GIN and rum lovers can try their hand at making their own bespoke drinks at the only spirit school in the country.

The Liquor Studio, located above Hedonist Bar on Lower Briggate in Leeds city centre, has traditionally focused solely on the popular spirit of gin and it has been hosting successful gin creation classes - where visitors create and take home their own 50cl bespoke bottle of the good stuff, as well as g&t tasting sessions and cocktail masterclasses.

Now the Liquor Studio has announced it is to add to its offer, welcoming spiced rum in October and whiskies in 2021 - making it the only spiced rum class in the North of England and the only spirit school in the country.

Founders Jon Lee and Dan Crowther are excited about the company’s growth.

“Gin continues to be a much-loved spirit,” says Jon.

“We love working with it but venturing further into the spirit world is really exciting for us - we’re pretty proud to become the only one of our kind in the country.”

The Spiced Rum Creation Class launches on Wednesday, October 7 and will run four days a week, though the team can be flexible for groups and private bookings.

“The Spiced Rum Classes will have the same feel as the Gin Creation Classes,” explains co-founder Dan.

“You will be greeted with a rum cocktail and sample various expressions, learn more about its raucous history, choose how you want to flavour, blend it, and take your own bespoke rum home with you. We even keep your blend on our records so you can reorder any time.”

Whilst the team works behind the scenes to add to the business, the Gin Experience continues front of house, offering masterclasses, meeting spaces, corporate events, private classes, and group parties.

With rules around meetings and events are changing daily, it is advisable to contact the studio to discuss requirements.

“We get great feedback from our all our classes and events,” says Dan.

“They’re a joy to work on and our visitors always have a great time. We look forward to welcoming many more and opening our doors to all the non-gin drinkers.”

The Liquor Studio is above Hedonist Bar on Lower Briggate in Leeds City Centre

Here’s their recipe for a Rhubarb Sour gin cocktail:

25ml Gin (Lemon, cardamom & thyme Studio Gin works well)

25ml Aperol

25ml Homemade Rhubarb Shrub**

25ml Lemon

1 Egg white / 3 tbsp Aquafaba (ve)

1 Basil Leaf

For Homemade Rhubarb Shrub: Take 400g of fresh rhubarb, cut it up into small pieces and split the weight evenly between two tubs.

In one tub add 200g of sugar, in the other add 100g of apple cider vinegar; shake both tubs well and leave in the fridge for 24 hours.

Drain the liquid from the vinegar tub and add it to the sugar tub, leave for 24 hours.

Drain the liquid through a strainer and there you have your homemade rhubarb shrub - great in drinks or desserts!

Method (for the Rhubarb Sour drink):

Combine all ingredients apart from the basil leaf into a cocktail tin (a jar with a lid will suffice) and fill with ice.

Shake hard for 20 seconds. This will chill and dilute your cocktail to perfection.

Discard the ice and shake again; this will create the lovely foam.

Pour into a chilled glass and garnish with a basil leaf.

* For more about the Liquor Studio and its classes go to liquorstudio.co.uk