So, you’ve decided to level up your cocktail game, eh? Maybe you’ve got a penchant for fancy drinks that don’t come from a bottle labelled “mix” (because let’s face it, no one wants to be the friend who shows up to the party with a pre-mixed cocktail, right?). Whether you want to impress your mates at your next gathering or simply want to unleash your inner mixologist, London has an array of cocktail-making classes to get you started. Let’s dive into the top options for shaking things up!
Where: Dalston
What’s the Vibe: Think Harry Potter meets bartender school!
Signature Drink: Your very own “potion” that you create using molecular mixology techniques.
Now, if you fancy yourself a bit of a wizard (or just really enjoy wearing robes), The Cauldron is your magical destination. This class combines cocktail-making with potion-brewing vibes—yes, you’ll get to use a wand! The experience is interactive and immersive, where you’ll create your very own magical elixirs using various ingredients, some of which are literally bubbling.
Think Harry Potter meets a night out, complete with whimsical cocktails and fun props (just don’t forget to leave your broomstick at the door!).
Top Tip: Make sure to take lots of photos for the ‘Gram—everyone will believe you’ve actually learned some magic!
Where: Farringdon
What’s the Vibe: Willy Wonka but for grown-ups who love a tipple.
Signature Drink: Chocolate Martini (rich, indulgent, and totally worth the sugar rush).
For all you chocoholics out there, this is where chocolate and cocktails collide! Here, you’ll get to make cocktails that don’t just taste like chocolate but are all about chocolate. From the creamy chocolate martini to rich and decadent drinks that double as dessert, you’ll be sipping on some of the sweetest concoctions in town.
Top Tip: Arrive with a sweet tooth and prepare for a bit of a sugar high. They’re generous with their portions here!
Where: Notting Hill
What’s the Vibe: Make-your-own gin in a beautifully quirky distillery setting.
Signature Drink: Your very own custom gin creation (you even take a bottle home).
If gin is your thing, Ginstitute in Notting Hill offers a gin-making experience that’s one part history lesson and two parts gin-tasting heaven. You’ll learn about gin’s roots, sample some classic G&Ts, and even get to create your unique gin blend with flavours and botanicals of your choice.
Top Tip: Bring your creative spirit (and maybe a friend to help with the tasting!) It’s easy to get carried away when you’re concocting your very own gin blend.
Where: Camden
What’s the Vibe: Like a cocktail potluck where you bring the booze.
Signature Drink: Whatever you come up with, really!
BYOC is unique in that you literally bring your own spirits. The bartenders then whip up cocktails tailored to your tastes using a variety of mixers, fruits, herbs, and spices. It’s a fun, personalised twist on cocktail-making where you’re half the creator and half the taste-tester.
Top Tip: Don’t stress about what to bring – a good gin or rum is always a safe bet, and the bartenders will take it from there.
Where: 18 Bohemia Place, Hackney, E8 1DU
What’s the Vibe: Breaking Bad with cocktails instead of… well, you know.
Signature Drink: “Molecular Cocktails” – these are experimental, hands-on, and Insta-worthy.
Step into ABQ’s retro RV and get ready to experiment with wild ingredients like foams, mists, and smoke. Inspired by the world of chemistry (and a certain infamous show), this class is hands-on and perfect for anyone who wants to play mad scientist. Mixing drinks in a retro RV just adds to the cool factor.
Top Tip: The RV has limited space, so gather your friends and book a private session if you can.
Where: Various locations
What’s the Vibe: You choose the vibe – they come to you!
Signature Drink: Whatever the theme of the night demands!
If you’d rather host your cocktail masterclass in your own space, Mixology Events is for you. They’ll come to your home or event space and bring everything, from ingredients to shakers. Perfect for private parties, birthdays, or just a night in with friends that turns into something far more glamorous.
Top Tip: Plan ahead – they get booked for events quickly, especially on weekends.
Where: Various venues across London
What’s the Vibe: A cocktail festival with workshops and masterclasses galore.
Signature Drink: It changes with each festival, featuring signature drinks from London’s top bars.
While not a single bar, Cocktails in the City is an annual event where you can try mini cocktail classes and sample drinks from some of London’s best bars, all under one roof. It’s the ultimate cocktail lovers’ event and perfect for those who want a taste of everything (literally).
Top Tip: Check their events calendar – they hold seasonal editions throughout the year!
Whether you’re a cocktail aficionado or just in it for the fun, these cocktail-making classes are a surefire way to have a memorable night in London. From magical potions to DIY gin, there’s a quirky workshop out there that’ll suit your style. So grab a friend (or ten), book a spot, and get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through London’s unique cocktail scene.
For more unique experiences, check out London’s 10 Quirkiest Hidden Gems for Cocktail Lovers, which also includes some offbeat bars you’ll want to visit. And if you’d like to explore more fancy options, our guide on The Most Luxurious Cocktail Bars in London for When You’re Feeling Fancy has you covered.
Cheers to new skills and fantastic drinks! (Just remember to write down the recipes… your future self will thank you.)
