Cocktail classes a 10-year tradition at this Rochester bar

A 10-year tradition was conceived when Cameron Phelps was teaching staff about cocktails at The Daily Refresher, the Alexander Street bar he opened with Jon Swan in 2012. "I think just about anyone would love doing this," he reflected.

Soon after, Phelps launched the Flower City Drinksmiths, a business that conducts classes on the craft of cocktails – the same kind of training offered to bartenders, but with an added dose of fun.

Phelps' hunch proved prophetic and the popular classes have been held every other Tuesday at the Daily Refresher for the past decade.

"They are always different," Phelps said. "We like to experiment with new ideas." Classes might focus on a specific spirit, such as bourbon or tequila, or tie in a holiday like Halloween.

The classes for as many as 30 people are held in the bar's upstairs lounge, which has a cozy, vintage, speakeasy-type vibe. Guests are greeted with a welcome drink ― a spiked punch ― as well as light appetizers.

People often arrive in pairs. While some at a recent class were enjoying a date night, there was also a father and son having a night out. A group of four included a couple celebrating their 35-year wedding anniversary, along with their son and their son's girlfriend. And some students had met at a previous class and made plans to sign up together for a return visit.

While Phelps was the original host, classes are now usually conducted by bartender Paul Hogue. A former biology and chemistry teacher, he's ever the raconteur, and starts the evening with a talk about some of the history and science behind spirits.

Next, Hogue demonstrates two cocktails at a time, weaving in tips about how to use bar tools and answering questions about the ingredients involved.

Recipes in hand, guests head to stations equipped with all of the necessary ingredients and tools. Each person can make one of recipes in each round.

As students sip their cocktails, the staff sets up for the second pair of demos. When the weather is nice, guests will often head to the rooftop patio tucked behind the building.

When they return for a second demo and a second round of cocktail making, the group is loose and lively, with lots of mingling and chatting.

If you go

Flower City Drinksmiths classes are held at 6 p.m. alternate Tuesdays at The Daily Refresher, 293 Alexander St. Purchase tickets, $57 per person, at rochesterbrainery.com . The next class is Oct. 8.

The Flower City Drinksmiths may also be booked for private events like bridal showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties, as well as for off-site events.

Accessibility: The classes take place upstairs, which is accessible only by stairs. Request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations when making your reservation.

Tracy Schuhmacher covers Rochester's food and drink scene. Notice something open or close in your neighborhood? Send tips to tracys@gannett.com .

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Cocktail classes a 10-year tradition at this Rochester bar