I took a cruise, and learnt to make a Martini James Bond would be proud of

These cruise lines are raising the bar on the afternoon tipple with these cocktail-making classes, leaving guests shaken and stirred.

I’m sitting at the bar aboard Silversea’s Silver Nova learning when it’s better to shake and not stir. 

James Bond would approve of this Espresso Martini I have just concocted in the S.A.L.T. Bar under the expert guidance of Peruvian mixologist Alfredo. The Negroni’s not bad either.

Mixology classes at sea present are the perfect way to learn a new skill (or brush up on one) on a sea day. The idea behind Silversea’s S.A.L.T (Sea and Land Taste) concept is to use fresh and local ingredients, and on this cruise from Adelaide to Sydney, we are using Aussie-made spirits and freshly farmed garnishes.

Alfredo instructs us on the four techniques of shaking, stirring, blending and mixing a cocktail directly in the glass (a Mojito being a good example) before showing us how he makes the signature cocktail on this ship, the Celestial Nova. It’s a scene-stealing Champagne cocktail with rhubarb and ginger gin, introduced with a bursting smoky bubble. 

I’m sitting at the bar aboard Silversea’s Silver Nova learning when it’s better to shake and not stir. Picture: Supplied.

Our class, full of eager students, holds its collective breath before the bubble pops, and then claps. These master mixologists will also help you understand how botanicals in a locally made gin influence the flavour, and how to appreciate the nuances of local whisky.

On Oceania Cruises’ new Oceania Allura, which launches in July, there will be a number of mixology experiences to sample, including interactive cocktail experiences at the Bubbly Bar, where you can be creative and customise your own drink under the guidance of the bar staff using sparkling wines, Champagne, prosecco, and liqueurs, as well as an array of homemade syrups and purees.

The idea behind Silversea’s S.A.L.T concept is to use fresh and local ingredients. Picture: Supplied.

And at the Ultimate Bloody Mary Bar, cruisers will be able to think beyond the classic recipe during a hosted lunch in the Terrace Café using a variety of vegetables and unique garnishes such as spicy shrimp, stuffed olives and dried bacon.

There is also a rum experience known as the Brugal 1888 Rum Tea at Sea Seminar, where students can learn how tea has influenced mixology since the 17th century. They even take it to a cooler level with the Brugal 1888 & Ice Cream Masterclass to learn how to make ice-cream-inspired Brugal 1888 rum cocktails.

There will be a number of mixology experiences to sample on Oceania Cruises’ new Oceania Allura. Picture: Supplied.

Celebrity Cruises offers mixology classes that take cues from its destinations. Singapore Sling or Blue Hawaii anyone? At the Mixology 101 at Sea classes, guests are invited to draw inspiration from their surroundings while learning from the skilled mixologists. The cruise line also offers a Martini Masterclass for guests to learn the subtle differences that makes this classic an icon by making three different Martinis.

Holland America Line has a mixology program that typically takes place on the first sea day of each sailing, either in the Ocean Bar or Gallery Bar. During these hour-long sessions, the bar staff showcase four cocktails, offering the history behind each drink and involving guests in the mixing process. The cruise line will be adding our regional cocktails to its mixology classes this northern summer.

Originally published as I took a cruise, and learnt to make a Martini James Bond would be proud of