Mixology, Cocktail Making and Tasting Classes in NYC
Photo Courtesy of The Cabinet Mezcal Bar
Photo Courtesy of The Cabinet Mezcal Bar

The best mixology, cocktail making and tasting classes in NYC

Become a master mixologist – or just taste the best there is – with these awesome NYC classes

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Mixology is the art of mixing spirits with bitters, sweeteners, and other juices to create unique and flavorful adult beverages. This can be as simple as making a classic old-fashioned (whiskey plus bitters and sugar) or as complex as a Last Word (gin, Maraschino liqueur, Chartreuse liqueur, lime juice), and the variations are limitless. Enroll in one of these classes and you’ll learn how to ditch the Jack and Coke and replace it with any number of delicious libations.

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NYC’s best mixology and cocktail making classes

Shake it up: Mixology Basics at CocuSocial Cooking Classes

Learn the art of mixology in this fun and engaging course that will help you learn how to take your cocktail game to the next level. In this class, you’ll get hands-on experience mixing your own drinks as a professional bartender walks you through the steps of creating classic cocktails including the Martini, Cosmopolitan, Manhattan, Old Fashioned, Between the Sheets, and Margarita. This course will teach you how to make classic cocktails at home and add your personal touch to the drinks with a careful selection of glassware, garnishes, and substitutions. 

Craft Cocktail Making @ Upscale Speakeasy from J. Bespoke

Looking to learn how to craft perfect cocktails while also starting your own home bar? Upscale Speakeasy’s craft cocktail making class is an ideal place to get started on your mixology journey. In this class, everyone will get to select the base spirits for two cocktails of their choosing, so if you are a fan of vodka, you can learn to make a cold press martini and Icelandic Mule, while gin lovers can learn how to make elderflower sour or a coffee negroni. Then, once the class is done, you can take the bartending kit you used to make these drinks home with you. Even if you entered the class with no idea what a jigger or a Hawthorne strainer was, you’ll leave with the fundamental skills and tools needed to start making delicious craft cocktails.

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Ice Cream Cocktail Mixology at Tipsy Scoop Brooklyn

If you are looking for something sweeter in your cocktail experience, consider enrolling in this ice cream cocktail course at Tipsy Scoop, an Instagram famous stop for anyone visiting the city. In this course, you’ll learn how Tipsy Scoop combines traditional ice cream-making techniques with boozy cocktail recipes to create delicious dessert treats that are sure to be the hit at any party you attend. You’ll learn how to make two of their signature flavors, get to sample some of their seasonal offerings and you’ll get the opportunity to purchase beer, wine, or more ice cream cocktails. If you are looking for a more unique mixology experience, this course is right up your alley.

Classic and Creative Cocktails

If you are looking to build your mixology skills, this class combines classic cocktail techniques with modern innovations that will help you learn the finer points of mixology. Cocktails (as we understand them) are made in just about the same way that they were when the drinks gained popularity in the late 1800s. In this class, you’ll learn how to make three classic cocktails (an old-fashioned, a martini, and a margarita) and you learn how to add clever and creative twists to the drinks to improve or alter their flavor profile. This course will give you the skills you need to start experimenting in your home bar and will allow you to discover your flavor preferences for when you start making your own cocktails.

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Classic Cocktail at The Cabinet Mezcal Bar

In this classic cocktail course at The Cabinet Mezcal Bar, you’ll learn how to make some of the essential mixed drinks that every home bartender should know (including cocktails that use spirits other than Mezcal). You’ll learn the art of making the perfect Martini, Old Fashioned, and Daiquiri in this hands-on mixology course. You’ll get to use professional bar equipment to make yourself a perfect mixed drink and you’ll also get to sample the Mezcal bar’s house chips and salsa. Perfect the art of shaking, mixing, and garnishing your cocktails in this fun and accessible introductory mixology course.

Mixology Basics

The Cabinet Mezcal Bar offers a range of different introductions to mixology courses, each with its own menu and drink selection. In this course, you’ll get hands-on training in techniques, cocktail theory, and cocktail creation as you man an Old Fashioned, Mint Julep, and a Classic Margarita. Study the process that professionals use to measure out ingredients, add the right amount of syrups, sweeteners, and juices to craft perfect cocktails and get your own hands-on chance to work with professional bartending equipment as you sample the finest spirits and mixers The Cabinet Mezcal Bar has to offer.

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Margarita Mixology

Not surprising for an upscale Mezcal establishment, you can learn how to make an unforgettable trio of Margaritas in this introductory mixology course. You’ll explore the history of the Margarita, the various regional styles, and what has made the drink so popular and enduring. You’ll watch a live demonstration of a professional bartender making a pair of classic Margaritas, the Spicy Margarita and the Blood Orange Margarita. Then, you’ll get the chance to pick up the shaker yourself and make your own Tommy’s Margarita (which swaps the traditional orange liqueur for an agave syrup). If you are a fan of Margaritas, then this class will be perfect for you.

Bartending Basics

Finally, if you are looking to round out your classic cocktail knowledge, you can enroll in this bartending basics course and learn how to make a martini, a mojito, and a Moscow mule. You’ll get a live demonstration of how to stir a perfect martini and how to shake an unforgettable mojito. At the end of the course, you’ll get to take over the bar yourself and make a Moscow mule, a vodka cocktail known for the distinctive drinkware that makes it so iconic. By the end of this course, you’ll be comfortable enough with your mixology skills to start making your own craft cocktails at home.

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Sip & Stir: Essential Seasonal Mixology

Some mixed drinks are best enjoyed at a particular time of year. Whether it is a nice punch sipped on the porch during a hot summer afternoon or a warm hot toddy enjoyed as snow falls around you, some times of year simply lend themselves to certain drinks. This class teaches you to make four seasonally inspired drinks, including the timeless Bourbon Old Fashioned, a Spicy Mango Margarita, a refreshing Cranberry Rosemary Lemonade, and a cozy Spiced Apple Cider. These are simple, easy-to-replicate recipes that you can make at your own home and substitutions are a breeze. 

A Bartender Certification at American Bartender School

Aspiring mixologists looking to make bartending their career will need to become certified by the state of New York. One way to accomplish this is to enroll in a certificate granting course, like this one offered by The American Bartenders School. This immersive career training program aims at helping prospective bartenders learn the practical aspects of working in a wet bar. Students will learn how to ensure safety and hygiene in their working space and how to stay compliant with all important NY liquor laws. From there, students will practice proper serving techniques, including everything from how to prepare commonly ordered cocktails (like old fashioned and sours) to serving shots and proper pouring techniques for beer and wine. You will also spend time learning how to provide good customer service, including upselling and strategies for earning more tips. Finally the course will cover job search strategies, aimed at helping students prepare for applications and interviews. The course is offered in full-time (1 week) or part-time (2 week) schedules.

Tasting experiences in NYC

Distillery Tours at Kings County Distillery

Kings County Distillery is one of New York’s oldest and most storied whiskey distilleries and, if you are interested in learning more about the process of distilling and want to sample some whiskey, consider attending one of their regular tours. In this experience, you’ll be guided through the distilling rooms and you’ll learn the history of whiskey making, the process of mash and fermentation, and the subtle ways in which distillers create the unique flavors of their whiskeys. At the end of the tour, you’ll sample a collection of King County’s signature products, including moonshine, straight bourbon, peated bourbon, and chocolate. By the end of the tour, you’ll understand what makes these spirits unique and you’ll have a better sense of your personal whiskey preferences.

A Whiskey Tasting Class

More interested in the whiskey than the process of making it? Consider this whiskey tasting class, where you will learn to sample, judge, and critique whiskey like a professional. In this course, you’ll learn about the history of whiskey production and you’ll learn how differences in the process create different kinds of whiskey (for example, what is the difference between bourbon, straight bourbon, and rye). Then, you’ll get to sample a flight of whiskeys to learn how to create tasting notes and discover your preference for craft whiskey. These courses can include everything from explorations of different American whiskeys to sampling the various whiskies produced around the world.

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Core Tequila Basics

Another option for learning about the complex variations in mezcal and tequila is in this Core Tequila Basics course from The Cabinet Mezcal Bar. You’ll study the history of Mexican spirits, starting from when they were first distilled in the late 16th century through to today, where it remains one of the most popular spirits in the world. You’ll enjoy three premium samples of tequila while learning the process of distilling tequila and the ways in which premium tequila makers differentiate and refine the taste of their spirits. If you love agave or you just want to expand your knowledge of spirits, this tasting event is an unforgettable option.

From Agave to Glass: Tequila & Mezcal Tasting at Astor Center

Journey south of the border in this guided tequila and mezcal tasting course. Distilled from agave and a collection of other native plants, Tequila is the spirit of Mexico and there is a reason that it has become so popular stateside. In this class, you’ll learn about the history of agave distillation (which began in the late 1500s), modern practices and the difference between a tequila, a mezcal and other agave spirits and you’ll get to sample a collection of different spirits to learn how growing practices, distillation processes and added botanicals and flavors subtly change the way the mezcal tastes. If you are looking to expand your spirit tasting experiences, this course is a great way to learn about agave.

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Wine Tasting 101 at CocuSocial

Wine tasting can be more of an art than a science, but it is also a skill that you can learn (or you can pretend to learn while sipping on some excellent local and international wines). In this guided wine tasting introduction, you’ll learn to think like a sommelier as you sample a collection of different wines to develop a nose and palate for the subtle differences between varietals. You’ll learn how different grapes are used to ferment different wines (like what really is the difference between a chardonnay and a pinot noir), how different climates impact wine production (like is a french wine really that different from an Italian wine) and how wine culture has developed (like why it is only really champagne if it is from the Champagne region of France, otherwise, it's just a sparkling white wine).

Any Wine & Cheese Tasting at Murray’s Cheese

Wine and Cheese are often looked upon as a sophisticated pairing that signals that an event is aiming to be high class. Murray’s Cheese offers a range of different classes and experiences aimed at helping you better understand the subtle art of pairing wine and cheese and why the two have become so connected. Whether you are enrolling in a class that explores common pairings, regional pairings (such as a course looking at French wines and cheeses or Mediterranean wine and cheese) or the history of wine pairings, you are sure to learn a great deal about what makes artisanal wine and cheese so popular and what vintners and farmers do to ensure the highest quality of their products. Beyond learning how to better host events, you’ll also get to sample collections of wine and cheese that you would otherwise likely not be exposed to.

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Mixology Classes Gift Card

Shake up your social life or add some flair to your gatherings when you treat a friend (or yourself) to the ultimate gift of mixology mastery with a fun-filled gift card. Explore the world of cocktails with a variety of beginner-friendly courses, specialty classes, and even date night experiences in the heart of NYC. From learning the basics of bartending to mastering the art of crafting signature drinks, mixology courses offer something for everyone. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur or a total novice, experienced instructors will guide you through the process with fun and flair. Purchase a gift card today and toast to unforgettable experiences and delicious libations.

Mixology team building activities and group events in NYC

Classic and Creative Cocktails Group Event

Teach your team the art of bartending in this hands-on mixology experience. Learn the history of cocktails, the difference between a cocktail and a mixed drink, and why the same techniques developed in the 1880s are still in use by professional bartenders today. You and your team will make a total of six different cocktails, three classics, and three modifications on classics, giving everyone a taste of where cocktails have been and where they are going in the future. This course offers a lot of opportunities for participants to customize the drinks to their tastes and preferences and everyone will leave the course with a better understanding of what goes into making a perfectly balanced cocktail.

DIY Mixology Group Event

One of the best parts about learning mixology is that there are so many different routes you can take, even as a complete novice. You may want to learn how to make classic cocktails like an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan or you might want to learn how to make modern favorites like Paper Planes and Espresso Martinis. Similarly, you can focus on a single spirit, since working with rum is a whole different ball game from working with gin. Regardless of what you are interested in, you can find and customize a group mixology event to fit your desired menu.

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Group Wine Tasting Event

Looking to host a work event, team-building mixer, or just reward your employees for a job well done? Consider signing up for an in-person wine-tasting event and give your team a chance to mix, mingle, and enjoy some wine as they learn about the history and science of wine production. Guided by a professional sommelier, your team will get to sample six wines of various national origins and styles and they’ll learn about what makes each wine distinct and what about the growing process that produces those distinctions. Additionally, they will learn how to judge wine if they wish to go on tasting events in the future (New York state has a lot of great wine regions to visit). This is a great way to celebrate with your team and give them an experience they won’t soon forget.

Group Wine & Cheese Workshop

If you want to add a bit of class and sophistication to an exciting group wine-tasting event, consider this group wine and cheese workshop. In this guided tasting event, your team will discover the secrets to crafting a perfect wine and cheese pairing and they’ll get to experience the refined atmosphere of one such sophisticated event. Two high-quality wines and two artisanal cheeses will be selected for the event and you’ll be able to customize the event to meet the tastes and expectations of your team members. A professional will guide your participants through the selection process that goes into creating a wine and cheese pairing and will explain exactly how different styles of wine and cheese are produced (and what makes them unique). This is a rewarding experience and, if you are looking to celebrate with your team while still learning something new and interesting, something you should consider.

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Whiskey Stories® Immersive Multisensory Luxury Experience

If you’re looking for a truly premium tasting experience, look no further than this. This Michelin Guide recommended immersive whiskey tasting experience pairs premium whiskies with a world class gourmet four-course meal. Rachna Hukmani will use her more than fifteen years of experience working in the whiskey industry to guide your group on a truly memorable experience, and you’ll leave not only having rediscovered your palate but with a completely new sense of spirit discovery.

Why Enroll in Mixology Class?

While it may seem like a niche hobby for people who like rye whiskey or expensive bourbon, learning the basics of mixology can be useful for anyone interested in hosting parties or just impressing friends while providing them with libations. Even if you only learn to make a few cocktails at first, the skills you learn are easy to build upon, and you’ll quickly discover that you can start experimenting with more complex cocktails. Plus, if you find that you enjoy artisanal cocktails, in the long run, learning how to make your own cocktails will save you money compared to going to bars and paying $19 for a Manhattan.

While you can learn mixology independently, the trial-and-error process can get pretty expensive for new mixologists. The Cointreau and Citron Vodka that go into your first Cosmopolitan can be as expensive as taking a class, so enrolling in a class means you don’t need to start building your home bar to experiment with new cocktails. You can also alleviate some of the costs of learning mixology by enrolling in a class that provides you with the tools you’ll need. Not many people just have Hawthorne strainers, jiggers, or shakers lying around, and many classes will let you keep the essential tools once you have finished the class.

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Choosing the Right Mixology Class for You

When looking at mixology courses, you’ll find that the major difference between them is what cocktails they use as the baseline for learning the art of crafting artisanal drinks. While almost all of these courses cover classic cocktails, the first few cocktails you make can greatly impact what you take away from the class. Thus, you should consider what kinds of cocktails you’ve had and what you’ve enjoyed. If you order vodka martinis at restaurants, choosing a course that teaches you how to make a perfect martini might be a good idea. On the other hand, if you’ve never been more adventurous than ordering a Jack and Coke, you may want to look at a course that covers a wider range of flavor profiles and spirits, like the Classic Cocktails course offered at CocuSocial.

Similarly, you should consider what kind of skills you are looking to pick up and how comfortable you think you’ll be with the basics of mixology. While making an absolutely perfect whiskey old-fashioned can be challenging, most people can be comfortable with their ability to add sugar and bitters to a double shot of whiskey. This means that you may want to look for a class that teaches you to make the kind of drinks that require a more elaborate set-up or tools to have help from an instructor or get access to more expensive spirits, such as The Cabinet Mezcal Bar’s Margarita Mixology course. On the other hand, if you don’t see yourself making smoke-infused negronis at home particularly often, it isn’t really all that beneficial to learn how to use a smoke infuser.

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