Looking for the best cocktail classes in London? Head to ClassBento!
The making of cocktails stretches back over 200 years, and in that time countless recipes have emerged, along with a profession dedicated to the art of mixing drinks. We all know that nothing makes a gathering or party like a few perfectly mixed cocktails! And after attending one of the 12 cocktail making classes below, you'll be able to expand your drink repertoire and create a lasting impression.
What's a mixologist?
A mixologist isn't just your average bartender. When it comes to mixing drinks, these guys are true magicians. Mixology is the science and art of creating cocktails, and being one of its students requires an excellent memory, deft hands, and an abundance of style. Mixologists often work in bars and nightclubs, but they can also be employed by restaurants, hotels, and other establishments that serve cocktails.
In addition to preparing drinks, mixologists may also be responsible for all the usual duties that go with running a bar, like stocking, keeping track of inventory, and managing staff. While the job of a mixologist can be challenging, it's also exciting and ever-changing, and some even create their own line of spirits or liqueurs. With new trends always emerging, a committed mixologist must be constantly innovating to stay ahead of the curve. As a result, mixology is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, making it a thrilling and rewarding profession.
How do you learn to make cocktails?
Given that they're are thousands of cocktail recipes, learning and memorising a respectable repertoire may sound tricky. However, the 8 bar-tending tips below serve as a useful framework you can apply across the board:
1. Learn about liquors
First and foremost, you should ensure you have an understanding of the base of every cocktail: liquor! Rum, vodka, gin, whisky each have there own range of suitable accompaniments, and there's even variety within each respective liquor.
2. Work on your free pour
There are two main pouring techniques in bar-tending. One uses a jigger, which is the measuring tool used to apportion exact volume of spirits. The other is the free pour. This method doesn't use formal measurement, and involves tilting the bottle and pouring liquor into the glass. If you want to be a great bar-tender, you need to be comfortable with both techniques.
3. Shaking cocktails
If you happen to be serving Mr Bond, you better make sure you've got your shake down! Shaking is the preferred mixing technique for non-carbonated drinks like Margaritas, Whisky Sours, and Vodka Screwdrivers. A cocktail shaker is an essential part of a mixologists arsenal, and you'll also have to get savvy with the dry shake, which produces a frothy foam with ingredients like egg whites.
4. Stirring cocktails
Stirring drinks is one of the simpler skills of bar-tending. A Manhattan or an Old Fashioned can be stirred with a spoon, but you can also use an extra-long bar spoon, or a swizzle stick.
5. Get your layering down
A level above shaking and stirring, layering allows a customer to see layers of different liquids within their glass. This takes practice, along with knowledge of how to layer liqueurs, egg whites, fruit juices, foam, and other ingredients.
6. Learn muddling
Many of the more sophisticated drinks don't limit themselves to liquid elements. This is where you need a muddler. muddlers are like pestles for cocktails, and are simply long sticks used to crush up ingredients such as herbs, ginger, or citrus peel.
7. Strain drinks properly
Straining drinks prevents ice cubes and shards, or parts of fresh ingredients slipping into the cocktail glass. Most mixologists have a variety of different strainers, and the double-strain technique uses a Hawthorn strainer to remove coarser solids followed by a fine strainer for bits of ice or fruit. Mint Juleps even have their own strainer, named, fittingly, the Julep strainer.
8. Memorise recipes
While its nigh on impossible to know every cocktail by heart, its essential you have a few memorised, especially the more popular ones, like a Martini, Gin & Tonic, or a highball.
Right, now we've got that out of the way, let's get ready to mix up a storm with our recommendations for the best cocktail classes in London!
The Top 12 Best Cocktail Making Classes in London are:
- Bubble Cocktail Making Class - Simon and Hanna's Foodie Kitchen
- Premium Cocktail Making Masterclass - La Bibliotheque
- Japanese Whisky Masterclass - Map Maison
- Seasonal Cocktail Masterclass - Armstrong & Shaw
- Tropical Cocktail Masterclass - The Alchemist
- Rum Making Experience in the Distillery - Lari Kane
- Japanese Whisky Virtual Masterclass - MAP Maison
- Cocktail Masterclass - Zebrano
- Molecular Mixology Masterclass - Purl
- Cocktail Masterclass - Basement State
- Become a Master of Mixology
- Advanced Mixology Course
Book cocktail classes on ClassBento!
Learn from London’s Best Mixologists
Each class is taught by an experienced bartender or professional mixologist, many of whom have worked in some of London’s top cocktail bars. Their passion for flavor, creativity, and hospitality makes for an unforgettable experience.
You’ll not only learn how to make cocktails like a pro, but you’ll also gain valuable insight into the world of spirits, liqueurs, bitters, and garnishes. This is more than just a fun night out—it’s an education in liquid artistry.
Book Your Cocktail Experience on ClassBento
So, ready to shake things up?
Booking through ClassBento is easy, secure, and offers a huge variety of cocktail making classes across London. Whether you're drawn to the flair of flaming cocktails, the complexity of whisky-based drinks, or the refreshing simplicity of tropical summer mixes, there's a class that's perfect for you.
Explore dates, compare venues, and reserve your spot today. From intimate mixology masterclasses to high-energy group sessions, ClassBento has the best cocktail classes in London to suit your vibe and your budget.
Don’t just drink cocktails—create them. Book your next mixology experience today and become the life of every party.