Many students have walked past the Arts and Crafts Center in the basement of the Union at least once, but few students have actually inquired within.

Unique from the pottery classes that one might expect to find within the center, the bartending class is a six-week course that meets once a week for two hours.

“I have always been interested in taking a bartending class, so discovering that they offered the class in Stony Brook, I had to take it,” said Erika Schaefer, a Stony Brook alumni. “For only $80, it was practically irresistible.”

Students are provided with a booklet that consists of dozens of drink recipes as well as instructions on how to properly garnish and serve the drinks. Mock drinks are made with non-alcoholic sodas only.

The class attempts to give students the necessary skills to work as a bartender.

“As far as getting a job in bartending, I think the class did slightly improve my chances,” said Juan Alvarez, a junior. “But as far as a hobby, the class truly enhanced my knowledge of bartending, allowing me to mix drinks with a greater sense of confidence.”

Liam Hudock, one of the local bartenders at Molly Blooms, instructs the weekly course.

“The instructor was very entertaining and easy to follow,” assured Schaefer. “He was very to the point and gave examples of situations he witnessed working as a bartender to make us understand the importance of things he had previously said.”

The class will continue to be offered next semester in the lower level of the Union, room 081.

“We’re (the Craft Center) open to everyone in the community and on the campus,” assured Craft Center Coordinator Janice Costanzo. “As the courses and craft nights get more popular, we can offer more.”