Cocktails & Create: Bombay Sapphire Zoom masterclass with Joey Yu and Franck Dedieu

Bombay Sapphire has launched a brand new masterclass as part of its Stir Creativity at Home series. The leading premium gin brand invites gin enthusiasts and art lovers alike to join a one-hour virtual class to hone their cocktail-making and illustration skills from the comfort of their homes. Kicking off the bank holiday weekend, the Cocktails & Create workshop will take place on Friday 22^nd May and will bring together the creative minds of two spectacular co-hosts: artist and illustrator Joey Yu and award-winning bartender Franck Dedieu.

This virtual two-part workshop follows research conducted by Onepoll that reveals that 83% want to be “more creative”, with respondents to the survey citing creativity as a great way to accomplish both “self-expression” (48%) and “a sense of achievement” (54%). As part of the brand’s commitment to Stir Creativity, Bombay Sapphire has brought together pioneering creatives from the world of cocktails and art to offer budding creatives of all abilities a chance to create unique drinks and illustration masterpieces that they can be proud of.

When asked which form of creativity they would most like to improve, 60% said they would like to hone their “drawing and painting” skills, which is why Bombay Sapphire has enlisted the support of award-winning artist and illustrator Joey Yu. Joey will guide guests through the process of drawing their own bold, modern window scene, which will be either an interpretation of the current view from their window at home or a reimagination of a view that is special to them, perhaps one that has inspired their creativity in the past.

During the masterclass, Franck Dedieu – winner of international bartending awards –  will show guests how to create two cocktails, a G&T Twist and classic Bramble cocktail, using the iconic Bombay Sapphire gin (purchase here) and new Bombay Bramble (purchase here). Bombay Bramble is a bold new gin bursting with the with colours and flavours of blackberries and raspberries from a 100% natural fruit infusion. Dedieu is an expert when it comes to making showstopping drinks and has an impressive cabinet of awards under his belt, as well as a wealth of experience at some of the world’s most prestigious venues such as Michelin-starred restaurant L’Antiquaire in Lyon, London Edition Hotel and coveted cocktail bar, Coupette. Bringing his creative flair to the workshop, Franck will offer tips and tricks on cocktail creativity throughout, such as how to add a twist to a classic G&T using simple store cupboard staple items found at home.

Attendees will be invited to follow along via the video-conferencing platform Zoom and will also have a chance to ask the experts questions along the way via the chat function for a fully immersive experience. 

30 complimentary tickets will be available for the exclusive masterclass via Eventbrite from Wednesday 13^th May. The Eventbrite page features ingredients and crafts lists, so guests can prepare ahead of time. Please note that the 30 complimentary tickets do not include drink and art supplies – details on where to buy the supplies can be found on the Eventbrite page. 

Joey Yu commented: “There is no better time to explore your creative side than right now and Illustration is one of the most accessible art mediums for people to engage with. You don’t need lots of expensive tools and supplies to get started, just simply pick up a pen and come and join in. The concept of ‘windowscapes’ allows us to re-imagine the world and depict what it is we want to see when we look out at the world. Whether it’s based on a memory, somewhere we’ve always aspired to visit, or maybe just our current view with a different perspective.”

Brand ambassador Franck Dedieu commented: “Mastering cocktail serves is a brilliant way to get creative at home – your kitchen store cupboard provides a myriad of unique garnishes and ingredients that you might not have realised could be cocktail components before. Bombay Sapphire gin is the perfect starting point for all types of cocktails with a perfectly balanced profile that makes flavour combinations limitless.”

The editorial unit