The Cookery in Durham is offering a series of mixology classes taught by Scott Ritchie, formerly a co-owner of Whiskey in Durham and now a consultant. Here is the schedule:

• 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday, "Rise of the Cocktail: The Birth of Mixology," which will cover the base spirits (bourbon, rye, tequila, gin and cognac) and Ritchie will help create a customized classic cocktail for attendees. Ritchie also will take attendees through the history of each ingredient, offer a list of tools to start a home bar and recommend a reading list for history buffs.
• 6:30 p.m. April 17, "Bohemian Bar: The Grandeur of 1920's Parisian Cocktails" will show how to make a Negroni, boulevard, Manhattan and a martini.
• 6:30 p.m. May 1, "Post-Prohibition to Present: The Polishing of the Modern Cocktail" will cover Tiki cocktails, Cosmopolitans, old-fashioned cocktails and others.

All the classes cost $50. Bread, cheese and fruit platters are offered during each class. To register, go to durhamcookery.com