Robert Taylor has been the head mixologist at the Ritz-Carlton’s Fyve Lounge in Pentagon City for 22 years, and he’s still going as strong as a super-dry martini. Locals are drawn to his bar not simply for the quietude (which isn’t easy to find these days), but also for the top-notch service and well-crafted, creative cocktails.
His most buzzworthy libation is perhaps his levitating cocktail—a potion whose color changes as he mixes the ingredients (butterfly pea flower tea, gin, St-Germain) in a glass that hovers in thin air above its base. The trick is a process called “quantum locking” that uses magnets and an electrical field.
Taylor’s not inclined to give away all of his secrets, but you can learn a thing or two about mixology in his cleverly named “Taylor Made” cocktail classes. One upcoming tutorial on Jan. 19 will feature two libations: the Red, White and Blue Libertini, featuring vodka and blue curacao; and the bourbon-and-St-Germain-based Puzzle Palace. On Feb. 16, participants in a special Valentine’s class will learn to mix up a Love Martini (vodka, schnapps, rum) and a Half-Sized Negroni, with mezcal standing in for gin.
Classes are held from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at communal tables in the Ritz-Carlton’s swanky bar. The $35 per person price (10 people max) includes light bites such as charcuterie and cheese, crabcake sliders and coconut shrimp. And, of course, you get to drink the cocktails you make.