Alchemy is, by far, my favorite bar on land or at sea. The fact that it’s on Carnival makes it even more fun because whenever I’m at Alchemy … I’m also on a cruise! Win-win!
For those who have yet to sail Carnival Cruise Lines, or one of their 2.0 ships, Alchemy Bar isn't your average watering hole, in fact there’s no soda, or even beer on tap. It’s a cleverly themed cocktail pharmacy with the motto “relief for what ails”— “prescriptions” on the menu include The Remedy, The Quick Fix and Forty is the New Twenty. Each handcrafted cocktail is layered precisely and muddled with fresh fruit and herbs … truly a masterpiece for the senses!
Earlier this summer my husband and I sailed on Carnival Freedom and were let in on a little known secret by Alchemy master mixologist Daniel Zanoaga. On one of the last sea days, Carnival ships with an Alchemy Bar host an unadvertised (not in the ship's daily activity newsletter, the FunTimes) 2-hour mixology class to learn how to make three popular Alchemy Bar cocktails. The session is around $20 and guests should inquire with one of the mixologists at Alchemy at the start of the cruise because space is limited.
The mixology class we attended with Daniel had eight participants, filling up most of the seats at the bar.
Daniel started the class with the history of the cocktail. As the wife of a bartender, I thought I knew all there was to know about making a good drink, but Daniel’s knowledge even surpassed my husband’s (shhh… don’t tell him I said that!). After going through the history, we learned the importance of ice & good quality spirits (a must for all cocktails!), the essentials for a home bar, and then got a hands-on lesson for how to use a Boston shaker.
Before I knew it we had several mini martinis lined up in front of us for tasting. Can you say yum!? Our flight of martinis included Martini Seduction, Cucumber Sunrise, and my personal favorite, Spicy Chipotle Pineapple. Daniel also threw in a vodka-infused gummy bear for another masterpiece he was working on!
The finale included learning an impressive garnish trick: the flamed orange twist.
Sampling the cocktails was just a small part of class, which seemed to breeze right by with all the fun we were having. At the end of the lesson, each participant received a certificate along with a free beverage card to use on our favorite drink at Alchemy Bar. Can you guess what drink I chose?
I’ll make it easy for you, by leaving with this recipe I took away from the class:
Spicy Chipotle Pineapple Martini
- 2 oz Skyy Vodka
- 1 oz Monin Chipotle Pineapple Syrup
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 mint leaves, muddled
Muddle mint leaves with simple syrup. Add vodka, syrup and juice. Shake vigorously with ice. Strain and enjoy.
If you’re sailing with Carnival and love a good cocktail, I urge you to inquire about the mixology class at Alchemy Bar. It’s a unique experience that will have you on your way to becoming your own master mixologist.
This post was created as part of my collaboration with Carnival. As always, all of the opinions, thoughts, and ideas in this post are my own.
Jenn
I'm so sorry that I never took this class! I'm definitely checking it out the next time I go on a cruise! It looked like so much fun!
Tammilee T
We just took this class last week on the Carnival Sunshine. It was so much fun! I can't wait to recreate the recipes.
Wendy
I'd LOVE to attend a class like that. Heck, I'd LOVE to go on a cruise! Thanks for that recipe!
Melinda
what a fun event. Looks like everyone is having a blast
Cystal
What a fun little gem you found! I love when cruising that there is something fun for everyone, regardless of their diverse interests.
Sara P. (@SensiblySara)
I am not a drinker, but I think this class sounds like a ton of fun!
Valerie Remy-Milora
What an awesome class! These drinks sound absolute divine too! Count me in!!!
Digna D.
Sounds like a great event. My hubby is taking classes to be a bartender right now.
robyn
Oh this sounds so absolutely fun. The hubby and I would really enjoy it
Nolie
Sounds like my kind of bar. Where do I sign up?
Lisa
This looked like it was soo much fun.
Kira
Vodka-infused gummy bears? I'm speechless where do I sign up. On our family bucket list is going on a cruise. Can't wait to check it off soon,
Chelle @ Oh Just Stop Already
I have always wanted to take a mixology class but on a cruise I bet it was even more magical!
Elizabeth Ferree
Oh this looks like a lot of fun. I saw the drink "Forty is the new 20" and told my oldest he could take me when I turn 40. 🙂 I think that'll be part of my bucket list now. 🙂 Thank you for listing the recipe, I will have to try that one.
Karen W
This sounds like so much fun. My husband and I would love to take a class on mixing drinks. However, we'd also love that bar! I hope to take a cruise someday. IF so I want it to be Carnival!!
Robin Gagnon
This looks fun. I used to bartend & loved it.... but not as much as food blogging 😉
Mellisa
That would be so much fun!! I just took a cruise and didn't take advantage of the class....lesson learned!
Angela S
I have cruised but not with Carnival yet. That looks like so much fun!
Stephanie
Looks like it was an interesting class.
HilLesha
I love that their cocktails are infused with fresh fruit and herbs. I'm not much of a drinker and only have a drink or two once in a blue moon, but I wouldn't mind hitting this bar if I cruise with Carnival in the future. 🙂
Julie
I've never made a drink in my life. This is so over my head! Haha! It looks like a fun and interesting class for sure.
Ronnie
One add....they are now offering the alchemy glass and bar essentials for 20 dollars.
Stefanie Fauquet
Thanks for letting me know!
Craig
Loved this clas with Daniel on the Freedom back in 2014. My home bar has mushroomed since that cruise. Daniel's suggestion to me was to pick up a cocktail book by Dale DeGroff who was one of his mentors. I bought both and haven't looked back since. What brought me to your article was I received two bottle of Monin Chipotle Syrup in the mail today. Not easy to find in the U.S. And impossible in Canada until you contact the company and they put you in touch with a Canadian company who brought it in special order. Cost me more to ship than the price of a bottle but it's worth it.