Couples Weeks at Four Seasons Resort Orlando Feature Complimentary Mixology Courses For Resort Guests (Review)
Hi everyone!
The Four Seasons Resort Orlando is offering Couples Weeks, which include special resort packages and offerings for couples throughout September. Incorporated into these weekends are mixology courses twice per week, complimentary for guests staying at the resort (up to 12 guests per session). One of my favorite aspects of Four Seasons Resort Orlando is that even though it is very family friendly, the resort also caters to the adult market in a very big way. From the Oasis adult-only pool (and oh, do I love an adults only pool!) to the Tranquilo Golf Club, the resort allows guests to enjoy adult time in a relaxed setting. Any day we can get away to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando is a good day for us, and on this day we were invited to try out one of the new mixology courses. It is also National Bourbon Heritage Month, a perfect time to learn about bourbon at the only AAA Five-Diamond Resort in Central Florida.
The Ravello restaurant includes a demonstration room that was designed for classes. A lineup of the different bottles that we’d be using was sitting on a countertop, including Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon.
Mixologist Anna McElroy led the class, which is themed to “She Said Wine, He Said Bourbon”.
We started out mixing a City Slicker Sour. The drink includes Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon, Cointreau, lemon juice and simple syrup.
It was also my first time cracking an egg for a drink. I wasn’t sure how much I would enjoy that addition, but it gave the drink more fullness.
This is a strong but delicious drink, and looks pretty too. The Cabernet Souvignon gives it a lovely finish.
Our next drink was a Bourbon Old Fashioned. It includes bourbon, sugar and club soda.
The class is small enough where questions can be handled easily.
I only took a couple of sips of this one because I enjoyed my first drink so much (and because the first drink was more than enough alcohol for me).
Jeff enjoyed this one even more than the first.
We also mixed a Mint Julep, which is not part of the usual class. I’ve only tried a Mint Julep (not including the non-alcoholic Disneyland version) once at Disneyland’s Club 33, and this was spot-on to what I remember.
The classes add a nice added value to a stay at the resort. And I’m always interested in learning something new when on a trip!
An additional bourbon class was led by PB&G Manager Jessie Kneitel (this was not part of the usual event). PB&G is the Pool Bar & Grill, which serves “Southern-inspired fresh Florida fare”. We went out for appetizers and more bourbon testing and information. The appetizers we tried that include Bourbon Glazed Beef Brisket Sliders are not on the menu currently, but they are indicative of the type of food found at PB&G (we’ve eaten here several times).
I would love to see the slider on the menu!
Deviled Eggs.
This is the PB&G Signature Four Roses Bourbon in a barrel, only found at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando.
Kneitel talked to us about the different bourbons.
I have never tried straight bourbon before, and used a spoon and some ice to water it down slightly.
And after we were finished with our class, we stopped at Lickety Split to purchase gelato. It is really a must-do when visiting the Four Seasons Resort Orlando! There are so many different flavors that rotate and the gelato is made in-house.
New to me this visit was the Carrot Cake Gelato. And it was as good as it looks here.
Worth every penny? Absolutely.
Thank you to the Four Seasons Resort Orlando for having us out! We highly recommend visiting this lovely resort for Couples Weeks – or any week. It is a perfect base to visit Walt Disney World or just to enjoy a relaxing getaway (with or without the kids).
Here is a listing of the different classes still to come for September.
Couples “Mix & Mingle” Mixology Classes, 3-4 pm
Demonstration Kitchen in Ravello
Join us to shake & stir things up with the resort’s leading team of mixologists. Couples will learn how to make some of the resort’s signature cocktails. Cheers!
Classes are complimentary; however attendees must reserve their spot by 3pm the day before. Space is limited; call ext. 6161 to reserve.
Saturday, September 5
Plancha
Since this drink originates in Cuba, it’s fitting for Cuban-American restaurant Plancha to highlight the history of the mojito and how to make their version of the perfect Plancha Mojito.
Wednesday, September 9
Ravello
“Spirit of Amare” Nightcap cocktails
Learn to make two different after-dinner drinks, including “Sweetie Pie” for the ladies, with Stoli Vanilla, Tito’s Vodka, Fresh Lime Juice and a Biscotti rim; and the “Italian Stallion” for the gentlemen, with Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Disaronno Amaretto and Black Walnut bitters.
Saturday, September 12
PB&G
With the theme of “She Said Wine, He Said Bourbon,” learn how to make PB&G’s “City Slicker Sour” which has both Cabernet and PB&G’s custom blend of Four Roses Select Bourbon, plus Cointreau, Egg White, and Lemon to make a frothy, classic sour.
Wednesday, September 16
Capa
Learn how to make Capa’s version of a refreshing mojito, the “Mojito Moderno.” Unlike the Plancha Mojto, the taste and texture of this revised classic will surprise you.
Saturday, September 19
The Lobby Bar
If you like bourbon, this drink’s for you! Bartender Ryan Wolfe has come up with “Ryan’s Root Beer,” evoking the taste of a root beer float, but with Woodford Reserve Bourbon and ginger, and a custom vermouth ice cube. You’ll also make the “Sloe Lovin’” – a cocktail named to set the tone for couples! This cocktail features Nolet’s Gin, Sloe Gin, Cocchi Rosa and lemon.
Wednesday, September 23
Plancha
Learn how to make one of Plancha’s top-selling drinks, the Hemingway Daiquiri, with Don Q rum, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup and Luxardo.
Saturday, September 26
Capa
Learn how to make one of Capa’s signature Spanish theme cocktails, the “In Spanish Fashion.”
Wednesday, September 30
Lickety Split
Did you know: liqueur can taste amazing when paired with coffee? Discover the Cold Brew Cocktail, which is paired with our Italian coffee and several liqueurs, plus a house made lavender syrup for a hint of floral to the rich taste.
Here is the press release for Couples Weeks!
—–
Open one year ago today,
Couples Weeks will feature added offerings, including twice-weekly mixology classes so couples can “shake and stir” things up, as well as “Dinner & a Movie” nights. Every Friday night throughout the select Couples Weeks, the “Starstruck Screen” at the Explorer Pool will feature romantic comedies and the option of ordering poolside dinner. Special dinner stations will be offered with alternating themes, including a sushi station, tartare bar, grilled flatbreads on the Big Green Egg, charcuterie, and sweet and savoury crepes. Also, The Oasis adult-only pool for guests ages 21 and older will offer extra complimentary amenities, such as infused fruits, each afternoon.
The Couples Stay and Play package includes two welcome cocktails, a guaranteed late check out of 2:00 pm to enjoy extra time to sleep in and unlimited in-room movies, plus the couples’ choice of a 50-minute Spa treatment for two, a golf lesson for two, or a tennis lesson for two.
“This package gives couples the perfect excuse to check in without kids in tow,” says Thomas Steinhauer, General Manager. “It’s true there’s a lot for families to do in Orlando, but there’s also so much fun for adults to experience.”
The fun Steinhauer references includes the theme parks and more – from fine dining at one of the Resort’s six restaurants, to a sumptuous spa and many recreation offerings –
The Foodie Couple
“Foodies” will enjoy dining at one of the Resort’s six restaurants, including the signature rooftop restaurant, Capa, which offers views of the nightly Magic Kingdom Park fireworks. Ideal for couples seeking a romantic dinner, tapas or expertly grilled prime meats can be enjoyed on the terrace overlooking scenic lakes and woodlands. Numerous other options abound with Ravello, Plancha, PB&G, The Lobby Bar and Lickety Split. Throughout the month of September,
The Yogis/Spa-Goers
“Zen” couples will surely be impressed by the Resort’s 18-treatment-room Spa, which has spacious co-ed relaxation areas. The Spa’s six couples’ suites are ideal for enjoying side-by-side massages. Separate his-and-hers locker rooms feature steam rooms, Experience Showers, and outdoor whirlpools. Both indoor and outdoor co-ed relaxation lounges ensure plenty of time is spent together while Spa-going as a twosome. Adjacent to The Spa is an extensive fitness centre open 24-hours. Classes, including yoga on the lawn or spinning in the cardio studio, are regularly offered.
The Outdoors Enthusiasts
Active couples rejoice: the 26-acre (10.5 hectare) Resort offers something for all sports enthusiasts. Tranquilo Golf Club, an 18-hole Tom Fazio course rated the #1 course in Orlando by Golf Advisor, makes one feel connected with nature due to is beautiful, secluded woodland location. For the tennis lover, the Resort offers three Har-Tru tennis courts and a program with Peter Burwash International. Jogging trails, a rock climbing wall, sand volleyball court and basketball court can also provide hours of recreational fun on property. After working up a sweat, couples can cool off at one of the Resort’s five pool options.
The “Pajamas All Day” Couple
For the couple that loves to relax in the sanctuary of their well-appointed guest room, the signature Four Seasons customisable bed beckons. With the late check out of 2:00 pm that comes with the package, as well as the unlimited in-room movies, who needs to get out of bed, anyway? The guest room and suite 5-piece baths have soaking tubs and in-mirror TVs, plus Bose surround sound. Couples can set the mood with their own iPod playlist, and take advantage of the convenient bedside “privacy” setting.
The Disney Couple
Disney enthusiasts and savvy thrill-seeking adults know it’s fun to indulge their inner child and experience daring attractions at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Epcot’s World Showcase allows an opportunity to explore different countries, including drinks from “around the world,” whether it’s a beer from Germany or sake from Japan. Strolling through Paris in Epcot, enjoying the street performers and a glass of wine with a delicious chocolate crepe, makes an ideal date night. The nearby Downtown Disney Area provides ample entertainment for the 21 and older crowd, with live entertainment, shopping, and many new restaurants, including The Boathouse, which offers rides on “amphicars.”
Whether celebrating an anniversary, babymoon, mini-moon or just for fun, Couples Weeks have never been more ideal for couples in Orlando.
Couples Weeks will be offered from August 17, 2015 throughout the month of September, as well as December 1-17, 2015. Additional Couples Weeks dates will be announced. For reservations: 1 800 267 3046.