They call it ‘mother’s ruin’ and my father certainly refuses to buy it for me, just in case the misery inducing affect is genetic. But for me gin is one of the most versatile, accessible and flavoursome spirits out there – and totally legitimate to drink in the afternoon, unlike say vodka. The Ginstitute offer masterclasses explaining the history of the spirit from being a medicine, a madness, and its place in the modern world. It’s then time to be educated, and learn how to five classic gin cocktails – The Martini, The Tom Collins, The Negroni, The Clover Club and The Bramble. Everyone wants to be friends with a master gin mixer right? The Ginstitute also run full experiences, in which the learning continues, being tutored to use your nose and palette to explore the various botanicals which are going to define the flavour of the gin you are about to create. Yes, create. Because as well as being given copious amounts of cocktails through the evening, everyone leaves with their very own creation. So you can keep the party going.
Where: The Portobello Star, 171 Portobello Rd, W11 2DY
Travel: Ladbroke Grove tube
