Mixology “Barrel & Glass” Class at the Ledges – July 2026
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
Updated: 8 hours ago
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
About The Ledges
Website: https://www.theledges.com/
Address: 32 Castle Down Dr, Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone Number: 256.883.0860
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Shaken, Stirred & Summer-Perfect: July’s Barrel & Glass Mixology Class at The Ledges
Written by Nancy Fae for His, Hers & the Good Life
Introduction
Summer at The Ledges has a way of pulling us into experiences that feel both elevated and wonderfully relaxed — the kind of evenings where learning something new becomes part of the fun. When The Ledges announced its new monthly Mixology “Barrel & Glass” class, we knew we wanted to be part of it. We missed the inaugural June session, but July lined up beautifully, especially with Ashley home from university for the Summer. So Jeff, Ashley, and I signed up for a night of cocktails, stories, and hands-on shaking led by our favorite bartender, Joey Connor.
Before class, we stopped by the bar to see our friends — Dean, Stacie, Stephanie, and Al — who were warming up for the Scotch Tasting event. This month’s mixology class overlapped with Scotch, so we chose cocktails over drams. Even a few minutes with friends felt like a perfect prelude to the evening ahead.
About the Event
The Ledges' invitation:
“Join us on July 9, 2026 for an engaging Cocktail Class led by Joey Connor, where guests will explore the history and craft behind some of the world's most iconic drinks. Throughout the evening, Joey will share the stories, techniques, and ingredients that make these classic cocktails timeless favorites while demonstrating proper preparation methods you can recreate at home. Learn how to craft staples like the Margarita, the Sidecar, and the Paper Plane in a fun, interactive setting that blends education, flavor, and entertainment. Whether you're a cocktail enthusiast or simply looking for a unique night out, this $50 per person capped event promises an unforgettable experience. Reservations are recommended.”
The Ledges promised an unforgettable evening — and Joey delivered exactly that.
How the Evening Unfolded
The room was beautifully prepared: Joey’s head table was lined with bottles, mixers, and tools, while each participant’s station was set with shakers, glasses, ice buckets, and recipe sheets.
Our tablemates, Bernie and Kristin, were delightful — attending mixology while their husbands attended the Scotch Tasting next door.
Tonight’s cocktail trio:
Paper Plane
Margarita
Sidecar
For each drink, Joey shared its history, explained the ingredients, demonstrated the technique, and then came around to pour bottles and offer guidance.
Bartender Joey Connor (Photo Credit: The Ledges)
Christie and Brooke floated through the room with perfectly paired bites:
Paper Plane + Croque Monsieur
Margarita + Empanada
Sidecar + Goat Cheese Puff
We weren’t expecting food pairings, so each bite felt like a little surprise treat.
Jeff and Ashley — our resident mixologists — were in their element. I was the novice of the trio, but mixing cocktails turned out to be wonderfully approachable. As Joey reminded us, great drinks start with quality ingredients.
A few highlights:
Paper Plane
Named after the M.I.A. song “Paper Plane,” which was on repeat while Sam Ross created it.
Uses Basil Hayden Bourbon — now added to our Total Wine list.
Margarita
Joey’s recipe layers Cointreau and Grand Marnier for depth.
We discovered we only have Cointreau at home, so GM is now on the list.
Joey used Altos Plata Tequila — also added to the list.
Sidecar
I first learned about this cocktail from The Ledges’ seasonal menu last Fall.
Features Courvoisier and Grand Marnier — yet another reason GM is joining the Sipping Room.
By the end of the night, we had shaken, strained, salted, sugared, and sipped our way through three iconic cocktails — and enjoyed every moment of learning together as a family.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
His Take (Jeff)
There’s something satisfying about watching people discover how simple great cocktails can be. Joey’s teaching style makes the craft feel accessible, and the pairings were a fun surprise. I loved seeing Ashley jump right in, and watching Nancy Fae shake her first margarita was a highlight. The Paper Plane was the standout for me — balanced, bright, and a reminder that bourbon can play well outside its usual lane.
Her Take (Nancy Fae)
I loved this evening. The energy, the setup, the laughter. It all felt like summer distilled into a glass. Learning to make these drinks myself was empowering, and the pairings elevated the experience. The Paper Plane was my favorite, and yes, Basil Hayden is absolutely going into the Sipping Room. Sharing this night with Jeff and Ashley made it even more special.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Closing in the His, Hers & the Good Life Style
His (Jeff)
Good drinks are better when shared, and this class was a reminder of how much fun it is to learn something new together. I’m already looking forward to next month’s lineup.
Her (Nancy Fae)
This evening was a perfect blend of flavor, friendship, and family time. The Ledges created something truly special with this class, and I’m already excited to return.
The Good Life
Nights like this — filled with discovery, laughter, and the people we love — are exactly what the Good Life is made of. Whether it’s mixology classes, seasonal menus, or spontaneous evenings with friends, these moments become the stories we cherish.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO DRINK RESPONSIBLY
Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age.
Disclaimer: Cigar smoking and drinking alcohol are for adults of legal smoking and drinking age. Life’s Rants promotes the responsible and legal enjoyment of premium cigars and alcohol by individuals of legal age. We do not endorse or encourage smoking or drinking among minors.
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