Discover the Best Mixology Classes Near Me
Mixology involves creating and designing cocktails for bars, restaurants, and other hospitality establishments, using creative and innovative techniques to elevate the drinking experience for customers. It is an exciting and rewarding skill that can lead to professional success and personal satisfaction. Whether you're a novice looking to master the basics or an experienced bartender seeking to refine your skills, mixology classes offer a unique blend of education, hands-on training, and the chance to meet peers with similar passions and interests.
From the eclectic restaurant scene in New York City to the innovative craft cocktail bars throughout Los Angeles, many major cities across the US are home to multiple educational opportunities for aspiring mixologists and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Below, you’ll learn about some of the country’s top mixology classes that will equip you with the knowledge, techniques, and inspiration to shake, stir, and muddle your way to some genuinely extraordinary beverages.
Why You Should Learn Mixology
Learning mixology can be a gratifying and valuable skill for several reasons. Mixology allows you to express your creativity and your unique taste and style. By mastering the art of mixing cocktails, you can craft exquisite and visually stunning drinks that leave a lasting impression on your guests or customers. Creating flavorful and well-balanced cocktails can elevate any social gathering or professional event, making you the life of the party and leaving people eager to experience your creations.
Learning mixology can also open up a world of professional opportunities in the hospitality industry. With the rising popularity of craft cocktails, bars and restaurants are constantly in need of skilled mixologists who can craft innovative and enticing drink menus. By acquiring a solid foundation in mixology, you can enhance your career prospects and stand out in a competitive job market. Whether you aspire to work in high-end establishments, trendy cocktail bars, or even start your own business, having a deep knowledge of mixology will give you a competitive edge and help you secure exciting opportunities in the industry.
Folks who enjoy cooking but want a new educational challenge may feel at home in a mixology class. Contrary to popular belief, learning mixology goes far beyond simply making drinks. It requires a deep appreciation and understanding of the ingredients, techniques, and history behind each cocktail. From mastering the art of muddling and shaking to understanding the nuanced flavors of various spirits, exploring the many facets of mixology allows you to enhance your overall appreciation and enjoyment of cocktails and expand your understanding of different cultures and traditions associated with drinking.
5 Ways to Learn Mixology
In the world of mixology, there are numerous avenues to explore and expand your knowledge. Whether you prefer hands-on experience, formal education, or the convenience of online resources, learning about mixology has never been more accessible. Here are just five popular methods that you can explore:
- In-Person Workshops and Classes: Look for local establishments, bars, or cocktail lounges that offer mixology workshops or classes. These sessions are typically led by professional mixologists who share their expertise and guide participants through hands-on experiences. Attending these types of programs allows you to learn in a collaborative environment, interact with like-minded individuals, and gain practical insights into mixology techniques and trends.
- Live Virtual Mixology Classes: Like in-person courses, virtual mixology classes offer guided practice from a professional, but students can attend from anywhere with an internet connection. These classes may be less hands-on, but students still receive real-time feedback and can ask a professional all their questions.
- Free Online Tutorials and Self-Paced Programs: The internet has abundant resources to learn mixology. Numerous platforms offer online courses, tutorials, and videos that cover everything from basic cocktail recipes to advanced mixology techniques. These resources allow you to learn at your own pace, explore different styles of mixology, and gain insights from renowned mixologists from around the world.
- Books and Literature: Books dedicated to mixology are an excellent and affordable way to learn more about the art and science of crafting cocktails. While they’re no substitute for hands-on practice, books can be valuable for expanding your knowledge and honing your mixology skills. There is a tremendous amount of mixology books available, ranging from beginner's guides to expert-level references. Gary Regan’s Joy of Mixology breaks common drinks down into different categories, helping bartenders easily remember recipes and develop their own. The Craft of the Cocktail by Dale Degroff is ideal for home bartenders and includes over 500 recipes.
- Practice and Experimentation: Like any new skill, routine practice is one of the best ways to learn mixology. Set up your own home bar, gather friends for mixology sessions, and start mixing cocktails. Experiment with different ingredients, flavors, and ratios to understand how they interact and create unique tastes. Some professionals even recommend keeping a record of your experiments and taking note of the combinations that work particularly well.
Remember, there is no perfect way for everyone to learn; learning mixology is often an ongoing process. By combining different methods and continuously exploring new recipes and techniques, you can gradually master the art of mixology and become a skilled cocktail creator.
In-Person Mixology Classes
There is a wide range of in-person mixology classes in major US cities and plenty of other classes that teach related subjects. In New York City, students can attend the Classic and Creative Cocktails class from CocuSocial Cooking Classes. Participants will learn standard versions of three cocktails before learning a more modern and upgraded version. For instance, a basic martini is elevated into a Lavender Lemontini.
Whiskey enthusiasts will likely enjoy the Barrel Age your own Whiskey and Craft Cocktails course at Craftsman Avenue. Not only will students create and barrel a cocktail of their choice, but they’ll also build the barrel themselves as they learn the art of coopering. Couples looking for a unique date night experience can check out their Date Night version of this course. Here, they’ll share a pizza and a bottle of wine while crating their drink.
Students in Los Angeles who are interested in mixology are encouraged to check out the Cocktail Mixology class at King’s Roost, a cooking supply shop on Sunset Boulevard. This course costs $95 per student and is taught by a catering expert. In two hours, students will learn to make around six drinks. They will also receive numerous tips on entertaining and mixing their drinks in a crowd-pleasing way.
Chicago residents have a few options to choose from as well. A-List Startenders offers their 3- Hour Essential Mixology Class to aspiring cocktail-makers of all skill levels. Here, students will learn plenty of bartending basics, including creating their own cocktails and determining which herbs and fruits go best with which spirit. Former attendees of this course describe it as hands-on with a fun instructor.
The Discovery Center has a couple of courses in Chicago as well. First, there is the Essential Mixology Bartending course, which is ideal for beginners. This class focuses on essential equipment, techniques, and recipes. Students will also learn about the best garnishes for each spirit and when to shake, build, or blend a drink. The Discovery Center also provides Mixology 102: Sophisticated and Complex Cocktails for slightly more experienced mixologists. This course focuses on more exotic ingredients and the intricacies of blended and flaming drinks. By the end of the course, students will know how to make exciting beverages like a Ramos Gin Fizz, frozen daiquiris, and a Goblet of Fire.
Students in Denver have limited access to mixology classes, but some wine-tasting programs are available. Both practices require an understanding of flavor profiles and the ability to pair complementary flavors. Denver’s Wine Education Institute offers a WSET Introduction to Wine: Level 1 course. Here, students will learn about the difference between various types of grapes and gain industry insight into the health and safety protocols related to wine production. If students enjoy the material (and pass a 30-question multiple choice exam), they can attend the Level 2 course next. This class focuses on the differences between fortified, sparkling, and sweet wines, food pairings, and label terminology.
In Boston, Off the Beaten Path Food Tours provides locals with an exploration of some of the city’s hidden food gems. While not explicitly related to mixology, participants can sample local craft beers and cocktails with their meals. Even though mixologists aren’t chefs, they need to understand how to pair their beverages with various cuisines. The Union Square (Somerville) Food Tour discusses many of the local delicacies in this area, like marshmallow fluff, which is so popular there is an annual Fluff Festival. There is also a Harvard Square Food Tour, which includes a range of cuisines from across the globe to reflect the many backgrounds of Harvard’s student population.
Virtual Mixology Classes
Virtual mixology classes are an excellent alternative for students who prefer online learning or do not live near a major city where in-person classes are readily available. While in-person learning is the most hands-on and personable, online courses are often more flexible and accessible; students can learn from renowned experts from wherever they prefer.
Food Craft is one location that offers dozens of online courses about mixology, as well as other classes related to food and drinks. One option is their Cocktails & Mocktails class. Making delicious non-alcoholic drinks is a skill that should be in any serious mixologist’s repertoire since it is incredibly common these days for people to embrace sobriety for a range of personal reasons. Participants will learn about drinks with a Hawaiian flair, including Hula Lemonade Mocktail and an Aloha O’e Cocktail.
The school also has a Tipsy Bubble Tea course, which is an excellent option for students curious about mixology and wanting a unique learning experience. The first part of the class covers the cultural and historical background of bubble tea, which originated in Taiwan. Students will then learn to cook tapioca pearls and add them to their drinks. This class teaches a range of bubble tea recipes with various fruity and creamy flavors.
If you’re interested in learning more about wine in addition to mixology, a wine-tasting class is a great option. Both mixology and wine tasting demand a refined palate. Mixologists and wine tasters train their taste buds to distinguish subtle nuances in flavor profiles, identify different ingredients or grape varieties, and recognize balance or flaws in a drink or wine. Hospitality expert Christi Davis teaches an introductory course called Rosé Yes Way! This course aims to demystify this type of wine, which is exploding in popularity but often misunderstood. Students will learn more about how rosé is made and can sample many varieties.
The San Francisco Wine School also provides numerous wine-tasting classes that may be of interest to beginners. This establishment offers Intro to Spanish Wines, Intro to French Wines, and Intro to Italian Wines. In each class, students will learn about the grapes native to each country, breaking them down into regions. All these introductory classes are $125. Students will receive a tasting kit and other important instructions before class begins.
Private Group Mixology Classes
If you’re looking for a fun activity for a group of friends, CourseHorse offers plenty of private group mixology classes to help you mix up your traditional routine. A private mixology class can also be a great team-building activity for coworkers. By working together to create cocktails, participants can develop communication skills, collaboration, and trust, which can translate into better teamwork in the workplace.
In a private mixology class with CourseHorse, all participants are mailed their ingredients ahead of time; they will need to supply their own ice and glassware, of course. The class starts with some information about the history of mixology and substitutes that home mixologists can use for common ingredients. Students will then learn the ins and outs of three distinct cocktails— a ginger and lime margarita, an Old Fashioned, and a mint julep.
Attending a private class with CourseHorse offers participants multiple benefits, including virtual compatibility with several platforms so all attendees can access the material. CourseHorse also allows participants to alter the size of their group without charging an additional fee. With their tremendous range of private classes, groups of all sizes and backgrounds can find something they’ll enjoy.
What Will I Need to Learn Mixology?
Before you begin to learn mixology, you’ll need to acquire a variety of supplies to get started. The essential supplies include bar tools such as a shaker, strainer, jigger, muddler, and mixing spoon, and essential glassware such as martini glasses, highball glasses, and rocks glasses. It's also important to stock up on staple cocktail ingredients like spirits, bitters, syrups, and juices, as well as garnishes like citrus peels, herbs, and fruits.
When you take a formal mixology class, the school or instructor often provides these supplies. In some cases, the class fee may include a starter kit that contains some of the essential bar tools and ingredients needed to begin learning the craft. Additionally, many mixology classes will provide access to a fully stocked bar with a wide range of spirits and ingredients, allowing students to experiment and practice their skills in a hands-on setting.
Is it Difficult to Learn Mixology?
Learning mixology is a challenging but rewarding endeavor that requires a combination of knowledge, creativity, and practical skills. One of the unique challenges of mixology is the need to have a comprehensive understanding of the different spirits, liqueurs, bitters, and other ingredients used in cocktail making, as well as their flavor profiles and how they interact with one another. In addition, mixologists must possess the technical skills required to mix and shake drinks, as well as the artistic flair needed to create visually appealing and delicious cocktails.
Other challenges include the need to stay up-to-date with current trends and techniques, the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, and the need to balance the demands of creativity with practical considerations like cost and efficiency. Although learning mixology will likely present new and unique challenges, the rewards of mastering this craft can be significant, from the joy of creating innovative and delicious cocktails to the satisfaction of delivering exceptional experiences for customers and friends.
