Food and Drink
Enjoy a variety of culinary, mixology, edible history and tropical food plant offerings to satisfy your palate and spark your imagination.
Classes are offered in-person, as synchronous (live) online programs, or using hybrid methods with both in-person and virtual content. Class delivery methods are denoted next to each listing as VIRTUAL, IN-PERSON, or HYBRID.
Class Schedule December 2024 – April 2025
Tea—A 5,000 Year Tradition at the Queen’s Library Tea Room | December 12 | IN-PERSON at Queen’s Library Tea Room
One amazing plant in over 3,000 varieties produces the second most consumed beverage on Earth: tea. Join tea expert Mark Ragland for an exploration of all things tea through an elegant formal tea experience at the Queen’s Library Tea Room. Located in Jackson Ward, the Queen’s Library Tea Room provides a sophisticated and intimate setting with botanically-inspired decor. Registration includes tea samples, and full tea luncheon with 3-course tea tower featuring delectable savory and sweet selections and British tea room classics.
NEW! Más que Medios Chiles | January 15 | IN-PERSON at Conejo
Join Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on the road as we explore Mexican Cuisine with at Conejo for Más que Medios Chiles, an expression meaning “more than half chilis” or more than so so; an ironic way to say they are wonderful! Mesoamerica gave the gift of the chile pepper to world bringing a new level of spice to Europe, East Asia, and India cuisine. This meal will pay homage to this versatile and interesting ingredient. Dishes will not be particularly spicy and will showcase the pepper in all different applications that showcase this ingredient as more than just a condiment. The evening will start with a talk by Chef Danny. Following the discussion, join Chef Danny for an elevated and delicious four-course dinner with paired cocktails, wine and coffee!
Exploring Cacao & Chocolate | February 1 | IN-PERSON
In the lead up to Valentine’s Day, join horticulture section leader Jayton Howard to learn about all things chocolate. Explore what is cacao and where does it come from? When did this plant become so prominent in our diets? How does it grow and what are cacao’s growing needs? If you’re curious about the answers to these questions and want to learn about cacao from a true professional who grew cacao in Hawaii, then you don’t want to miss this class! As part of the cacao experience, you’ll get the chance to taste chocolate in a whole new way. We’ll snack on cacao nibs, feel the benefits of cacao butter on our skin, and see what a fresh cacao pod is like inside and out! We’ll compare tasty chocolates with the taste of raw cacao fruit and develop our pallets to a whole level of chocolate appreciation. To celebrate the winter season, we’ll enjoy a hot chocolate tasting sure to warm you up on a chilly day.
Garden to Glass Cocktail Series
Join local mixologist Beth Dixon as she demonstrates three original, delicious craft cocktails. Sip samples of each cocktail as you enjoy expertly paired small plates. Fees include demonstration, cocktail samples and food pairings.
NEW! Savory Cocktails | February 25 | IN-PERSON
Join local mixologist Beth Dixon, owner of Salt and Acid Beverage Consulting, as she demonstrates the nuances of how to create expertly balanced savory craft cocktails that will wow your palate and impress your friends. She’ll highlight amazing flavor combinations in three delicious cocktails: a Mexican Martini using olive brine, mezcal and citrus, a Bell Pepper Gimlet with lemon and gin, and a Carrot Whiskey Buck showcasing carrot, ginger and whiskey. During the demo, sip samples of each cocktail as you enjoy expertly paired small plates. Fee includes demonstration, cocktail samples and food pairings.
NEW! Modern Classics | March 18 | IN-PERSON
Join local mixologist Beth Dixon, owner of Salt and Acid Beverage Consulting, as she showcases how to expertly create modern classic cocktails using fresh flavors. Learn how to easily create these delicious classics at home as Beth covers essential bar tools, key ingredients, cocktail mixing techniques and gorgeous garnishes. She’ll highlight fresh flavor combinations in three delicious cocktails: a Paper Plane featuring bourbon, Amaro, Aperol and citrus, a Cosmopolitan with vodka, cranberry, an citrus and an Old Cuban showcasing aged rum, mint and lime. During the demo, sip samples of each cocktail as you enjoy expertly paired small plates. Fee includes demonstration, cocktail samples and food pairings.
Vine to Glass Series
NEW! Ciao Italia, Arrivederci Tesauro | April 22 | IN-PERSON
Save the date! Details and registration to come soon!
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We adapted a new Garden-wide system as of March 6, 2024. Please create or activate your account the first time you use the system.
Stay Tuned for Additional Classes
Join our email list to receive updates as we announce new Food & Drink classes mid-season.
Updated Adult Learning Cancellation Policy
As of April 12, 2024, the Garden has an updated cancellation policy for Adult Learning programs.