Last week I had the opportunity to go to the Four Seasons Orlando Resort and attend one of their Mixology Classes, for National Bourbon Heritage Month. I cannot believe it is already September, and that summer is officially over… can you? Anyways, the Four Seasons Orlando Resort is one of my favorite resorts in Orlando (I mean how could you not love it!?) and this month they are offering great deals for couples, which gives you the perfect excuse for a visit. It’s the only AAA Five-Diamond Resort in Central Florida and it’s clear why the Four Seasons Orlando is a hot spot for couples getaways, as well as visitors coming to the Walt Disney Area.

In honor of National Bourbon Heritage Month, I attended one of the mixology classes, that are held for adults twice a week during the month of September. Our cocktail class was held in the demonstration kitchen of Ravello and we created the cocktails that are served at PB&G. Which is short for Pool Bar and Grill.

We had the opportunity to sample many delicious bourbons but one of the standouts was the custom-selected bourbon from Four Roses Distillery in Kentucky. A team at the resort visited Kentucky twice to select the perfect blend for the resort. After tasting from about 10 different barrels, the team unanimously picked barrel No. 8. this bourbon was aging in a charred oak barrel since October 2004 and is made up of 60 percent corn, 35 percent rye, a 5 percent malted barley base, with a 111 proof!

The mixology class schedule for September is:

Saturday, September 5
Plancha 
Since this drink originates in Cuba, it’s fitting for Cuban-American restaurant Plancha to highlight the history of the mojito and how to make their version of the perfect Plancha Mojito.

Wednesday, September 9
Ravello
“Spirit of Amare” Nightcap cocktails
Learn to make two different after-dinner drinks, including “Sweetie Pie” for the ladies, with Stoli Vanilla, Tito’s Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice and a Biscotti rim; and the “Italian Stallion” for the gentlemen, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Disaronno Amaretto and Black Walnut bitters.

Saturday, September 12
PB&G
With the theme of “She Said Wine, He Said Bourbon,” learn how to make PB&G’s “City Slicker Sour” which has both Cabernet and PB&G’s custom blend of Four Roses Select Bourbon, plus Cointreau, Egg White, and Lemon to make a frothy, classic sour.

Wednesday, September 16
Capa
Learn how to make Capa’s version of a refreshing mojito, the “Mojito Moderno.” Unlike the Plancha Mojto, the taste and texture of this revised classic will surprise you.

Saturday, September 19
The Lobby Bar
If you like bourbon, this drink’s for you! Bartender Ryan Wolfe has come up with “Ryan’s Root Beer,” evoking the taste of a root beer float, but with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and ginger, and a custom vermouth ice cube.  You’ll also make the “Sloe Lovin’” – a cocktail named to set the tone for couples!  This cocktail features Nolet’s Gin, Sloe Gin, Cocchi Rosa and lemon.

Wednesday, September 23
Plancha
Learn how to make one of Plancha’s top-selling drinks, the Hemingway Daiquiri, with Don Q rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup and Luxardo.

Saturday, September 26
Capa
Learn how to make one of Capa’s signature Spanish theme cocktails, the “In Spanish Fashion.”

Wednesday, September 30
Lickety Split
Did you know: liqueur can taste amazing when paired with coffee? Discover the Cold Brew Cocktail, which is paired with our Italian coffee and several liqueurs, plus a house made lavender syrup for a hint of floral to the rich taste.