You already know that family time is easier with a drink in hand. Learn how to mix them at this seasonal cocktail class in time for Thanksgiving. Shake your way through signature nips like the Voodoo Root Beer (rum, stout and simple syrup). After the lesson, enjoy a meal, including dishes like grilled trout, paired with cocktails. Reservations are required. Back Forty, 190 Ave B between 11th and 12th Sts (212-388-1990). 4–8:30pm, $130.

See all drinking events this week

Port seminar and Nunu chocolate tasting
Halloween is over, so lose the Hershey’s and upgrade to more adult sweets at this pairing of ports and Madeiras with chocolates from Brooklyn’s Nunu. Sommelier Rachel Devine, of wine importer Broadbent Selections, will match spirits like the oaky Rainwater Madeira with raspberry truffles. Heights Chateau, 123 Atlantic Ave between Clinton and Henry Sts, Brooklyn Heights (718-330-0963). Session one 6–7pm, session two 7–8pm; $25.

Le Bingo at (Le) Poisson Rouge
Drag king Murray Hill hosts this nominally French-themed bingo night at (Le) Poisson Rouge. Boards are $2 apiece, and if you score a bingo, you can cash in on gag gift prizes only by shouting “Le winner!” Warm up for your victory with $5 well drinks from 7 to 8pm, or an order of Tater-Tots and a can of Rolling Rock for just $6. FREE (Le) Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker St at Thompson St (212-505-3474, lepoissonrouge.com).

See all drinking events this week

Match your meal with a single-malt at this whiskey dinner at L’Ecole, the restaurant arm of the French Culinary Institute. A dozen FCI students collaborated to create the six-course menu, which will include dishes like juniper-smoked lamb. Scotch selections come courtesy of the Brandy Library. L’Ecole, 462 Broadway at Grand St (212-219-3300). 7pm, $175.

See all food events this week

Make your childhood babysitter proud by putting those Connect Four skills to work. It’s $3 to play (register until the day of the event and show up at 6pm to sign in), and select cocktails and craft beers are just $4 till close. Winners move on to next week’s finals for a shot at 250 bucks. The Bell House, 149 7th St between Second and Third Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn (718-643-6510). 6pm; players $3, spectators free.

See all drinking events this week

Brush up on pie history in time for Thanksgiving at this event led by food historian Francine Segan. She’ll hold forth on the evolution of the dish, discussing versions both regal (like the Italian timballo) and humble (Depression-era “mock apple pie”). Six varieties will be available to sample. 92nd Street Y, 1395 Lexington Ave at 92nd St (212-415-5500). 7–8:30pm, $40.

See all food events this week

It’s carbs for a cause at this fund-raising event for Hot Bread Kitchen, a not-for-profit bakery that supports the work of immigrant women. Guests can enjoy wines from female vintners, Bar Boulud’s charcuterie and artisan bread. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave between 15th and 16th Sts, fifth floor (718-360-0877). 6–9pm, advance $50; at the door $75.

See all food events to do this week

Check out the cocoa-based creations of 30 amateur chefs at this chocolate throwdown. Would-be Willy Wonkas who submitted their recipes to thefoodexperiments.com will compete, or just come to sample the goods—a free beer is included with cost of admission. The Bell House, 149 7th St between Second and Third Aves, Gowanus, Brooklyn (718-643-6510). 1–5pm, $20.

See all food events this week

You don’t have to wait for New Year’s to break out the bubbly. Get unlimited tastes from more than 20 champagne producers, including Taittinger, Piper-Heidsieck and Veuve Clicquot, at this annual bash. Soak up the suds with snacks like Vietnamese spring rolls, chicken satay and sliders—just watch out for flying corks. Proceeds go to the Food Bank for New York City. Flute Gramercy, 40 E 20th St between Broadway and Park Ave South (212-529-7870). 6–10pm, $95.

See all drinking events this week

James Beard Award–winning sommelier Jean-Luc Le Dû shares his sipping savvy at this seminar and tasting designed for aspiring wine collectors. Pick up tips on how to decant properly and more. Guests can get a head start on their cellars with 10 percent off the eight bottles that will be poured. Le Dû’s Wines, 600 Washington St between Leroy and Morton Sts (212-924-6999). 6:30–8pm, $85.

See all drinking events this week

It’s a rough week for four-legged fleecy types, but don’t let that stop you from flocking to this book party and cooking demo for Michael Psilakis’s How to Roast a Lamb. Feast on five dishes from the book, all paired with Greek wines from the Anthos cellar. Fans can get face time at a Q&A session and book signing (a copy is included with cost of entry) after the dinner. Astor Center, 399 Lafayette St at 4th St (212-674-7501, astorcenter.com). 6:30–8:30pm, $85.

See all eating events this week