SHAKING UP SKILLS: THE HIGHWIRE COCKTAIL FACTORY
Shaken. Stirred. On the rocks … or should I say Poprocks?
HighWire Tucson hosted a one-of-a-kind workshop that gave curious craft cocktail connoisseurs a chance to shake up some of the classics and not-so-classics from the bar’s highly regarded menu. The HighWire Cocktail Factory featured four hands-on drink-making stations led by HighWire’s expert mixologists. And did I mention that, in classic HighWire fashion, the party started with a welcome shot?
Shoutout to Bailey’s Aritsan Pizza Company for keeping everyone fed while we experimented with mixing, shaking, and sipping. There was a variety of artisan pizzas to choose from — all fresh, light, and crafted to perfection. If you haven’t tried Bailey’s pizza, this is your sign to treat yourself to their generously sized slices with the perfect blend of cheesy goodness and savory toppings.
The Mad Hatter
Guided by a skilled bartender, guests shook things up (literally) to craft HighWire’s taste on the classic whisky sour. After learning how to make a creamy egg white with the help of emulsifiers, everyone was given a secret ingredient to whisky sour success. The bartender passed out magic berries (also known as miracle fruit) — a tastebud-enhancing berry that when eaten, causes sour foods to taste sweet. This changed the entire taste profile of the drink, which was both exciting and delicious — definitely a modern take on an old classic.
Smoked Cocktails
The smoked cocktail station was a fan favorite. The bartender inspired guests to craft their own version of a timeless cocktail, the Old Fashioned. There was Kentucky bourbon, rye, rum, and even mezcal on hand, along with an assortment of different flavored bitters. The best part? The seasoned mixologist demonstrated how to take this drink to the next level by smoking the glass for added flavor and flare.
The Contortionist
It might shock you that HighWire was on board with revealing the secret recipe for its longest-standing drink on the menu, but it definitely made guests feel like kids in a candy store. Whipped vodka, cotton candy, Poprocks… what’s not to love? With multiple options for customized candy flavors, the bar was sprinkled with a variety of blue, pink, and purple martinis all night long.
Make Your Own
With all of the basics under the belt, guests hit up a “Make Your Own” station, where the possibilities were endlessly boozy. Every liquor, juice, bitter, and topping one needed to create something tasty was at our tipsy fingertips.
Guests left The HighWire Cocktail Factory with new skills, unique memories, and a list of Amazon mixology must-haves to boot (kudos to HighWire for not gatekeeping). This experience was enjoyed by a diverse crowd looking for girls’ night, date night, and family night fun — there is definitely something for everyone at HighWire.