Relaxed, hilarious, and boozy, Cocktail Lab - Improv Drinks is the perfect way to start an evening of FRINGE. Conveniently located on Francis Street, Frisk Small Bar is less than a two-minute walk from all of the action of the FRINGE WORLD Pleasure Garden (aka Russel Square).

Led by Frisk Small Bar Co-owner John McAndrew, Cocktail Lab masterfully balances entertainment and education. McAndrew guides the audience through a masterclass on different spirits and how to use them. He explains how different spirits change not only the flavour but also the texture of a drink - think margarita vs daiquiri vs gimlet. Learn what flavour barrel aging imparts and how vodka is made with more than just potatoes. If you’ve ever wondered why some drinks are shaken and others stirred, or which spirits go best with lemon and which with lime, McAndrew has the answer. What may sound dry is made thoroughly entertaining with McAndrew’s humour and engagement with the audience. Despite the sophisticated topic, the show is unpretentious and beginner-friendly.

The second part of the show is where the “Improv Drinks” aspect comes in. The audience challenges McAndrew to create a cocktail based on their most outlandish suggestions. For my show, we had a song, Krafty Kuts’ Freakshow; a movie, Braveheart; a mood, horny; and a place, Middle-earth. From that McAndrew created a cocktail combining one element inspired by each prompt. For example, “horny” inspired the use of oyster shell gin due to their alleged aphrodisiac qualities. Once finished each audience member tasted the concoction and voted on whether it was “good or sh**”. Create the best name for the drink, and you win the rest of the glass.

Cocktail Lab - Improv Drinks is fun, unpretentious and surprisingly educational. A great night on its own or the perfect warm up for an evening in the Pleasure Garden, McAndrew’s knowledge and humour is not to be missed.