The Art of the Nightcap, Volume 2: The Sour
PART WORKSHOP. PART HAPPY HOUR. PULL UP A STOOL.
Every great cocktail has a moment — the precise shake, the measured pour, the final flourish across the top. The difference between ordinary and exceptional lives in those details.
Art of the Nightcap at Granada Hotel in downtown San Luis Obispo is our invitation to pull up a stool and see how it’s done. This intimate cocktail workshop celebrates the drinks that define the evening. Led by Nightcap’s expert mixologists, each one-hour session spotlights a single cocktail family, sharing the craft, history, and subtle techniques that turn a good drink into a great one — with just a touch of theatre along the way.
Each one-hour session traces a cocktail from its classic roots to Nightcap’s elevated take. Guests will enjoy a guided demonstration, taste components along the way, and end the class with the finished Nightcap creation in hand.
For our second installment on April 29th, we will move to sours—bright, silky, and effortlessly balanced.
Why Sours?
Sours are having a major moment—and for good reason. These cocktails are built on the timeless balance of spirit, citrus, and sweetness. But within the category, two standouts continue to define both its legacy and its evolution: the Whiskey Sour and the Clover Club.
The Whiskey Sour remains the blueprint. It’s approachable, endlessly adaptable, and a masterclass in balance—making it the perfect entry point for understanding the sour structure. Its resurgence on modern menus speaks to a broader return to classics done right, where technique and quality ingredients make all the difference.
The Clover Club, on the other hand, represents the category’s more refined, expressive side—and has become a true Nightcap favorite. With its delicate berry notes and elegant presentation, it captures the growing demand for cocktails that feel both elevated and intentional. It’s a drink that turns heads—visually striking, texturally rich, and layered in flavor.
What to Expect at the Workshop
Part workshop, part happy hour, this immersive session invites you behind the bar to explore the craft of sours—one of the most iconic and versatile families in cocktail culture. Guided by our bar team, you’ll learn the techniques that turn simple ingredients into something exceptional.
Throughout the evening, guests will:
Learn the origin story of the sour, from its classic roots to its modern revival
Explore the anatomy of balance, understanding how spirit, citrus, and sweetness work in harmony
Master the shake that creates that signature silky foam
Perfect the pour for a smooth, structured finish
Garnish with precision, elevating both presentation and aroma
By the end of the class, you’ll leave with:
A Nightcap’s secret recipe
The confidence to order (or make) it exactly right
Seats are limited and available for $50 per person. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur or just getting started, this is your chance to shake, sip, and discover the art behind the perfect sour.