The Best Memorial Day Weekend Drinking Events

Memorial Day weekend is here - the sun is shining, and it looks like it's going to be a great long weekend for relaxing and catching some rays. No beach shack to retreat to? Fret not, there's plenty of boozy, 21-plus events in New York City to help you transport to a vacation state of mind. By Selena Ricks-Good.

Mad Men Cocktails

Fri. May 27
6:30 – 8 p.m.
Astor Center, 399 Lafayette St.
$75

Get inspired with this '60s-era cocktail making class, where you will learn how to make several of the classic cocktails featured from the AMC hit show Mad Men, including Don Draper's favorite, the Old Fashioned. Of course you'll get to enjoy the cocktails too. Flirtatious secretaries not included.

Spring Cocktail Class

Sat. May 28
7 p.m.
The Meadow
523 Hudson St.
$40

Just in time for all of those fabulous summer parties you plan on throwing, get schooled at this class on the best techniques for flavorful fresh ingredient cocktails. Learn how ingredients such as bitters and salt can turn an ordinary cocktail into a gourmet experience. Drinks may range from the classic Negroni to a refreshing Rose Hip Martini.

Brewers Picnyc

Sun. May 29 – Mon. May 30
Noon – 5 p.m.
Governors Island
$15 - $85

This massive outdoor two-day tasting features local food and craft beer while kicking off Governors Island's 2011 season and raising funds for Added Value, a sustainable farm on the island. Brooklyn Brewery, Goose Island, Greenport, Six Point and Two Brother's will supply the brews, while food vendors such as Jimmy's No. 43, Kimchi Taco Truck and Luke's Lobster provide the food.

Rooftop Beer & BBQ

Mon. May 30
5 – 11 p.m.
Empire Hotel Roof Lounge
44 W. 63^rd

St.Celebrate Memorial Day with a rooftop BBQ complete with a domestic beer open bar from 5 to 6 p.m., plus live jazz at sunset. Just RSVP to register and get the party started.