Clear Ice & Bitters
An intimate cocktail experience
for both private and corporate clients
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 classes 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.
Our Services
Experience Packages:
Our Specialist will spend time with individuals, asking questions and hearing their stories in a short journey of discovery.
She then builds a cocktail with or without alcohol that reflects that individual - and only that individual - in that moment.
Class Packages:
Participants learn to create cocktails with or without alcohol by discovering the power of flavor, the persuasion of color and shape, the essence of texture, and how to capture emotion in a glass.
Clear Ice & Bitters provides everything except spirits, including:
home made syrups, shrubs, and concentrates
fresh and local fruits, herbs, and vegetables
unique and artistic glasses and coasters
assorted garnishes and accoutrements
dozens of different bitters
top-shelf mixers
Clear Ice
* The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board requires hosts to make any alcohol purchases.
Class at FIG Industries
Corporate Clients
Professional events can be held on-site or at an event facility, and typically are groups of twelve or more.
They are two to three hours long, with the option to add time initially or on-site, at an additional charge.
Open House Experience Package $1500
Leaving a memorable impression with the flexibility of a "drop-in" format, this experience draws people together and encourages conversation. Perfect for holidays, gallery openings, and small shop events.
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 $1500
Establishing a "space within a space,"
hosts select this package when they want a unique, shared experience for their guests, employees, or clients.
Private Clients
Private events are two hours long,
and can be in-home or small event space,
with the option to add time initially or on-site,
at an additional charge.
Intimate Experience Package $500
Perfect for up to six friends or family in a cozy environment,
recalling old memories and making new ones.
(Additional guests will require extra time.)
"Changing the Rules" Class Package $500
Up to eight participants learn to use all five senses to create curated cocktails for their friends and family.
(Additional guests require extra time.)
Young People's Package $500
Something unique and different for special occasions (graduations, mitzvahs, birthdays, sports teams, etc.), this event modifies either the Intimate Experience or "Changing the Rules" to complement the occasion.
(Extra guests will require extra time.)
Ticketed Events
Two-hour Ticketed Experience
$75 per person; minimum 6 people;
group rates upon request (2 hours)
Two-hour Ticketed "Changing the Rules" Class
$75 per person; minimum 6 people;
group rates upon request (2 hours)
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, a
spects 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 of course, but because of the 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.
Upcoming Public Events
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.Most events are two or three hours,giving everyone time to be in the moment, luxuriate in the experience,and feel welcomed and celebrated.
"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
We harvest the herbs
fresh from our greenhouse.
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:
