Well stop dreaming and start shaking. Shish Bar in Hoxton is running a course that teaches you how to mix a mean cocktail, so you'll never have to serve a blasé vodka tonic again.

Groups of six are talked through a basic history of cocktails, then shown
how to 'free pour' - without counting aloud. So pro! Once you've got pouring mastered, you'll learn how to concoct five classic cocktails that will make you look like a cocktail connoisseur at any gathering.

And at the end of session, you get to drink two of your creations, which is a good reason to pay attention. All you need now is the beautiful people.... Cosmo anyone?

Shish cocktail courses £30 per person - from Oct 1 until end of November
Shish Hoxton, 313-319 Old Street, EC1
Call 020 7749 0990 for more details

RP