Do It. Learn how to make classic cocktails [Thirsty Thursdays!].

We Angelenos are surely spoiled by the fantastic cocktail options we have all over town. But sometimes, you can't always -- or don't want -- to go out and get that fancy drink. So why not learn how to make one yourself -- and be taught by one of L.A.'s own master mixologists?

Liquor.com is offering a great deal on a mixology class this Sunday at The Varnish, the speakeasy hidden in the back of Cole's in downtown. And you'll be learning how to make drinks from the master himself, The Varnish's Eric Alperin. In two hours, he'll help you master all there is to know about cognac, including how to make a sidecar, Vieux Carré, Cognac Manhattan and an original Varnish recipe. It's $50 a pop for a person, but consider that you'll be tasting some really fine liquor, and that the ability to make your own drinks will be well worth it in no time.

As far as mixologists go, Alperin tops the list -- and not just in Los Angeles, but the world. Seriously, Alperin is up for the American Bartender of the Year award at this year's Tales of the Cocktail conference. And now he's sharing his secrets with you! If you can appreciate a good cognac, it's time to learn how to do it from one of the best.

"Master Cognac Cocktails" is taking place this Sunday, Jan. 30 from 6-8pm at The Varnish, located at 118 E. 6th St. in downtown (inside Cole's). Click here to buy tickets (time is running out!).

-- Chau Tu

Do It. LA Craft Beer Crawl.

The name says it all. If you've been craving for some lovely beers to ride you in on the autumn season -- thanks Lauren! -- then what better way to do it than a good ole fashioned beer crawl?

And this isn't just a crack-open-a-can affair here. For one, the LA Craft Beer Crawl happening this weekend will be taking place at the bars of the 213 Ventures, a.k.a. some of downtown's best -- like Seven Grand, Golden Gopher, Broadway Bar and Cana Rum Bar. Expect some class and a whole lot of attention on the brew. And speaking of the brew, there'll be over fifty craft beers represented, all chosen carefully by The Beer Chicks (they seem to know what they're talking about). And to drown it all down will be food from trucks specially picked by LA Weekly's food critic Jonathan Gold.

Tickets are on sale now for $49, which includes a 6 oz. tasting glass, unlimited tastings across all the seven bars and an after-party at Casey's with live music. A $60 VIP ticket will get you some exclusive beer cocktails and a chance to hang out with Gold himself. And while your ticket may be getting you down and dirty, some of the proceeds from it won't -- the money will help out Heal the Bay. So drink on!

The LA Craft Beer Crawl takes place this Saturday from 3pm-8pm in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Eat Out. The Crocker Club [Thirsty Thursdays!].

The Crocker Club was a recent find on a first Thursday Art Walk in downtown LA. Styled to look like an old bank, there's a vault where patrons can sit and sip their cocktails. Above are a lemon drop and a very tasty apple martini that might even give Hank a run for his money.
This place has very cool low lighting, and you have to walk downstairs to enter the bar. There are also tinny two-person rooms that come with a door for some privacy that may have been security deposit box rooms in a past life.

As with many LA bars, mixed drinks average about $10 each. Even when it's crowded, like on an art walk night, this place has a very relaxed, lounge-y atmosphere.

This is definitely one of the many excellent bars that are cropping up downtown.

The Crocker Club is located at 453 S. Spring St.

-- Lauren Williams

Advance Notice. The Edison's Radio Room.

The speakeasy-themed Edison is one of my favorite bars in downtown, if not in all of L.A. even. I love the relentless commitment to its theme (even down to the dress code), and they've always got something special going on, from the absinthe fairies to the burlesque performances to those infamous soup kitchen happy hours.

And of course, let's not forget the drinks! The Edison's got a great cocktail menu; and even if it can set you back quite a bit money-wise, the attention to detail put into the drinks is definitely worth it. They care about their cocktails here, and that's even more evident on Radio Room nights. Radio Room is the Edison's monthly cocktail event, when acclaimed mixologists (fun word for those fancy trained bartenders who create new cocktails) from all over the world are invited to come and offer their array of unique concoctions, alongside appetizers and live music. It's one of those fun, in-the-know kind of events, guaranteed to offer some of the best in drinking.

The next Radio Room is happening Tuesday, July 13 at 8pm, and you can get your tickets now. There is a $10 admission charge for the event, on top of drinks (usually around $12-$14 each), but we're talking about exclusive here!

But of course, if you're not down for dropping serious money on serious drinks, you can celebrate the grand return of the 35-cent martini happy hour, happening Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm-7pm. You get one (usually quite strong) special Edison martini for 35 cents, and 40% off all other cocktails. See you all there!

The Edison is located at 108 W 2nd St. in downtown.

-- Chau Tu

Photo credit: Eater LA

Eat Out. Seven Grand [Thirsty Thursdays!].

Downtown just keeps getting better and better. A very cool whiskey bar, Seven Grand is located centrally in the downtown Los Angeles area.

Very swanky with deep blue and green Burberry print floors, dark leather couches, classy brass fixtures on the walls, and rich wood furniture, this place is perfect to unwind after work with a stiff drink, or is certainly enough reason to justify coming into the downtown area.

The entrance is inconspicuous, and visitors have to climb a flight of stairs to get to the bar. There's also a nice outdoors patio area, where visitors can enjoy their drink with a cool breeze outside.

With nearly 300 different types of whiskey, there's no shortage of choice, and the beer selection here, while far more limited, is still spot on.

On any night in Los Angeles, this place is a great destination, but be warned: There is a strictly enforced dress code, so don't show up in shorts and flip flops, even if it is LA.

Seven Grand is located at the intersection of Seventh Street and Grand Avenue.

-- Lauren Williams