Antigua, Guatemala

Highlights

-Learning to make a vinegar based elixir called 'Shrub'
-Getting to know more foodie tips from a local connoisseur 
-Making your own combinations for a drink or cocktail to share later with friends
-Having the option to go back to Montagu ' Open kitchen closed door restaurant', a favourite amongst Antiguas foodies

Description

During the activity you will learn the basics of how to make your own alcoholic and non-alcoholic shrub (a sweetened vinegar-based syrup from which the cocktail is made; also known as drinking vinegar which is often infused with fruit juice, herbs and spices, for use in mixed drinks). We'll meet directly at Montagu 'open kitchen closed door Restaurant' to make the best of this unique class. Upon arrival we can chose the fruits and spices that we'll use while learning the background history of the fruit and vegetable production in the country. Then we will learn and  prepare our shrubs, also sample some drinks with Andres - Montagu's owner and creator of these elixirs.

In order to get the best results for the shrubs we'll leave the shrubs sealed and with no direct sunlight for an approximate of 72hrs, if necessary we adapt to 24hrs but the more time the better the flavour. You'll be able to return to the kitchen after a few days to pick up your creations.

Who this experience is good for

-Foodies
-Folks interested in cocktail making and mixology
-Anyone wanting to create a new type of drink, alcoholic or non-alcoholic
-People who have tight work schedules as its a quick fun class, after working hours

Meet our local host

The host of this experience is our friend Andres the owner of Montagu - 'Open kitchen Closed restaurant'. If you have chosen the Altamira and Dinner experience, you already enjoyed Montagu's amazing cooking skills and preserves. Well! we have a great unique experience for you! He is also an amazing mixologist, combining so many flavours with local ingredients, ageing Shrubs, (vinegar fruit syrups) and combining amazing and particular flavours with Rum, Gin and many favourites, Mezcal. This is a good experience to learn to make your own Shrubs for cocktails back home, enjoy the company of fellow community members, and chose your fruits to make these amazing elixirs.

Itinerary

Meet up at Montagu Restaurant (details on hub event), and meet Andres to start your Class. Upon arrival you will chose your fruit  from a selection and spices to make your combination to create your Shrub elixir. Andres knows the best combinations apart from giving all the insight and knowledge of where the fruits come from and also a little bit of history behind the food industry of Guatemala. After making your creation we suggest you leave your Shrub to age for 72hrs, but in some cases groups come back 2 days after due to schedule. After picking up your creation, you can enjoy it with any spirit of choice. 

Whats included

-Drinks - Alcoholic Beverage - You will taste Andres' creations while you prepare your own Shrub of choice.
-Drinks - Alcoholic Beverage - Apart from the mixology making and tasting you come back to Montagu to pick up your shrub 48 to 72 hours after, where you will take an  Octavo (small 8ounce bot) of aguardiente (local firewater) to mix with your Shurb creation

Whats not included

-Tips for vendors, guide 
-Extra Food - But you are welcome to reserve for dinner afterwards
-Extra Drinks - 

Know before you go 

-Bring your personal water bottle - As you will be tasting different spirits and also you can refill your bottle at the restaurant
-Difficulty Level - Easy you only need to walk to Montagu 
-Special clothing required - You might get a splash of lime and or fruit when you prepare your cocktails so be aware of this and don't wear your best outfit
-Special clothing required - Athletic - Antigua gets a little stuffy while walking so bring a cap or a hat and wear comfy shoes for walking or in rainy season bring rain gear
-Minimum to operate: 4 people
-Maximum Capacity: 25 poeple
-Deadline to book: 3 days prior to the start of the experience.