abstractmixologist

01/08/2024

How do you Spritz?

Did you catch my story today? It's today so u thought I'd share some of my favorite bottles for making a spritz.

From left to right...

Aperix - IMO a grown up take on the classic Aperol, I think it's got more of a burnt orange flavor, and the bitter is more enhanced and apparently rhubarb, which I love.

Vecchio Amaro del Capo, hot chile pepper - this amaro from Calabria is amazing for a spicy spritz. It's rich red color with a strong bitter flavor also make it perfect for making this kind of style drinks too!

Drillaud Elderflower - if the Hugo spritz is more your speed, this elderflower liqueur is light and floral. It's always been my favorite! Add a little seasonal fruit and maybe a sprig of fresh herbs!

Suze - Made in the South West region of France for over 125 years, this is a serious bitter! I love a Suze Spritz, and recently described this as "like a normal spritz, but French!" IYKYK . Safe to say, you won't finish this bottle in a day, but there's so many fun things you can do with it!

Select - how do you say you've been to Venice...... this Campari style red bitter is so so good, enjoy it as a spritz, or an Americano with sweet vermouth and soda! And if you're pretending to be Venetian, don't forget the olive! 🫒

Grand Brulot - this coffee infused VSOP cognac can be enjoyed alone in your spritz, or indeed combined Select or the Vecchio Amaro if you're still wanting a little bitterness! (I can also be found sipping this combined with bourbon and a pinch of sea salt for an after dinner smash hit!

However you want to put a spritz in your steps today, you can't go wrong with any of these! Let me know your favorite, or if you have something else I should try.... please let me know in the comments! 🍹

01/08/2024

Back from London and I'm into recipe prep for August's classes! This is a great contender I'm provisionally calling French Gold for my Margaritas class!

Made with gold tequila, Texas peach and wildflower honey puree, lime, and a touch of iconic French bitter Suze - it could definitely be a front runner! The Fresno chile and thyme are just a garnish, but definitely add to the drink as you go. Salut!

Texas is the 3rd largest US state contributing to the 2024 Paris Olympics with over 40 athletes, so this is a pretty great cocktail to enjoy with whatever sport you're following... I'm happy to be back in Texas and looking forward to sharing some heat beating cocktails in August.

French Gold - shaken, served on a block
1oz Texas peach and honey puree
1.5oz anejo tequila
0.25oz Suze French Bitter
1oz lime juice
Pinch
Fresno chile slice and thyme sprig to garnish

12/07/2024

It was a tale of three cocktails at . Having just finished the amazing book Unreasonable Hospitality, I had to check in at the Nomad hotel and see if the cocktails, and the hospitality are worth the hype! I was not disappointed!

Head bartender Max and his team were a delight to watch and were fun and social too!

#1 Walter Vesper - 2 gins, grey goose, dolin dry, dolin blanc, pear way de vie, house pickles

#2 Flakette - ginger-lime syrup, spicy ginger syrup, angostura, fernet branch, sweet vermouth, cucumber

#3 Old Cuban - rum, lime, angostura, sugar, champagne
(I enjoyed a smoked chorizo empanada with this)

Side Hustle has an almost endless cocktail menu, but if you're like me and in denial about needing glasses, have a chat about what you like to drink and let the team behind the bar guide you!

So interesting to see how is being done in London. Definitely a step above the norm!

Perfect inspiration as needed to refresh my fall cocktail workshops! (If you tipped me this summer, thank you and Cheers!)

03/05/2024

"Martini Mayhem" 🍸☕️🍍🍓

01/05/2024

It's a martini and a half kind of day!

I'm looking forward to my "martini mayhem" class at tomorrow, enjoining a classic gin martini for myself! Tomorrow's class is a jaunt through martini history, starting with this classic, and stopping on the way in the disco/nightclub era with the French Martini and ending with current cocktail darling The Espresso Martini! It's going to be delicious fun!

But first for a classic....

3oz London Dry Gin - I used today
1oz dry vermouth - I used as usual

Shake well and serve in a thrifted martini glass with the extra half on ice. Garnish with a twist and put olives and salt and vinegar chips (crisps) nearby for when you need a little savory pick-me-up!

01/05/2024

So much fun at last night with my final class for April! I can't believe it's been 4 months since my Holiday class at LF, thank goodness I'll be back soon (June 25th) for Summer Sips!

That wraps up my April Showers and Wildflowers series and it's been so fabulous! Pretty sure the clear favorite was my Blueberry Lemondrop Martini made with a lemon vodka. I've been promising the recipe for that all month, I'll get it on here today!

I am for June and December but have a few pops of space in other months! If you've been thinking about booking your , give me a shout soon so you don't miss out!

26/04/2024

was a gorgeous setting for my Uptown Dallas cocktail class last night! It was my first visit and I can't wait to get back!

We mixed Spring Mojitos with Lemon and elderflower, an off-season play on the Peach Bellini and crowd favorite the Blueberry Lemondrop Martini made with sous-vide lemon vodka🍋!

I even had a little extra time on my hands and was able to pop across the road to for a moment of luxury window shopping before the class kicked off. ❤️

25/04/2024

Day dating at its best with my husband in Magnolia District of Fort Worth! We went out to celebrate , thank goodness I'm not in charge of admin in my !

We started with happy hour at which has an amazing prawn cocktail/ceviche that we love! I had a gin martini (or 2) with and my gorgeous companion was surprised with an N/A Paloma made with agave spirit! It was delicious!

We bought coffee beans for tomorrow at and I found this fab painted wall - what inspirational cliche is your favorite?! Mine is always to Travel the World.....

I've been missing the kid just a little whilst he's on his "field trip" to but I'm happy to have a little grown up field trip of my own with my favorite! (I took pictures of him too, but was told he was too cute to post!😜)

13/04/2024

This was day two at Walsh Ranch Texas for my "April Showers and Wildflowers" mixology class. I had 43 guests over the two evenings, and we made a Lemon-Basil Mojito, Peach Bellini and a Raspberry Lemondrop Martini! Fun times!

12/04/2024

I love this picture from my cocktail workshop for Hexpol at The Hilton in Southlake this week. One of the most fun things about teaching cocktail making to "ordinary folk who don't make drinks for a living" is the moment of joy when they step back, take a photo and say - I did that!

03/04/2024

Join me for a "Taste of Taylor" Mixology class at AR Workshop Frisco on Thursday 18th April and get yourself ready for the album release weekend!

Calling all the 🪩Swifties💕that are excited to celebrate the new album release next month! will be back in the studio for a new spin on cocktails that are perfect for your streaming sesh! 🍸🎶

Join us April 18th at 7pm for this Specialty Workshop. Registration is live now!

18/03/2024

I'll take this delicious pot of gold over a green beer any day. A dear friend dropped off a bag of hand picked citrus fruit in my doorstep and what a treat it was to come home to! There will definitely be some limoncello making this week!

Side note, I don't tend to celebrate but I have been making Irish Mules in my classes this week. I think the Irish mule is a fab cocktail, so easy to make, and the Irish whisky pairs so well with a good quality ginger beer. I like to use ! I picked up a lesser known whisky Ide & Stills at and it was so good in the mule or as a sipper!

Thanks , I can't wait to make cocktails with you!

18/03/2024

I'll take this gorgeous pot of gold over a green beer any day! A dear friend dropped a bag of hand picked Arizona citrus in my doorstep today! I can't wait to put it to use on some limoncello this week!

Side note, I've been making Irish Mules in my classes this month and will continue for the rest of March, if you're looking for a great Irish whisky, please check out IDE & Stills... this has been so enjoyed by my guests! It's so smooth and makes a great mule, or works as a sipper! (Available at )

Thank you , it's going to be delicious!

10/03/2024

My fabulous mother gets a bad deal when it comes to ! Somehow, because it's a different date in England and the USA, I forget to send her anything for either date! Sorry Mum!

This is one of my favorite pictures of us, she had just messed up my hair after 2 hours at a French hairdresser on my wedding day! Fortunately we were able to do a much better updo by ourselves!

I often talk about my mum in cocktail classes, and she has joined me at lots when she's visiting Texas. She is the most brilliant hostess! She taught me how to make a Gin & Tonic at about 6 years old, she taught me how to navigate a cocktail party! She taught me there's nothing wrong with being a snob about things... as long as you're willing to admit it!

Moreover, she taught me to live well, to go see the world, and that it doesn't matter how far away you are from the ones you love!

Cheers mum!

08/03/2024

My cocktail classes are definitely not always women only. But there is no question that the amazing women I get to meet and spend time with whilst doing my job add color and joy to my life! It's like having a great big extended network of girlfriends who make me feel special, smart and welcome every time I put on a class!

Cheers to women everywhere on , and every day! We are Simply the Best!

I'll be celebrating women this month in my classes and teaching one of my favorite cocktails. An idea taken from an old boys club and revolutionized by trailblazer and - The Clover Club! I do hope I will see some of these amazing women this month, and meet many more!

Cheers!
Caroline



Special thanks to the amazing communities who support my business and the women who work with them!

01/03/2024

Does your bank invite you out for happy hour to celebrate ? Dallas Capital Bank does, another great reason to

23/02/2024

with my new besties at Harvest by Hillwood was everything it should be!

Cheers!

20/02/2024

A sneak peek at my line up for Thursday. I'm teaching a Margarita class at Harvest in Northlake, Texas for . Pretty sure it's going to be a continuation of party fun! The sun is shining and it's here in Texas in February. Definitely time for a Margarita!

Pictured -
a classic Margarita made using Texas made Triple Sec
a hibiscus and anejo tequila Margarita served with a big rock
a - my concoction of grapefruit syrup tequila and champagne
and a blood orange Margarita, shaken and served up with a little spicy salt

17/02/2024

Always so much fun celebrating with the crew - maybe! 😂
Valentines/Galantines or just an excuse to wear pink and make drinks!

The favorite for the evening was a butterfly and hibiscus layered cocktail with a salted strawberry dust rim!

Whether you're looking for a girls night, couples evening, delicious team building event or just an excuse to mix up pretty drinks..... send me a DM for info and l bring the party to you!

Cheers!
Caroline

15/02/2024

Love was in the air at the cocktail workshop last night at in Frisco!

If you're looking for a fun way to celebrate with friends, I still have room on the calendar for a couple of Spring cocktail dates in March and April!

The favorite of the evening was the spectacular "Roses are Red Violets are Blue" a color changing cocktail made with Elderflower cordial and Butterfly Pea Vodka!

I'm looking forward to seeing the crazy crew at and for galantines/couples/springtime cocktails later this month!

Cheers! ❤️



Cheers!

20/01/2024

Thinking about this fun summer class as I freeze!
One of the great things about a cold winter weekend in Texas is storing your cocktails on the back porch! Another great thing, is that it's never cold for long in Texas!

Call or send me a DM to book your next cocktail workshop! We can be toasty from inside out!

Cheers!

https://fb.watch/pGYrmUiXGh/?mibextid=qRuzdZ

17/01/2024

I arrived at cocktail making after a long journey through flavor mostly found in food, and I am never happier than when I'm playing around in my kitchen. And on a day like today (16F when I dropped the kid at school this morning) I do love a warming soup! And this green beauty is as good for you as it looks!

Popeye's broth!
half a large potato, peeled
2 sticks celery, chopped
half a large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, mashed
finely chopped asparagus ends
8 cups stock, I used a weak chicken stock with
Olive oil, butter, salt and pepper
crème fraiche or cream or mascarpone
Lots of spinach!

Saute everything except the spinach with olive oil and butter then add lid and let it sweat for 5 minutes.
Add stock and simmer for 10
Add spinach and stir till wilted
Blend using a stick blender
Stir in 1/4 cup cream/cremefraiche/mascarpone
Serve with a smile, and a piece of last nights white pizza if you have it! 😜

15/01/2024

Last night's cocktail workshop was my first of the new year and was so fun I only have the before pictures! It was also officially the coldest night out working for me! It was 14F when I got to this booking, I was assured that this bunch of native Texans, were not afraid of mixing drinks in cold weather!
The favorite of the evening was my very seasonal Spiced Persimmon Smash! Perfect for warming the heart and soul during this time wherever you are!

Persimmon Smash
1/4 ripe persimmon, muddled
1/2 oz lemon juice
11/2 oz bourbon (we used )
1/2 oz spiced honey syrup*
Egg white or former (I used Fee Foam)

Combine everything, Shake. Strain. Enjoy!

If you're not into bourbon - this cocktail is also amazing with gin - one guest last night used my London Dry - I have learned it pays never to leave home without a bottle of gin - especially when it's well below freezing!

*Spiced Honey Syrup
1/2cup honey
1/2cup filtered water
Pinch sea salt
1 tablespoon mulling spices

Simmer all for 2-3 minutes then leave to cool. Strain.
(Keeps for about a week.....)

19/12/2023

Lots of fun at my final mixology class of 2023 at Canyon Falls .
Sparkly Sips for Tipsy Elves!
Send me a message if you want these recipes for your NYE party... or just to make for yourself!

11/12/2023

My name is Caroline & I'm an English girl living in Texas with my husband and 10 year old son. I've lived and worked on 3 continents. In my various jobs, I have met and served royalty & celebrities though my first job in Texas was in a country bar serving Bud Light and shots I just made up! I love to cook, eat, and talk. My favorite cocktail is a gin martini with lots of vermouth, and my favorite food is Xiao Long Bao dumplings and Chinese broccoli (when they're done right!) The first cocktail I ever made was a gin and tonic, I think I was 7 (I didn't drink it)!

In spring of 2021, I launched my "tiny-business" Abstract Mixologist.

I host in-person, live and kicking cocktail workshops all over North Texas in Dallas and Fort Worth, teaching regular people how to mix up better drinks at home! I specialize in using local, seasonal and hand made ingredients we can find in our kitchens and at farmers markets. I try to demystify some of the aspects of making great cocktails and how to make drinks for a crowd! I also show how flavors are built in cocktails helping people get a better handle on how they like their drinks to taste, and why! (Side note, this makes them better guests at cocktail bars too!)

I make a lot of fruit syrups and shrubs at home to share with my guests, i infuse liquor with local, and seasonal flavor, I also search out specialty products to show people in class! I've worked with some amazing artisan brands like , and .

In a world of "online ambassadors" and "virtual education" I'm a real time, in person guide to making gorgeous cocktails without too much fuss and pomp! But if you clap at the end of class I'll always curtsy!

This year I have hosted more than 50 cocktail classes bringing the art of cocktail making to well over 1000 people. I've had so much fun and met lots of lovely people! I can't wait to do it all again in 2024!

DM for info on classes, collaborations or just to say hi! I've actually got a few more classes to go before New Year's Eve, so maybe I'll see you there!

Cheers!
Caroline

10/12/2023

I've been about coconut water and its ability to add depth and texture to cocktails for a long time!

This great article in Punch adds lots to the story! ❤️

Try this hack at home.

08/12/2023

I've been busy busy all over North Texas with Holiday cocktail classes this month, and we're not even half way through! But I had to pause on my delicious holiday line up today after tasting my first persimmon of the season!

I care so much about using seasonal fruit it's easy to forget this gorgeous winter soft fruit, it brings back the taste and texture of summer peaches and strawberries and mangoes but with a subtle almost savory winter undertone!! And I LOVE it!

I put out these three bottles because it makes a gorgeous winter but it also combines deliciously in a sour - make it with gin and lemon for a clean fresh gin sour or muddle your persimmon and fix a winter margarita with lime juice and a great !

Persimmon Negroni
1oz persimmon infused gin (I used London Dry)
1oz Persimmon
1oz dry vermouth (I used )

Persimmon Sour
2oz gin
3/4oz lemon juice
Muddled persimmon (about 3/4 ripe fruit peeled)

Persimmon Margarita
2oz tequila
1oz lime juice
3/4 muddled persimmon
1/2oz agave syrup or to your taste


DM for more info or full recipes!

Cheers to fresh seasonal fruits 😘

08/12/2023

I have been answering a lot of questions about gin this month! So I took a trip over to today and snapped a few of my favorite things!

There's definitely more to this list, and to be honest, my favorite gin is usually the one I'm drinking... but if you're looking to try a new one, or trying to remember what I've said to you in one of my workshops.... here's some inspiration! (With pictures!)

- I drank this exclusively living in London in my G&T with lots of lemon!
- I love the salinity in this gin, it makes a great martini with and a twist of lemon. It's a great showcase of US regional botanicals.
Awesome Texas Gin, also great to show regional botanicals! (Go visit the distillery the food is amazing! )
- this is my go to party cocktail gin at the moment! It's wonderful value, and a great backdrop to anything from a cranberry Collins to a French 75! gin - I found this gin a few years ago and it's a great pick for a gin martini when your out for dinner. If you see it, ask for it!
- this is one of my all time favorite gins. Dutch with a nod to its predecessor Genever, Nolets is a heavy weight gin that can be used in spirit forward cocktails - maybe try it I a Gin Old Fashioned!
- the custodian of the Bees Knees cocktail and protector of American Bees! Google it, then buy it, then make yourself a cocktail!
- this was a recommendation from a good friend and fellow gin lover, I really enjoyed the unusual Swedish mix of botanicals! Goes to show you should always play around with gin! Gin and friends!

So if you're looking for a gin for the holidays or just for Thursday.... check out some of these! And if you find something you think is better, please let me know in the comments or by message... because I'm always in the market for a new gin!

05/12/2023

Dreaming of Amalfi on a dreary Monday in December with this Italian inspired GnT. I just packaged up a batch of Limoncello made with Arizona lemons from my neighbor! Delicious on its own, or to jazz up a gin and tonic with some summer sunshine!

Amalfi and Tonic
1.5oz gin (I used which featured in this month's -so many delicious flavors to choose from!)
3/4oz limoncello (home made - dm for my recipe)
1oz Tonic Syrup
or your favorite sparkling

Pour it all in a glass with ice and pretend you're somewhere else! 🇮🇹

01/12/2023

A Christmas Gift from Abstract Mixologist

I love my Holiday & Christmas cocktail classes - and I'm having a blast this year all over DFW!

Because I'm having so much fun, I'm offering these classes out as a Holiday special!

$600 for up to 20 guests! 🎉🍸🥃🎄

I have TWO dates left before Christmas (December 19, 20 or 21) and TWO dates before New Years Eve (26 or 28 December).

If you're still looking for a way to celebrate with friends or your team at work, send me a DM and let's book your party!

(Price includes the making of 3 craft cocktails using seasonal ingredients and a champagne bucketload of good cheer! )

*delivery and set up fee of $50 may apply
(Private classes usually start at $65pp)