Pharmacie Cocktail Class with Tips and Recipes

A few weeks ago I took a cocktail class with Talmadge, the owner of Pharmacie — one of Los Angeles’ best mixology companies. When I heard he would be sharing some of his tips on making classic, simple and delicious cocktails I had to join in! It was also held at one of the coolest venues, The Fig House, designed by Emily Henderson. I can’t think of a better atmosphere to talk about and create cocktails! It was really great to experiment with 10 different simple syrups, a plethora of spirits and fresh ingredients like mint, rosemary and jalapeños! Below are two simple recipes for delicious cocktails and a few excellent mixology tips I learned!

When making simple syrup try using raw sugar instead of refined. And when making infused simple syrup, pour the hot sugar water over the herbs spread out on the bottom of a large tub rather than bunched up in a small pot. It’s better for the infusing process. You want to leave it until it’s cooled and the syrup smells and tastes like the herb you’re using. Time depends on the herb. Mint infuses faster. You can put the tub in the fridge too. The important thing here is that the herbs should be spread out and not floating in a lot of syrup in a pot.

Reyka is an amazing vodka for only $20!! It’s one that they use often.

Four Roses is a great bourbon for less than $20 too! Also, bourbon is really the only whiskey you need when setting up a basic cocktail bar.

The definition of composing a cocktail: Creating a balance between spirits and modifiers to achieve a satisfying and unifying flavor.

I learned that I need to update my bar tools with some beautiful glass bottles for simple syrups (like these) and pouring spouts to go with them (like these) buying them now… haha!

Follow the simple measurements below for a refreshing and easy cocktail:
1 oz simple syrup (try infused like mint, jalapeño, rosemary, honey, blueberry, etc.)
1 oz juice (lime, grapefruit, orange, lemon, etc.)
2 oz spirit (gin, vodka, tequila, bourbon, etc.)
Shake with ice and enjoy!

We experimented making our own cocktails, below are my two favorite recipes:

Spicy Grapefruit
1 ounce jalapeño-infused simple syrup
1 ounce grapefruit juice
2 ounces gin
Shaken with ice and poured into a glass.

Tequila Diablo
1 ounce chili-infused simple syrup
1 ounce lime juice
2 ounces tequila
Shaken with ice and poured into a glass.