Summer Spotlight: Liquor Lab

In a city of wayward pedal taverns and $12 PBRs, many a Nashvillian has vowed to drink more at home. But few have the type of innate Patterson House mixology prowess that seemed so easy for Don Draper and The Dude. Thankfully, Liquor Lab has remained dedicated to improving locals’ bartending skills since its opening off 2nd Avenue in 2019. This month, the training ground for all things cocktails has announced a robust summer schedule just in time for the latest heat wave.

With locations in Nashville and Louisville, Liquor Lab aims to provide, according to its website, a “hands-on, interactive craft beer, wine, spirits and cocktail event space where guests can experience custom beverages like never before.”

Liquor Lab’s latest endeavor is a class in celebration of Daddy’s Dogs’s 10th anniversary that will pair the spot’s hot dogs with a series of summer cocktails. Kicking off tonight at 6 p.m., “Tinis & Weenies” promises to make cocktail creation accessible with drinks inspired by the restaurant’s signature dishes. “With Daddy's Dogs, we're aiming to showcase our creativity by creating a one-night-only cocktail menu to pair with three of their signature dogs,” Liquor Lab’s Nashville Head of Operations, Jeff Helion, said.

For those who can’t make tonight’s event, Liquor Lab offers a multitude of other classes from “Summer Sips” to “Boat Drinks” to “Tequila Cocktails: Beyond Margaritas.” Nashville’s go-getters can even start planning their holiday party drink menus early with this month’s “Christmas in July” classes. In Helion’s view, Liquor Lab’s mission of making mixology accessible grows out of the singular nightlife that has made Music City a culinary destination. 

A full calendar of classes and events are available on Liquor Lab’s website.