Clear Ice & Bitters
An intimate cocktail experience
Cocktails are works of art that feed ALL of the senses.
It's not just a cocktail, it's an experience.
Our specialist spends time with each guest, asking questions, hearing their stories - a short journey of discovery -
and then builds a cocktail that reflects that person and only that person, in that moment.
We begin by creating a majestic, colorful sensory layout to greet your guests:
three tiers of stunning one-of-a-kind glasses, a fragrant garden of fresh herbs and fruits,
an auditorium-style display of dozens of bitters and balsamics,
and a pyramid of our own syrups, concentrates, and shrubs.
And then, one by one, each guest answers simple questions about preferred colors, childhood pets,
favorite menu items, and more. As they speak, specific elements are selected and added to the shaker;
and a glass is chosen. While mixing, the Cocktail Specialist entertains with drink histories,
explains the processes of creating high quality spirits, and answers questions about ingredients, glass type, and garnishes.
Guests become aware of the sound of the ice breaking, diluting, and chilling the beverage.
Finally, the pour and presentation.
Placed on a distinctive coaster that completes the drink, the guest feels as if they are the "only person in the room."
They see, smell, feel, and taste the cocktail. It is a one-of-a-kind representation of themselves in a glass.
Take the opportunity to up your cocktail game
or just learn the basics.
Clear Ice & Bitters offers in-home classes and corporate events
where you will discover the power of flavor,
the persuasion of color and shape,
the essence of texture, and how to capture emotion in a glass,
with or without alcohol.
Ours is not a standard cocktail-making class, instead embracing the principles of cocktail making we bring to every occasion ~
Cocktails are works of art that feed ALL the senses.
Book an Event / Gift Certificates
JAdams@ClearIceAndBitters.com
617-759-2057
Participants receive the same personal, curated experience whether or not they choose to include alcohol as an ingredient in their cocktails.
Clear Ice & Bitters provides every element,* including extraordinary one-of-a-kind glassware, fresh and locally-sourced fruit and herbs, top-shelf mixers, over four dozen bitters and balsamics, individualized coasters, our own handmade specialty syrups, shrubs, and concentrates, and of course, clear ice.
All events are three hours,
giving everyone time to be in the moment, luxuriate in the experience,
and feel welcomed and celebrated.
* The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requires hosts to make any alcohol purchases.
Intimate Experience Package $1280
Perfect for a small group of friends or family
in a cozy environment,
recalling old memories and making new ones.
Open House Experience Package $1680
Leaving a memorable impression with the flexibility of a "drop-in" format, this experience draws strangers together and encourages conversation. Perfect for holidays, gallery openings, and small shop events.
"Changing the Rules" Class Package $1680
Participants learn to use all five senses to create curated cocktails for their friends, family, and work associates.
Team-building Class Package $1950
Teams work together toward a common goal
in a relaxed and fun atmosphere,
drawing upon each individual's strengths and insights
to build a successful reflection of themselves in a glass.
Celebration Experience Package $1800
Establishing a "space within a space,"
hosts select this package when they want a unique, shared experience for their guests, employees, or clients.
Where did the name "Clear Ice & Bitters" come from?
Fascination with the many types, flavors, and makers of bitters became a turning point in my interest in cocktails.
I was a choral/orchestral conductor, and after every rehearsal, many of the players and singers went out together for a drink. As I watched them order from various menus, it struck me that there had to be more interesting and personal choices than what was apparent. These were highly creative, talented, and dedicated people who regularly engaged their five senses in unique and captivating ways, so I started to think about how to capture each person's essence in a glass. I began by exploring the botanicals and origins of bitters, and became hooked. Soon, I was trying various glasses, aspects of presentation, and other ingredients, but most significantly, how it all affects one's senses.
Experimenting with clear ice was suggested to me by my son,
having seen the effect it had on cocktails.
We agreed it was stunning, but because of its specialized, detailed process to extract all the purities and leave the cubes completely clear, the ice was also without any funky smells or tastes. How slowly the cubes melt was also compelling, because it gives the drink maker more control over the dilution both inside the shaker and the glass. We experimented with ways of making our own clear ice, and finally found a compact, reliable device, the Klaris Ice Maker.
My commitment to engaging all five senses when creating a drink experience
requires the superb quality that clear ice brings -
so much so that it became part of the company name.
Class at FIG Industries
Upcoming Events
Holiday Cocktail Class
@ Ken's Gardens - December 5th
"It was such a wonderful experience to observe Julia work, especially her extensive knowledge of flavors and way of incorporating all senses at once using aromatic garnishes and textured glasses. Using threads unravels from our conversation she wove together some of my core memories into an all-encompassing cocktail that I won't soon forget. I absolutely and wholeheartedly recommend Julia's Clear Ice & Bitters cocktail experience for anyone looking for a master of flavor, style, and conversation to enhance their small group event."
- Joanna B., Joanna Creates Art
Listen to Ray Loewe's podcast "Changing the Rules."
The Luckiest Guy in the World, Ray hosts guests
who have a different outlook on life.
On this episode, Julia talks about the process of
making every person feel special and
how to reflect that in a cocktail.
This episode of Ray Loewe's podcast
"Changing the Rules" continues the Julia's
conversation with Mary Ann and Ray as she
creates a virtual cocktail that reflects Ray from his interesting, uniquely personal answers to her questions, including his visit to the Galápagos Islands.
Bridal or Baby Showers
Corporate Events
Barbeques/Staycations
Birthdays
Team-building events
Holiday Gatherings
Anniversaries
Dinner Parties
A perfect in-home treat for parents of small children or for caretakers of the elderly or adults with special needs -
no babysitter or care provider necessary!
Contact us:
Clear Ice & Bitters
Text or phone: 617-759-2057
Serving Pennsylvania's
Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon,
Cumberland, York, Berks,
and Chester Counties;
other areas by special request
Visit our sister website, celebrating cocktails as works of visual art:
