With so many bars turning their attention to the craft of the quality cocktail, it can be easy to assume that the concept has saturated the bar market. That’s not true, sadly, and — depending on where you live — it can be hard to track down a well-made cocktail in your neighborhood. There’s no reason why you have to actually leave the house to drink in style, however. A new online teaching program called Drink Skool, created by some of the most respected names in the beverage industry, cuts out the middle-man and gives you the basics on how to turn your own bar into a craft cocktail haven. And unlike most DIY home-improvement projects, the worst that can happen here if you screw up is you get to make another cocktail. Sounds like a win-win.

Drink Skool is “definitely for consumers who have some enthusiasm and have some base knowledge about spirits and cocktails, or bartenders that are getting started, but not anything above that,” one of the partners, Doug Frost (also of the industry standard advanced training program Beverage Alcohol Resource — and one of the more renowned wine experts in the world) explains. “What we’ve tried to do, is distill it — sorry for the pun — into bite-sized chunks so people can go, ‘Ok I got that.’” As Frost points out, mixing a perfect cocktail isn’t exactly rocket science; it’s all about following a recipe and locking down a few standard techniques, all of which the — totally free — course walks users through online with a sense of fun and a sense of humor. “I would hope the outcome of what we’re doing is someone will go, ‘This isn’t that hard,’  buy a few a things and start making their own cocktails,” says Frost. “There’s no reason they can’t.”

Among the program’s lessons are the basics of mixing a cocktail, learning how to taste and appreciate the differences between types of spirits, and important bar techniques like muddling.

It’s an attempt to demystify the concept of mixology, Frost says. “I’m hoping that people will take some time to try a couple of techniques, at least for their favorite cocktails, and end up recognizing that there’s no great mystery in this,” he explains. “Instead it’s about measuring, buying better quality products, and using fresh ingredients. You don’t cook with canned stuff and expect it to taste wonderful.”

Get Skooled:

Right off the bat, there are two crucial things home cocktail enthusiasts need to learn, Frost says. First is the difference between shaking and stirring. Get a stirrer, he says, anything will do, but a nice long-handled spoon is best. “Learn to stir so you don’t break the ice up, and all you do is chill down the drink.” Shaking is for when you want a cocktail to be light and airy because it has bubbles in it; learning to know which recipe works best with either technique is a fundamental place to start. Also of primary importance, he says, is freshness — what he calls “the foundation of what has changed mixology in the U.S.” There’s no substitute for fresh juice, he asserts. “If somebody’s squeezing fresh juice, it’s mind-blowing what happens to flavor of that cocktail as opposed to a mix.”

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Erin Lennox performs at DTF.
Credit: Mindy Tucker

Between cover charges and two item minimums, an evening at a traditional comedy club can be a financial blow. Luckily, New Yorkers have access to the best free comedy in the country every night of the week. Independently produced comedy showcases guarantee laughs without the formality of costlier venues. These top-notch free shows are some of New York’s best-kept secrets.

Class War
Second & fourth Thursdays of every month, 8 p.m.
Three of Cups Lounge, 83 First Ave., 212-388-0059
Hosts Evan Davis and Cheryl Wolf have a knack for booking well-established, brainy comics with plenty of clout. Couches and coffee tables lend the venue a laid-back, posh vibe, giving the show an intimate feel like a night with your funny, smart friends.

DTF
First and third Mondays of every month, 8 p.m.
Grand Victory Bar, 245 Grand Ave., Brooklyn, 347-529-6610
Featuring a DJ spinning ’90s hip-hop and a giant flag backdrop in a skinny Williamsburg bar, DTF is the perfect tongue-in-cheek Monday night party. Hosted by Erin Lennox and Nick Maritato, the show features a strong blend of the city’s strongest emerging stand-ups. Lennox’s razor-sharp jokes are as dark as the bar.

Slack Butthole
Every Wednesday, 7 p.m.
The Charleston, 174 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 718-599-9599
This unpretentious beer joint hands out free pizza with each drink. This fun, casual show matches the venue’s tone – host Eli Yudin is a one-liner wizard, and serves up a friendly vibe that is low-brow in the best possible way.

Underbelly
First Saturday of every month, 10 p.m.
The Creek and the Cave, 10-93 Jackson Ave., Queens, 718-706-8783
It’s tough to pick just one show put on at The Creek and the Cave, New York’s best spot for free, experimental comedy. Underbelly, a show featuring stand-ups not doing stand-up, is delightfully weird and engaging. The show has featured everything from sketch to improvised poetry to satirical power points. Hosts and best friends Andrew Short and Reid Faylor put on a warm, goofy show.

The Dream Show
Second and fourth Saturdays of every month, 8 p.m.
The Comedy Bar, 124 W. 29th St., 212-714-2222
This shiny new venue is a massive performance space that still manages to come off as an unassuming people-pleaser. Stellar character performers Ashley Brooke Roberts and Amber Nelson host this variety show featuring stand-up, storytelling, sketch and music.

Comedy at Beauty Bar
Every Sunday, 9 p.m.
Beauty Bar, 231 E. 14th St., 212-539-1389
This funky salon-bar hybrid is the coolest spot in the Union Square area. Michigan natives Brad Austin, Nate Fridson and Adam Sokol win over audiences with an inviting sense of humor that makes you want to be friends with them.

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The New York Road Runners can help you find a free running club.

Credit: Stockbyte

No cash for the gym? No problem. Hit up one of these unexpected places for a gratis workout.

The JCC in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Ave., 646-505-4444
The JCC offers a seasonal schedule of free classes. Try your hand at Nia, an alloy of dance, martial arts and yoga, or drop in to learn about health and wellness.
On our radar: Modern Afro-Folkoric Casribbean Dance to Live Drums, select Saturdays in March, 7:15 p.m.

New York Public Library: www.nypl.org/events/public-programs
The NYPL offers an impressive array of free classes in several locations. You now have a good excuse to try Zumba, Belly Dancing, Ballet, Tae Kwan Do and more.
On our radar: Wii Fit for Adults, Mondays, 2 p.m., George Bruce Library, 518 w. 125th St.

City of New York Parks and Recreation: www.nycgovparks.org/programs/recreation/shape-up-nyc
The Shape Up NYC program offers a variety of free classes in several spots in all five boroughs, including several that cater to specific groups like seniors and pregnant women.
On our radar: Latin Cardio, Tuesdays, 5:15 p.m, Kings County Hospital, Clarkson Ave. & New York Ave., Brooklyn

New York Road Runners: www.nyrr.org/new-york-area-clubs
Not a class, per-se, but this comprehensive list of NYC running clubs can help you find a supportive group of running buddies. Pick a level and commitment that works for you.
On our radar: The North Brooklyn Runners, www.northbrooklynrunners.org

Brooklyn Bridge Park: www.brooklynbridgepark.org/events/public-events/recreation
The park offers several free recreation classes throughout the year. Check the schedule intermittently to see when guided activities such as kayaking, volleyball and biking take place.
On our radar: Sunset Pilates, visit the website for scheduling info

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