Themed Cocktail Class Teaches Guests About Some Of Tulsa's Iconic Architecture

The Tulsa Foundation for Architecture (TFA) and The Vault are teaming up and mixing things up for a special themed class.

The "Iconic Tulsa Hotels Cocktail Class" is happening at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13th at The Vault. The class teaches the history behind four iconic Tulsa hotels; the Mayo Hotel, Bliss Hotel, Mincks-Adams Hotel, and the Tulsa Club Hotel.

The Vault owner, Libby Billings, said she is crafting a cocktail for each historic building. 

"A really fun part of the class is researching and trying to tie things in," she said. 

Those in attendance will learn how to make the drinks and hear the stories behind each historic hotel.

Amber Litwack is Executive Director of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture. She said before joining the nonprofit she attended several cocktail classes at the Vault and felt it was a natural partnership. "We drew a whole new audience to The Vault to enjoy incredible cocktails and architectural history," she said.

The history dates back to the 1920's when all four hotels were built. "At that point in time Tulsa was the oil capital of the world, lots of development was happening here, and people needed places to stay," said Litwack.

Art Deco was the most popular design at the time, but the architect behind the Mincks-Adams Hotel took a different approach. Litwack said it has Gothic, Baroque, and Italian Renaissance influences.

"It is the most photographed building in Tulsa," she said. "It is covered head to toe with terra cotta, all original, also has incredible original details in the lobby, the original tile, it is really just a masterpiece."

The Bliss Hotel is the only one that is not still standing today, but its Zigzag style of Art Deco was once a palace of luxury.

"An opera star from the Metropolitan Opera in New York performed here so often that she actually had a suite named after her, the Lily Pons suite," added Litwack.

The Mayo Hotel and Tulsa Club almost suffered the same fate but were brought back to life from disrepair and renovated to their former glory. 

Litwack said telling these stories is part of the Tulsa Foundation for Architecture's mission.

"When people learn the history they become connected and they understand why these things are valuable," she said.

Wednesday's class is just one of many themed cocktail classes held throughout the year. It is a great event for people who have a taste for cocktails and a thirst for history.

Tickets are $55 and can be purchased here.