7 Best Cocktail Making Classes in NYC

If you’ve ever wanted to learn the art of a great cocktail, you might be interested in taking one of the best cocktail making classes in NYC.

Cocktails can get pretty pricey if you’re looking to splurge on a fun night out. Generally, if I’m in the mood for some drinks I’ll go to the expensive cocktail bar and have one well-made drink before heading out to a more dive-like spot for the cheaper options. It’s best to not do those in the opposite order unless you plan to accidentally pay way too much for drinks that night. I respect bartenders a lot, especially those who create the unique cocktails that feel like they’re way too expensive to be real drinks. It takes talent and skill to find the right flavors and mix them well.

I’ve always wanted to learn how to make a really good drink. The extent of my bartending abilities is mixing a gin and tonic in a red cup and occasionally pouring a glass of wine really poorly. I can hardly open a bottle of beer. This is why I tip bartenders well. Believe it or not, though, there are a ton of classes dedicated to teaching people like me the art of making a great drink. New York City offers a ton of options when it comes to classes, so it’s only natural that cocktail making is a popular choice. If you’re afraid of acid reflux, but still want to try your hand at bartending, you should take a look at the least acidic alcoholic drinks.

In order to create this list, we consulted Class Curious’s database of classes.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best cocktail making classes in NYC.

7. Lumos

At Lumos, for $50 and two hours of your time, you’ll learn from mixologist Orson Salicetti. It includes four preset cocktail creations. You have to show up 15 minutes before the class start time and you must be 21 to enter. Lumos even offers private cocktail classes if you’re not in the mood for a larger group setting.

6. Huckleberry Bar

For over eight years this bar has been a hotspot in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Huckleberry Bar has cocktail classes and tastings from 7 to 9 p.m. every Tuesday. For $85, you’ll get three cocktails and learn how to make them.

5. Apothéke Academy

For $150, you get to spend two hours getting introduced to different spirits and the work involved in creating a great drink. The classes are hands-on and great for private events as well for group parties, team building, and more.

4. New York Bartending School

New York Bartending School’s industry-level professional school includes a multitude of bars, stations, and labs and offers a variety of class options. There’s a free class that lasts an hour, but if you want the full mixology course with scheduling options, it’s $695. The best part is there are no time limits for passing the certificate exam and there’s no fee if you need extra time, which is why it’s definitely one of the best cocktail making classes in NYC.

3. Haven’s Kitchen

At Haven’s Kitchen, you’ll learn the history of cocktails as well as how to make them. For $125, you’ll get the full learning experience with the Lessons in Libations: Cocktails 101 course. If you want to tack on an extra class, Haven’s Kitchen offers a variety of other cooking options.

2. Mace Cocktail Bar

Mace Cocktail Bar, the number two on our list of best cocktail making classes in NYC offers events that are free and open to the public, one of them being a cocktail making class. This is a one-hour class and you get three drinks to taste. There are always new events being posted on their website if you’re looking to try something new.

1. Liquid Lab NYC

These classes cost $80 and include a mix of classics and spirits. They usually end in a group challenge. Liquid Lab NYC offers molecular mixology, artisanal, and health cocktail concepts, making it a leader in innovation. The classes are great for any skill level and open to the public.

That concludes our list of the best cocktail making classes in NYC. If you’re looking to get your drink on and learn the art of a great cocktail, you should definitely consider trying out one of these fantastic options with a few of your closest friends.