Death & Co. Mixology Masterclass at Alaloa Lounge: Hands-On Cocktail Class

Death & Co. Mixology Masterclass at the Alaloa Lounge is an immersive, hands-on tasting that brings the craft and history of New York’s seminal cocktail bar to a resort setting. Held at the Alaloa Lounge (meeting point provided), the 90-minute session is led by Senior Director of Operations Matthew Belanger and Death & Co. LA Head Bartender Michael Perez, who walk guests through the philosophy, technique, and flavor thinking behind Death & Co.’s most celebrated pours.

Guests begin with a welcome cocktail, then move into a guided tasting of signature drinks paired with curated bites. The experience focuses on practical skills—stirring and shaking methods, spirit selection, balancing sweet and bitter, and finishing techniques—so attendees leave with recipes and confidence to recreate the drinks at home. The class emphasizes tasting and sensory cues rather than abstract jargon: how acidity alters balance, why dilution matters, and how bitters and garnishes change the final mouthfeel.

What makes this masterclass notable for travelers is its placement inside resort life. After a day of hiking, paddleboarding, or beach time, the session provides a focused evening activity that connects visitors to a global cocktail lineage while staying firmly rooted in an intimate lounge environment. Death & Co.’s reputation for measured technique and layered flavors translates well to the relaxed but refined hotel bar scene, giving travelers a taste of metropolitan bartending without leaving their destination.

This is a social, educational experience built for curious home bartenders, couples looking for an elevated date night, and small groups who want hands-on instruction. Attendance requires age 21 or older; plan for a 1.5-hour window that includes time for questions and personalized tips. Reservations are recommended—space is limited and the format rewards small groups. Bring a government ID, wear resort-casual attire, and come ready to taste.

The class also functions as a cultural note: Death & Co. began in Manhattan and helped define modern craft cocktail culture, and these instructors bring that lineage into a resort setting where hospitality and technique meet. Whether you’re chasing the next great sunset hike or a quiet evening indoors, the masterclass is a compact, high-value way to elevate your stay, learn real skills, and leave with recipes that last well after the trip ends.

Expect intimate lighting, polished glassware, and methodical pacing that favors tasting over theatrics; instructors prioritize technique and palate education rather than flashy showmanship. The menu typically includes a welcome cocktail, a flight of two to three signature cocktails, and small bites to reset the palate between sips. Printed recipes or digital follow-ups are often provided so guests can practice at home. Meeting point is Alaloa Lounge; check your booking confirmation for exact start time, accessibility details, and any dietary notes.