Learn How to Make Shrubs at Book Larder, Plus More Spirited Drinking Events

!–paging_filter–pIt’s turning into an awesome summer for those who like drinks and spirits due to some amazing events on the horizon:/p
pstrongimg src=”/sites/default/files/newfiles/hip-girl.jpg” style=”float: left; margin: 10px;” height=”322″ width=”250″Strawberry Shrubs and Kate Payne:/strong This Monday the super swell gal Kate Payne, the author and creator of the blog a href=”http://www.hipgirlshome.com/” target=”_blank”Hip Girl’s Guide to Homemaking/a, is stopping by Book Larder from 6:30 to 8 p.m. to demonstrate how to make delicious strawberry shrubs. Shrubs, if you don’t know, are fruit-infused sweetened vinegars that go down smooth solo or in cocktails – they’re ideal for summer and a drink of the moment that can make your parties soar. Payne will also talk about her new book, thea href=”http://www.amazon.com/Girls-Guide-Kitchen-Hit—Ground-ebook/dp/B00FJ352…” target=”_blank” emHip Girl’s Guide to the Kitchen/em/a, which covers everything from basic techniques to advanced ones. Learn more about her at a href=”http://www.katepayne.net” target=”_blank”katepayne.net/a or a href=”http://www.hipgirlshome.com” target=”_blank”hipgirlshome.com/a and check out the event listing at Book Larder (oh, she’s also talking jams on Sunday afternoon – don’t miss it)./p
pstrongAquavit Education and OBLC:/strong One of the most misunderstood tipples, aquavit is the Scandinavian staple with a caraway heart. It’s also a spirit that many don’t know much about. Luckily, we have a true aquavit expert here in town: Lexi, the owner of the awesome a href=”http://www.oldballardliquorco.com/” target=”_blank”Old Ballard Liquor Co./a distillery, and she’s doing a series of classes covering aquavit history, production, styles, flavors, food pairing and cocktail-making (and tasting!). Seattle bartending legend Murray Stenson called the class he took from her, “One of the best classes I’ve taken in 37 years of bartending.” The classes are Tuesday, June 24, Sunday, July 6, Tuesday, July 29 and Tuesday, August 26, all at the Swedish Club. Note: they sell out quick. Learn more about the classes and the three aquavits Old Ballard Liquor Co. currently produces here./p
pstrongPROOF, the Washington State Distillers Festival: /strongTaking place on July 12, this annual event is the best time to taste a wide range of products from our local distillers and learn more about the state’s distillery scene. Happening at Fremont Studios, the event is produced jointly by Varsity Communications and the Washington Distillers Guild, and features offerings from more than 30 distilleries. You’ll be able to sample a phenomenal range of locally made whiskeys, gins, vodkas, liqueurs and much more. But even better (I think) is the opportunity to talk to some of our state’s distillers. They work hard to supply you with fine imbibables, have interesting stories to tell and are just generally fine folks. Learn more and a href=”http://proofwashington.org/” target=”_blank”get your PROOF tickets now./a/p
pstrongTeachers Lounge First Anniversary: /strongI’ve a href=”http://\/\/seattlemag.com/article/new-greenwood-bar-teachers-lounge-gets…” target=”_blank”talked about my love of the new Teachers Lounge/a cocktails and style, and now the watering hole’s first anniversary is here! The bar-running biz isn’t easy, and it’s always nice to see a good bar making it. To celebrate, on its actual birthday, Wednesday, June 25, it’s hosting an all-evening happy hour for friends new and old. (It’s usual happy hour is from 5 to 6:37 p.m.) So stop on by and raise a glass to anniversaries and to better bars everywhere./p