Apple Festival Cocktails at Kitch

At a Glance

• What: Apple-inspired mixology class with Chef Anthony Caporale

• When: Saturday, October 17, 2026, 6–8 p.m.

• Location: Kitch, 27 Coogan Blvd., Building 19A, Olde Mistick Village, Mystic, CT

• Admission: $65 per person, plus tax

• Age Requirement: 21 and older

• Featured Cocktails: Stonington Fence, Rossi Velvet, and Prohibition Jack Rose

• Special Offer: 15% off purchases at Kitch following the class

• Capacity: Limited to 24 participants

• Reservations: Advance registration and payment required

• Contact: (860) 980-3384

• Parking: Parking available at Olde Mistick Village

Event Description

Apple Festival Cocktails at Kitch brings a spirited conclusion to a day of fall festivities at Olde Mistick Village on Saturday, October 17. Led by internationally recognized mixologist Chef Anthony Caporale, this two-hour class invites participants to explore the flavors, history, and techniques behind three apple-inspired cocktails, featuring locally produced cider and specialty spirits.

The evening celebrates the season with craft ciders from Stonington’s Clyde’s Cider Mill, recognized as the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. Additional spirits will be provided by Spencer & Lynn Wine and Spirit Merchants in downtown Mystic. Each cocktail incorporates a different hard cider or apple-based spirit, giving participants an opportunity to discover how the fruit’s character changes when paired with different ingredients.

Three Cocktails, Three Interpretations of Apple Season

Caporale will guide participants through three custom-created drinks, each showcasing a different approach to mixing apple-based cocktails.

The evening’s menu features:

• Stonington Fence: A cocktail whose name evokes the traditional Stone Fence, a historic New England combination of cider and spirits.

• Rossi Velvet: A specially named cocktail featured in the class’s seasonal lineup.

• Prohibition Jack Rose: A nod to the classic Jack Rose cocktail, traditionally made with applejack, citrus, and grenadine.

Rather than simply serving seasonal drinks, the class offers an opportunity to learn from a professional who has spent much of his career teaching the science and history of mixology.

Meet Chef Anthony Caporale

Anthony Caporale is an internationally recognized mixology educator, author, and consultant whose work explores the relationship between cocktails, culture, and history.

For more than a decade, he has served as Director of Spirits Education and Research at Manhattan’s Institute of Culinary Education, where he has helped train aspiring hospitality professionals. He also authored the cocktail chapter of the institute’s cookbook, Recipes for Innovation.

His interest in beverage history extends beyond the classroom. Caporale created, wrote, produced, and starred in The Imbible, a series of Off-Broadway musical productions exploring the history of cocktails and spirits. He has appeared as a cocktail historian on the Smithsonian Channel’s Searching for Secrets: New York and curated the Temperance and Trade exhibition at Mystic Seaport Museum.

Although his professional work has taken him to major hospitality venues and educational institutions, Caporale also teaches in his hometown of Mystic, bringing professional-level instruction to smaller community classes.

A Specialty Kitchen Store That Teaches, Too

Kitch, located inside Olde Mistick Village, combines a specialty kitchenware retail shop with a calendar of culinary classes and workshops. Its programming ranges from cooking fundamentals and gourmet meals to cocktail-making sessions and seasonal specialties.

The store provides a setting where participants can explore new techniques while becoming familiar with the tools and ingredients used by professional chefs and mixologists.

For this particular evening, Kitch is adding an exclusive after-hours shopping opportunity. Registered participants receive 15% off purchases made following the class, giving them a chance to explore the store’s kitchenware and culinary accessories.

Part of Olde Mistick Village’s Apple Festival Weekend

The mixology class is one of several ways visitors can celebrate autumn during the fifth annual Mystic Apple Festival, taking place October 17–18 at Olde Mistick Village.

The free, two-day festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, filling the village with artisan vendors, handmade crafts, specialty products, and seasonal foods. Apples take center stage alongside other familiar fall flavors, including maple, pumpkin, and caramel.

Visitors can browse craft stalls, explore the village’s shops, and sample seasonal treats before the festival concludes for the day. With the cocktail class beginning at 6 p.m., participants can make an entire afternoon and evening of their visit.

Registration and Cancellation Information

The class costs $65 per person, plus tax, and is limited to 24 participants. All attendees must be at least 21 years old, and advance registration and payment are required.

If Kitch cancels the class because enrollment is insufficient, participants may receive a full refund or transfer their registration to a future class. Customer cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to qualify for a refund or class credit. Late cancellations and no-shows forfeit the registration fee.

To purchase tickets, click the Event Ticketing link below.

Featured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people, location, or activities shown.