RESTRICTED travel and limitations on our social lives have become the norm for most of us in these pandemic months, with little opportunity for socialising or generally interacting with our fellow human beings.

That’s one reason I was delighted to accept an invitation from Australian company ClassBento to try out one of their online classes, which they’ve just launched in the UK.

They connect anyone looking for new experiences with top Scottish, UK and Australia-based artisans, creators and foodies and experiences range from a photography class in front of Sydney Opera House, to whisky barrel door wreath-making with Kristen Hunter in Edinburgh.

There are hundreds of LiveBox classes to choose from and the cost includes a box delivered to your door with all the materials required.

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I was once a part-time cocktail barman, so was persuaded by the Make Cocktails with a Scottish Mixologist class. My box arrived a day before the class, with all the ingredients for three cocktails. All we had to supply were glasses, a bag of ice and a knife.

Graham Suttle, from Porter and Rye, in Finnieston, Glasgow, hosted our gathering from a leather armchair beside a roaring fire, with mixologist Michaela, while 10 of us watched via Zoom. Our first attempt was a new take on an old classic – a Disco Colada. Just pop the ingredients from your bags and jars into your cocktail shaker, along with ice, tighten the top and shake, shake, shake. Fill your rocks glass with ice and pour … then enjoy. And enjoy it we did.

“You get all that tropical flavour, all the pineapple, the sweetness and a little bit of zing,” said Suttle. “But what you don’t get is a massive waistline, issues putting on trousers over Christmas and a bloated belly full of cream. There’s a time and a place for Pina Coladas, but if you’re going out to have a few cocktails, this should definitely be on your list.”

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Many of the cocktails use alcohol that has been infused with fruit or nuts and Michaela gave us insights to how easy it is to do that yourself, along with practical tips on cocktail essentials to keep at home for when we can restart socialising.

ClassBento co-founder John Tabari, from Newcastle, watched his grandmother struggle with Alzheimer’s and they now help by donating to Dementia UK with every class booking.

He said: “This pandemic means it’s more important than ever to stay socially and mentally active and support our local community of artists and makers.”