Cocktail Class At River House Stirling | Review

Hello!

On Sunday, myself, and couple of bloggers (Lauren and Ashley) were invited along to the River House in Stirling for an evening of cocktail making and a meal, who could say no?!*

I've never made cocktails before, and when I drink I don't always drink very much so I've never had very much experience with cocktails (except my ultimate favourite; a long island iced tea!) However, two of my friends work as bar tenders, and I thought it would be nice to find out what it's like to try it out.

This post might be moderately photo heavy, however I will be posting all photos on my Facebook page if you want to check them out! I'll endeavour to have them all up shortly after this post goes live, though it might be Saturday.

I'd never been to the River House before. I'm not from Stirling, I'm from the town right next door, but upon arrival I was taken aback by just how incredible it looked. First impressions count, and they definitely hit the nail on the head. They're sat right next to a beautiful little loch, and at the foot of Stirling castle which is perfect for those sunny days where you feel like sitting outside and admiring the scenery with a glass of wine.

Though I was invited along to this event, I want to express that all views are my own.



Upon arrival, we were greeted by Liam; our mixologist and host for the evening. Liam was incredibly friendly, and any nerves I felt about the evening were settled immediately.

He let us sit on the comfiest seats I'd ever sat on for a couple of minutes to settle in and offered us a glass of prosecco (which I, of course, then set up for a typical blogger-esque photo!) and explained what the set up for the evening was going to be. After this, we moved to our table for the evening and had a wee read over at the cocktail list and food menu, where Liam appeared again with another glass of prosecco for us all!

Then we had our food orders taken (steak pie!) and were brought to the bar to have our first experience of making cocktails!

At this point, I want to thank Lauren and Ashley for taking the photographs of me for me! I've also added a few photographs of them making cocktails as well.



Lauren went first to show us how it was done (I was so nervous at this point!) but then I went second. Liam was really great and explained everything clearly, was super patient with me and most importantly didn't laugh! I made a Cuban Mojito - and I even learned that when you're dealing with mint, you have to smack it!

Ashley then went next, making a Passionfruit Mojito for Lauren.



Then we were back to our table to enjoy our creations, but didn't have to wait long for our food to arrive.

The presentation of the food was top notch, and the quality was fabulous. It was definitely one of the best meals I've had. It was also my first proper food of the day, as I had a job interview in the morning (that I sadly didn't get) and was rushing around with no time to really eat anything. I took my time and was the last to finish.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was also notably incredible. We were sat bar side, but the rest of the seating had a perfect, and beautiful, view of the loch because the wall was predominantly made up of large windows, so no matter where you were sat, you could look out. A perfect touch.



After our meal, we were up again to make our second cocktails, this time I'd chosen to make a French Martini, simply so that I could use the line "shaken, not stirred" because I am a giant nerd. Again, I was the second to give cocktail making an attempt.

The French martini was made with real raspberries! And I'm not going to lie, it tasted incredible, I probably drank it way too fast!

I was less nervous this time around, and this time I learned that I should have shaken it harder than I did (but hey, it was my first time, it's a learning experience!)

I posed a lot with my creation and a few jokes were made at my expense for this - about how I look like a sales woman and that I've got the posing down! I joined in by admitting that I'd considered being a weather woman when I was younger (due to my name. Get it? Gail the weather girl?? No? Okay.)



(Check out the concentration in my face!)

Can I also just added that a large part of my concentration was on making sure I could see? I suffer a lot of short problems, being 5'2".

After all the cocktails were made, we were told we were free to sit outside in the sunshine, which we did, and chatted away about everything. I hadn't finished my prosecco, so I brought my glass out with my along with my martini. It would be a shame to waste it, wouldn't it?

The whole evening was such a fun and relaxing evening, and was to bring attention to their new cocktail masterclasses on offer:

Details are available on their website here, costing £29.95 pp which includes a prosecco upon arrival, 2 cocktails and a 2 course meal. You can book online, or give them a ring at 01786 465 577. It is a perfect evening, that I'm definitely considering for my 23rd birthday next year... Or possibly even trying to convince a friend to book for their birthday... Hmm....

I'll leave you with a few more pictures from the evening, and I will see you again next week!
Thank you once again, River House and Liam for a fabulous evening!

Until next time, be excellent to each other.

*I was invited along to this event by The River House where I received the cocktail making classes, meal and welcome proseccos in exchange for this review. All thoughts are my own.