It's wintertime and nothing warms you up better than a good cocktail. Also, it will be Valentines Day soon and maybe you'd like to show that someone special you love them with booze, and impress them with your cocktail prowess.  February 11th, come on down to Van Horn Sandwich shop an attend a seminar geared toward both amateurs and professionals alike to learn the fine art of craft bartending.  Whether you are planning to entertain parties large and small at home or wish to become the best bartender at your own establishment, this course will help you acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to put together a wide range of classic cocktails, as well as the ability to create your own masterpieces and execute them swiftly and masterfully.

Led by Van Horn’s head bartender, Matthew Bagdanoff, the class will begin with a brief summary of alcohol and the cocktail’s tumultuous history, and will continue with a short lecture on the theories, principles, and ideology behind classic cocktail preparation.

Bagdanoff will then dive into a comprehensive demonstration of both classic and contemporary craft cocktail construction, including how to use and maintain the freshest ingredients, how to train your tongue to judge for quality control, and how to expedite the most complex of creations.  Guests will get to learn about and try a selection of eight classic and modern cocktails expertly prepared with every detail explained thoroughly from start to finish.

Opened in January, 2011, Van Horn has been committed to creating a cozy neighborhood restaurant offering a unique menu of North Carolinian barbeque and New American cuisine using fresh, local produce and humanely raised meats, and the menu has been constantly expanding and evolving from the start.  With the addition of Bagdanoff to head the beverage program, Van Horn has taken a large step forward and is excited to host this class to showcase its offerings.