French Pearl at the GSOC save-the-date party

The Golden State of Cocktails is coming to Los Angeles January 27-30. The first “cocktail week” in Los Angeles will include labs, take-away stations including a cocktail bottling station, brand installation rooms (tasting rooms) and parties. There will be over 100 educational events. Also on the schedule are 2 evening bar crawls. One will be Hollywood-based and the other will be bar hopping Downtown Los Angeles. Downtown is also the epicenter of the educational programs with the events at the Los Angeles Times building. I’m excited to see there will also be a lounge area dubbed the Golden State Lounge for people to network.

Some labs that are planned:

Cognac in Cocktails:  From historic roots to contemporary takes on classic cognac cocktails, re-imagine the classic French brandy through a hands-on lab.

I’m Here for the Toys:  Alex Day and Don Lee demystify the fanciest toys in the bar business including the centrifuge, sonic jam, sous vide, vacuum, isi, and roto-vap.

How to Avoid an Audit:  Led by the KBKG accounting firm, learn how to use good practices to avoid an audit in your bar/restaurant.

Bartend Forever:  Presented by a leading physical therapist, learn about preventative steps and exercise/stretches to stay protected from injury.

Built for Speed:  In a busy bar, every second counts. This lab, led by the fastest bartenders in the West, will share their expertise on how to maximize efficiencies by using careful bar design and preparation methods that can make or break a business.

Opening Bars:  An entire series of labs spotlights the ins and outs of opening a venue.  Learn what it takes to make a dream a reality from fundraising to operations.

Flavor Bouncing:  Combining ingredients and flavors in new and unique ways can be a challenge. This lab shares the science behind “Flavor Bouncing” and how to use various flavor combinations to create distinctive drink recipes.

Industry and media are encourage to apply for a pass. Enthusiast passes will be available for purchase. Passes are $100 for 3 days or a daily pass is also available. Prices will be going up in January so buy ’em now. More info on the GSOC website.

The Golden State of Cocktails

© LA Cocktails // The Minty 2013