Taste of DC Academy: BBQ & Bourbon!

💰 General Admission: $92.38 per person (including fees)
🗓️ Thursdays from August 6th to August 27th
⏰ 7:00 PM–8:30 PM
📍National Union Building, F Street Northwest, Washington, DC, USA
👤 This is a 21+ only

About the event:

Celebrate one of America’s most beloved culinary traditions at the Taste of DC Academy with a hands-on class dedicated to classic BBQ flavors and bourbon cocktails. In this interactive 90-minute experience, guests will explore the fundamentals of great barbecue while learning how to craft bourbon-based cocktails that perfectly complement smoky, savory dishes.

Guided by an instructor, you’ll dive into the building blocks of great BBQ—learning about seasoning rubs, sauces, and cooking techniques that create bold flavor and mouthwatering texture. Along the way, you’ll explore the regional inspirations behind American barbecue and how different flavor profiles—from sweet and tangy to smoky and spicy—come together to define this iconic cuisine.

As the BBQ flavors come together, you’ll also step into the world of bourbon cocktails, learning how this distinctly American spirit shines in classic mixed drinks. Guests will sample and explore several bourbon styles while discovering how ingredients like citrus, bitters, herbs, and syrups create cocktails that balance beautifully with rich BBQ flavors.

At the end of the class, you’ll sit down to enjoy a meal featuring the BBQ dishes you’ve learned about, paired with bourbon cocktails designed to highlight the flavors of the food.

Whether you’re a backyard grill enthusiast, a bourbon lover, or simply looking for a lively night out with friends, this class blends culinary technique, cocktail craft, and a relaxed social atmosphere.

Highlights:

🔥 Explore the fundamentals of American BBQ, including classic seasoning rubs, sauces, and flavor-building techniques
🥩 Learn about regional BBQ traditions and the flavor profiles that define this iconic American cuisine
🥃 Discover how to craft bourbon cocktails, learning techniques for balancing citrus, bitters, sweetness, and spirit
🍹 Guided tasting of bourbon cocktails and how they pair with smoky, savory barbecue dishes
🧑‍🍳 Interactive culinary experience blending food education with cocktail craft in a fun and social environment
🍽 Enjoy a meal featuring BBQ dishes inspired by the class, paired with bourbon cocktails
🎉 Perfect for date nights, friend groups, and food lovers looking for a bold and flavorful culinary experience in DC

DETAILS & TICKETS