Public Classes and Events
Our current line up of events at venues across southeast Michigan. Check back often- classes are added as soon as they are scheduled!
Thursday, August 13, 2026
6:30-9:00 PM
The War Memorial32 Lake Shore RoadGrosse Pointe Farms, MI, 48236United States (map)
Join us on as we travel back to the 1920s to explore the forbidden liquors and forgotten recipes of Prohibition in the US. At midnight on January 17, 1920 the entire US was supposed to go “dry”, but many Americans chose to do anything but. This evening will consist of history, stories, and century-old cocktails as we revisit this pivotal period that continues to influence our modern society.
Your guide for the evening is local cocktail historian Beth Vandergrift of Liquor & Lore, who will walk you guide you on a tale through the unspoken elixirs of America’s “driest” period. For each cocktail, Beth will demonstrate the technique, guests will craft their own, and then everyone will sip together while Beth shares the fascinating stories behind the spirit.
Throughout the event, attendees will also enjoy paired bites from the War Memorial kitchen.
The discussion will be centered around the legislation of Prohibition itself, The Purple Gang and their smuggling operations from Windsor to Detroit, and the history of the Bacardi brand and a landmark New York State Supreme Court decision in the 1930s.
Guests will end the night with the recipes for the cocktails and ingredients used in the class, along with a deeper understanding of the Prohibition era.
Must by 21+ and menu substitutions cannot be made.
Cocktail Class:
Scofflaws and Speakeasies
Friday, August 7, 2026
6:00-8:30pm
The Michigan Room
Inside the Glass Academy
25331 Trowbridge St.
Dearborn, MI 48124
This event is to participate in a cocktail class and WATCH a glassblowing demonstration.
In this class, we’ll explore the pivotal role Detroit played in the illicit liquor trade during Prohibition. We’ll begin in the Michigan Room at the Glass Academy, where local cocktail historian Beth Vandergrift will lead a discussion about Prohibition, the Purple Gang, Al Capone, and more, while guiding guests through the creation of the Southside Cocktail.
Then the group will head to the Hot Shop to watch a live and informative glassblowing demonstration.
Afterwards we’ll return to the Michigan Room to continue our discussion and craft the Angel Face cocktail. Participants will end the evening with the recipes used in the class, a better understanding of the artistry of handcrafted glassware, and a few historical anecdotes to share with friends.
Must be 21+ to attend.
Cocktail Class:
Farm to Glass
Friday, August 21, 2026
6:00-8:30pm
The Michigan Room
Inside the Glass Academy
25331 Trowbridge St.
Dearborn, MI 48124
This event is to participate in a cocktail class and WATCH a glassblowing demonstration.
It’s harvest season and we’re celebrating by using fresh local produce in our cocktails. It's going to be a FRESH class!
Join us in The Michigan Room at the Glass Academy for an evening full of farm-fresh ingredients, live glassblowing demonstrations, and discussion led by local cocktail historian Beth Vandergrift.
This is an interactive experience where you’ll build each cocktail yourself in the class while also learning the proper techniques so you can easily recreate at home.
We’ll begin in the Michigan Room where Beth will guide guests through the making of their own customized cocktail using a variety of local produce before we head over to the Hot Shop, drink in hand, to attend a live glassblowing demonstration.
Then we’ll return to the Michigan Room for a second cocktail featuring switchel (described as early America’s Gatorade) and more history. Guests will end the night with a memorable glass-blowing experience, all the recipes used in the class, and the knowledge to recreate these cocktails at home.
Must be 21+ to attend.
