HotelChatter

· Hard Rock Hotel Chicago
For its mixology lesson, the Hard Rock is going for the hard stuff, absinthe. The U.S. formerly banned the high-proof spirit, which was said to cause hallucinations. See if you go crazy for the anise-flavored drink at Base Bar's complimentary tasting and class on February 9 at 5:30, 6 or 6:30 p.m. You'll get schooled on the composition and creation of absinthe as well as learn how to concoct a classic sazerac.

· Hotel Hershey
Of course any drinking class held at the Hotel Hershey will revolve around chocolate. On Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. throughout February, the hotel's Iberian Lounge will teach you how to pour chocolate martinis for free. It's the perfect cocktail to whip up for Valentine's Day.

· The Dorchester Hotel, London
Think sazeracs and chocolate martinis are for amateurs? Head to The Dorchester, where you can book a private cocktail master class with Giuliano Morandin, who is touted as the cocktail authority in the U.K. and has worked the hotel bar for more than 30 years. Shaking the sauce with a cocktail celeb will cost you: Each master class lasts for two hours and is £200 ($314) for a minimum of two people, and £50 ($78) for each additional person.

[Photo: Southern Foodways Alliance]