Food and Drink

3 boozy events you won’t want to miss

By Caroline Portillo
George Lainis

Here are some amazing events to get you out of the house and having fun during the next few weeks.

What: Duke Mansion Holiday Happy Hours

When: 5-8 p.m. December 22-23, December 26-30

Where: Duke Mansion, 400 Hermitage Road, Charlotte

The Duke Mansion garden is visible through a back door of the Great Hall at the Duke Mansion. The Duke Mansion celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and is in the middle of a major renovation of its garden.
The Duke Mansion garden is visible through a back door of the Great Hall at the Duke Mansion. The Duke Mansion celebrates its 100th anniversary this year and is in the middle of a major renovation of its garden. Diedra Laird dlaird@charlotteobserver.com

Details: One of Charlotte’s lauded historic sites will be opening to the public for a happy-hour bar around the holidays. (Note: No happy hours on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day). There will be live music on Dec. 22 (The Ballantyne Chorale) and Dec. 23 (Westcottage Music).

Price: Admission is free. Cash bar.

What: Liberate Your Palate’s New Year’s Eve-Inspired Cocktail Class

When:7-9:30 p.m. December 28

Where: Level Co-Working, 227 W. 4th St., Charlotte

Although some close for the holidays, many of Champagne's great houses and cellars are open for tours and tastings in late December.ALAIN JULIEN - GETTY
Although some close for the holidays, many of Champagne's great houses and cellars are open for tours and tastings in late December.ALAIN JULIEN - GETTY ALAIN JULIEN AFP/Getty Images

Details: Emily Elda (you may know her as @crazybarlady on Instagram), will teach you how to make three tasty cocktails at this mingling-style event. You’ll learn layering techniques, how to prep garnishes when throwing a party, how to make a delightfully boozy punch recipe (go ahead and ditch the one passed down from grandma). You’ll also get take-home recipes and light bites. Grab some friends and go for it.

Price: $55 per person

What: The Mint Museum’s ‘Creatively Crafted, Artfully Distilled’ event with Doc Porter’s and Le Meredien

When: 6-9 p.m. January 18

Where: Mint Museum Uptown, 500 S. Tryon St., Charlotte

Tricia Coyne

Details: Enjoy an evening of local distillery Doc Porter’s wares and exceptional art. There will be tastings for Doc Porter’s vodka, gin and bourbon, as well as specialty cocktails also designed by Emily Elda (see above). Evoke restaurant will provide hors d’oeuvres, 7 String Theory will perform from 6:30-8:30 p.m., and you won’t want to miss the special exhibitions, “Fired Up” and “Women of Abstract Expressionism.”

Want to make a night of it? Event partner Le Mereiden is providing discounted rooms to attendees, as well as free shuttle service between the museum and hotel, and a complimentary glass of champagne at Evoke. Book here. Rate is available until Jan. Subject to availability.

Price: $45 for Mint members and $60 for non-members. Proceeds to benefit The Mint Museum’s Annual Fund, which provides educational programs for the community.

Featured photo: George Lainis

This story was originally published December 22, 2016 at 6:55 AM with the headline "3 boozy events you won’t want to miss."

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