/experiences.

Prohibition Spirits, 452 1st St., Suite E, Sonoma.

You can reach Staff Writer Sarah Doyle at 707-521-5478 or sarah.doyle@pressdemocrat.com. Follow Sarah on Instagram at @whiskymuse.