Tonight’s session was led by expert mixologists Colin and Eddie from Montey’s Rock Cafe in Harrogate.
Although they started by explaining they didn’t have all their usual equipment for cocktail making with them, they still had a very extensive array of gadgets and gizmos, as well as the more traditional kit you would expect.
Naturally, we all got a delicious welcome drink to start the evening and were able to sample a wide range of cocktails during the sessions. However, this being the WI, we needed to learn about what we were drinking too – and there was plenty of opportunity to do that.
Colin and Eddie are clearly very passionate about what they do and were full of enthusiasm for their jobs. They taught us everything from the history of cocktail-making and the definition of a cocktail to the latest innovations in the craft, including molecular cocktails (described by Colin as “what would happen if Heston Blumenthal made cocktails, which thankfully he doesn’t”).
It was all delivered with a lot of humour and a practical approach, including advice on how we could adapt their recipes for use at home – who knew a rolling pin, a sieve and a teapot could be so versatile? And Lakeland in Harrogate may want to order in some extra whipped cream makers, because we were all very impressed with the way they can be used to finish off a stylish cocktail.
The fun presentation – coupled with some lovely drinks, of course – gave us a memorable August meeting and it’s safe to say we’ll all be calling in to Montey’s to try more of their handywork in the future. Huge thanks to Colin and Eddie for all their hard work.