Cocktail masterclass

If you thought you had to go out to get a decent cocktail, think again. Now, thanks to masterclasses at London’s Capital Hotel, you can create your favouite cocktails in the comfort of your own home. Richard Cree went along to shake, rattle and stir

Ever wondered what makes a “perfect” Manhattan? Or indeed why the Mojitos you make at home never taste remotely like the ones you order out? Ever had a craving to re-enact key scenes from that 1980s Tom Cruise masterpiece Cocktail? OK, forget the Tom Cruise memories (Top Gun always looked more fun). 

But when it comes to entertaining at home, little stirs the soul or satisfies as much as a well executed classic cocktail. Executing the perfect Martini before a meal can trump even the most impressive effort on the plate. The trouble is, no matter how many bars I sit at or how many bartenders I watch (and I’ve spent a fair few hours watching some of the best) it never seems to register. Like watching the best magicians, there’s always some slight of hand and suddenly where once there was a glass with some ice and a few spirits, suddenly there’s a glorious looking cocktail.

So I was looking forward to getting some real coaching from Cesar Da Silva, bar manager at London’s Capital Hotel. Da Silva’s healthy love affair with drink started with whisky, which he has collected since he was 19 years old. As an award winning “mixologist” (or bar manager), Da Silva these days turns his hand to all sorts of delicious drinks. In the quiet and intimate environment of the Capital bar he is able to spend time explaining what he’s doing to those drinkers eager to listen.

Now after years of this informal tutoring, Da Silva is putting his teaching on a more formal footing and launching a series of cocktail masterclasses. In a private room at the Capital, a small group of us watch and assist Da Silva as he takes us through the making (and drinking) of five classic cocktails—Cosmopolitan, Bellini, Mojito, Classic Martini and Manhattan. Along the way he talks at length about his own career, delivers a short history of each of the drinks, offers ideas and variations on these classics and reveals some of those vital insider’s tips (such as how to make the “perfect” Manhattan and the best way to get the essential oil out of an orange peel garnish). At the end of the class he gives out a stylish bar set with all the basic tools to re-create some of these classics at home. I would suggest taking notes—as the class lasts over two hours and the handouts only cover the basic recipes (and not all the extra hints and tips)—but after several cocktails, I couldn’t begin to decipher my writing. The highlight of the drinks wasn’t meant to be on the menu—it was Da Silva’s signature Apple Martini—but such is his passion for cocktails that he always seems happy to accommodate one more. Which seemed like a good thing at the time.

The Cocktail Master Class by Cesar Da Silva at the Capital costs £115 per person. Classes will run on Friday 9th February, Friday 4th May, Friday 1st June, Friday 5th October and Friday 7th December. Group bookings can be made on a date to suit the group. For details see