Mission for Vision: Beyond the Singapore Sling (Mixology Classes)

The main reason I started this blog (besides behind-the-scenes documentation of my work in fashion) was to keep me constantly curious… To give me a reason to go out there and to look at the world from a different perspective. Life is about being Always on a Mission for Vision.  So, while on vacation in Singapore and when the boyfriend was away on the evenings to watch the Singapore Formula One Grand Prix live, I decided to make use of that time to learn something new.

Researching for this trip, I came across the Big Easy Lifestyle‘s mixology classes. Roving classes during certain weekends in different bars and clubs in Singapore to learn how to make their popular signature cocktails…. Hello!  That caught my attention. And it so happens that they will be holding one during my weekend in Singapore!  I hoped for the best and emailed Su-Lynn Dzakpasu of Big Easy Lifestyle if I can still be accommodated for their limited-seats class…. And luck was on my side! I excitedly told one of my best buds, Rachel, about it and she was excited not just for me, but my participation in the mixology class would also be for her benefit. 😉

Held at The Cufflink Club in a Chinatown shophouse, the interior is simple and sleek, a perfect backdrop to showcase their ammo of alcohol bottles and weaponry and tools of their trade….

I was greeted by the lovely Su-Lynn….

And introduced to Cufflink’s manager and bartender, Rusty, and owner/mixologist extraordinaire, Joel Fraser, who presented me with a welcome drink called the Walking Dead, a refreshing melange of tropical fruits, spices and their secret rum blend. Like a happy camel, I sipped away while mingling with the other participants. Then I realized that there are a lot of mix drinks on our agenda, and decided to take it easy.

Joel explaining the different techniques of shaking and how we will soon develop a feel….

Fellow aficionado and cellist, Darsha… Thank you for being an awesome seatmate, by the way!

We’re being very good students and following instructions 😉

This is it, this is it, THIS IS IT!!! My very first “professionally” concocted cocktail drink!  Woo-hoo!!! I am so going to document this splendid moment in my life!

Although an avid appreciator of alcohol (just ask Rachel! haha!), my cocktail-making abilities poorly consisted of juice or tonic with vodka, rum with coke or pouring a glass of wine. So, I can not emphasize enough how big a deal of putting together this mixed drink is for me.

Let me present to you this first concoction, a Hemingway-inspired drink entitled “For Whom the Bell Tolls”….

Check out above’s complimentary cheese, bread and dips…. To line our stomachs, gearing it up for all that alcohol, yeah mama!

To make the drink even more special, a paper airplane adorned the chilled cocktail glass straight from the pages of the novel which served as the drink’s inspiration….

I remember this drink as having a lovely after-taste, which Darsha explained was the Luxardo Maraschino Liquer.

And the second drink!  Oh yeah! I’m on a roll!  Aptly called Coke Cane for the flat Coca Cola (we now have use for that Coke that has lost its fizz!) and sugar syrup in the mix…

Rusty making sure that we are on the right track….

And our final drink, the girls are gonna’ love this! It’s called…. Wait…

For….

It….

Fifty Shades of Grey!

The anchor of the mix is gin infused with Earl Grey tea. This was my favorite drink!!!  And by the reactions of my table, this seemed to be their favorite too!

It’s like art.  This is what I call “A Beautiful Mess”…..

This was the end of the class, as I noticed to the bottom left was the tail-end complimentary drink called Cuppa Joe, espresso with vodka! An appropriate drink since we’ve already had several cocktails and the night was still young (our class ended 6pm).

I left The Cufflinks Club a happy camper!  A happy tipsy feeling, like a wonderful night out on the town but even better, as I was now armed with a newly-acquired craft for cocktails! Yeah.

Thank you, Su-Lynn, for reserving a slot for me at such late notice and for being such a wonderful host.  Thank you Joel and Rusty for being such great teachers in addition to providing such an entertaining class. Learning and laughing is always the best!

I love the fact that the classes are kept small and intimate. Ours that day were about a dozen participants, a perfect size in my opinion.

I highly recommend Big Easy Lifestyle’s mixology classes to friends and readers based in Singapore or for those visiting! I truly had an amazing time!

Check out their facebook page for their upcoming classes.

Now, friends in Manila, come on by! This girl has got mad, new skills! But bring the cheese! 😉

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