Summer camp- at a special discount

In today's Chronicle:

Summer camp for cocktail drinkers

The Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay hosts a Mixology Weekend Aug. 3-5 as part of its "Inside the Kitchen" summer series. The hotel offer five 2-hour courses taught by some of the Bay Areas best bartenders -- Thad Vogler (Jardiniere), Todd Smith (Bourbon & Branch), Scott Beattie (Cyrus), Greg Lindgren (Rye), and David Nepove (Southern Wine & Spirits, pictured at right).

Each session tackles a different topic ranging from Farm-Fresh Cocktails to the Spirits of Latin America, and all classes include hands-on cocktail-mixing instruction for several drinks.

Students can attend courses a la carte for $95 per class, or buy them all for $460. That's not cheap, but each class is limited to 14 students and includes free bar tools. With the skills learned, you might consider it a savings plan to reduce your future bar tab. Book early to ensure a spot at www.insidethekitchen.net.

-- Camper English

BONUS: They've allowed me to offer a discount! Alcademics readers get $10 off any of the classes at Mixology Weekend- just enter "cheers" as the promo code when you sign up at www.insidethekitchen.net. I'll be there attending at least one of the events.

Labels: bartending, camper_clips, events, SanFrancisco