Tucson Yelpers Got Schooled: Straight Up, With A Twist!

Yelp’s got class! That’s right, school was back in session for a group of Tucson Yelpers who bellied up to the bar at Scott & Co for another period of YELP GETS SCHOOLED. This modern day downtown speak easy set the scene for bartenders Ciaran and Connor to imbue yelpers with the histories and mysteries of three of the most famous cocktails of all time. After a little lesson yelpers tried a taste of each concoction and stepped behind the bar to see how their mixology skills faired. 

First period students learned about all things Old Fashioned. Beginning with a lecture about the ills of muddled oranges, Ciaran raved about the values of balance and simplicity when making a drink. While he spoke, Connor got his ‘tending on providing samples for the students to sip. Joshua B thought the “drinks were nothing short of amazing” and admired how Connor “labored over each precise pour.” Sugar, water, bitters and spirits definitely became the mantra of the evening!

After a quick recess for bites of herbed bread with olive oil and crispy frites, second period was all about the Daiquiri. Not the can of frozen lemonade and rum mixture you’re used to! Amanda K learned a real Daiquiri isn’t supposed to be a “gross fruity slushy mess,” but rather a refined combination of citrus, rum, sweet and sour. Yelpers were surprised to find themselves holding a refreshing cocktail instead of the spring break slushie that some were accustomed to.

Put your gummy-bear flavored cran-appletini down and listen up! The bell rang for third period and  yelpers were at attention. It was time for the grand finale, the traditional Martini. Anna D was surprised that there was “none of that flavorless vodka” in the original Martini: “Gin and vermouth go hand in hand” to sum up the bulk of the beverage. Even Amanda D who isn't a fan of vermouth thought her sip was interesting, while the boys at the bar noted that the dry white wine is essential to any good Martini.

After three periods of lessons, Yelpers got quizzed behind the bar with the opportunity to make their own drinks. Kamryn C substituted chipotle simple syrup in her Old Fashioned to give the drink “a great smoky hint” and thought, “all in all, it was a great event!” Thank you to our professors Ciaran and Connor and to our host Travis for a perfect evening in which we definitely got schooled. Shout outs to the band Shaky Bones for providing great tunes to set the mood and to Cody for his role as “yearbook” photographer. Think you need to still study? Peep the pics and copy our notes!

Corey D

Tucson Community Manager