Amelia HallAre you itching to become a cocktail connoisseur? Or maybe you just want to see what Vancouver is shaking instead of stirring?
Whether you’re flying solo or planning a group event, we’ve lined up the top classes that’ll make you the life of any party. Who knows? After a class or two, you might find yourself mixing up your favorite drinks right at home – no bar needed!
Long Table Distillery
Website: http://www.longtabledistillery.com/
Address: 1451 Hornby St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1W8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-266-0177
Operating hours: Thursday – Saturday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Sunday: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The cocktail-making class at Long Table Distillery is arguably the most popular one, and for good reasons. Well, it makes sense, considering their strong reputation as one of the premier spots for a wide range of handcrafted spirits.
In their interactive classes, you get to hop behind the bar and channel your inner mixologist while picking up some cool bartending skills. But here’s our fave part – you won’t just be learning to make one cocktail; you’ll be whipping up three new and unique drinks!
The overall experience is hands-on and perfect for a date night, a group event, or impressing your friends with your newfound talent. Plus, the instructors make sure the recipes are super easy to follow so you can show off your skills at home.
Booking is a breeze online, and Long Table has all the gear you need right there (you can just bring yourself). And at $45 a person, it’s a steal for all the fun and learning you’ll get out of it.
Fine Art Bartending School
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Website: https://www.fineartbartending.ca/
Address: 432 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1T5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-873-2811
Operating hours: Friday: 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM | Saturday: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Fine Art Bartending has been the go-to place in Vancouver when it comes to learning how to mix drinks like a pro. And who wouldn’t want to learn from the best – they literally have over 40 years of experience!
They offer an introductory bartending class that’s perfect for getting your feet wet in the world of cocktails. And in just 2.5 hours, you’ll get a crash course on what really goes on behind the bar.
This class pretty much covers everything you need to know about cocktails, whether you just want to make one for yourself at home or you’re thinking about getting into the bartending business.
You’ll learn all sorts of cool stuff too, like mixing techniques and what spirits you should have in your home bar. Plus, you’ll get to taste some awesome cocktails along the way (best excuse for enjoying the best drinks without the raised eyebrows!).
These bartending classes are held every Friday and Saturday evening and only cost $59 per person. Feel free to sign up through their website to secure your spot.
Cocktail Wars
Website: https://cocktailwars.ca/
Address: 241 Union Street, Vancouver BC V6A2B2
Contact details: +1 604-565-7708
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Want to expand your cocktail-making skills? Signing up for Cocktail War’s Modern Classics is the perfect move for you. Led by experienced instructors and featuring one-on-one training with bartenders, this workshop is the real deal at just $69 per person.
What’s included? This lively session covers classic mixing techniques, modern cocktail recipes, their historical background, and the traditional methods used to create them.
It’s two hours packed with learning and cocktail sampling, with all materials and seasonal recipes provided, so just bring your A-game!
But the excitement doesn’t end when the class does. Each participant will walk away with a coveted take-home cocktail list, guaranteed to elevate your home bar setup and impress your friends at your next gathering.
Lavish Liquid
Website: https://www.barcart.ca/
Address: 43 E 5th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 1G7, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-398-4542
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re looking for a fun experience for your next corporate retreat, birthday party, or bachelorette party, how about a cocktail class with The Bar Cart by Lavish Liquid? It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, engage, and unleash your inner bartender!
Their classes are designed for groups of 10 to 24 participants and start at $155 per person, making them great for big groups. They take care of everything, from ingredients and alcohol to bar tools and glassware (they also handle setting up and cleaning up afterwards).
Here’s what goes down during one of their classes: You’ll be welcomed with a delicious cocktail as you mingle and settle in. Then, under the guidance of one of their experienced bar instructors, you’ll learn to make three cocktails of your choice over a 2 to 2.5-hour session.
It’s hands-on learning all the way, from measuring out ingredients to adding the finishing touches with custom garnishes.
Sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon with your group? Simply fill out the inquiry form on their website to book a cocktail class with them.
Coupe and Co.
Website: http://www.coupeandco.com/
Address: 41328 Skyridge Place,. Squamish, BC, V8B 1A4,. Canad
Contact details: +1 604-828-5704
Take your team building to the next level with Coupe and Co.’s cocktail-making class designed for events. When you sign up, your group will learn how to whip up impressive cocktails with just a few ingredients.
It’s a sweet deal for your event, giving you 2 hours of cocktail making (with tasting, of course) and the option to personalize flavors, ingredients, or themes. Plus, they’ll throw in snacks and grazing platters, all set up at the event space of your choice.
On another note, Coupe and Co. also offers virtual cocktail classes for those nights when you just want to chill at home. They’ll simply provide you with a shopping list of basic ingredients and kitchen tools, so no worries there.
In this class, you’ll master three cocktails and two simple syrups. You get to choose your two favorite spirits, and they’ll create a custom menu just for you.
And to top it all off, you’ll walk away with a free cocktail cheat sheet featuring classic cocktail templates and six recipes using the simple syrups you made.
Resurrection Spirits
Website: https://www.resurrectionspirits.ca/
Address: 1672 Franklin St, Vancouver, BC V5L 1P4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-253-0059
Operating hours: Thursday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Sunday: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Resurrection Spirits isn’t your average cocktail spot in Vancouver – it’s where you can really step up your cocktail game, even if you’re already a pro!
Actually, whether you’re a beginner or a home bartender looking to polish your skills, these classes are designed to give you the confidence to mix up amazing drinks.
There’s so much to learn here. With hands-on activities and insightful discussions, you’ll explore everything from the history of cocktails to mastering essential tools and glassware for creating the perfect drink.
Plus, you’ll learn about the role of spirits, mixers, and garnishes in crafting exceptional cocktails. And don’t worry – your instructors will also provide techniques for achieving the perfect balance of sweet, sour, bitter, and alcohol flavors in your drinks.
If you’re to elevate your mixology skills with Resurrection Spirits, simply fill out your details on the provided form on their website, and they’ll be in touch to book you in for a class.
Vancouver Wine School
Website: http://www.vancouverwineschool.com/
Address: 4000 No. 3 Rd #6115, Richmond, BC V6X 0J8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-357-6009
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
You might think Vancouver Wine School is solely focused on wine, but they offer more than meets the eye! Among their offerings is a specialty course – a two-hour classic cocktail-making class.
In this class, you’ll dive into history and the art of crafting cocktails through various techniques.
After some discussion and demonstrations, you’ll have the chance to get hands-on. During the practice session, you’ll make your own cocktails using real spirits.
Sure, the class might seem a bit pricey at $350, but the knowledge you’ll gain is totally worth it. After all, the goal of the class is to equip you with the skills to master over 10 popular classic cocktails by the end of the session.
The Modern Bartender
Website: http://www.themodernbartender.com/
Address: 28 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3V6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-684-1747
Operating hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
From time to time, The Modern Bartender hosts cocktail-making classes. They’re mostly hands-on, which makes them perfect for those eager to gain beginner and specialty skills.
When they have these classes, they’re usually led by industry veterans who guide you through an interactive journey of cocktail history, techniques, and flavors.
Here’s what you can expect when you sign up: You’ll get to taste a variety of classic cocktails prepared by the instructor before getting into step-by-step instructions on mixology basics.
Additionally, each guest will have the opportunity to use top-notch bar tools, along with a variety of bitters, syrups, non-alcoholic spirits, garnishes, and fresh juices.
All these are conveniently available in the seminar room to help you create professional-quality cocktails during the class.
On top of that, after the class, participants get special after-hours access to The Modern Bartender store with a sweet 15% discount – talk about a bonus!
To check if they have a cocktail-making class scheduled, simply visit their website and look at the calendar of activities. If you spot one, feel free to sign up.
Just a heads up: Each workstation is shared, so if you have a specific friend you want to be seated next to, make sure to mention it when you check out and include their name!
Vancouver Bartending School
Website: https://bartending-school.ca/vancouver-bc-bartending-school/
Contact details: (877)879-7958
At Vancouver Bartending School, you’ll experience their step-by-step Mastering Bartending Program, which takes you from beginner to advanced in just 7 days.
There are tons of cool things to learn, like over 200 basic and fancy drink recipes, how to cut fruit and jazz up cocktails, and the art of creating multiple drinks quickly.
You can opt for their in-person lessons, where you choose the schedule and location for an intimate learning experience. Don’t worry, all equipment and learning materials will be provided, including a workbook, bartending tools, and drinks.
You can also choose your own schedule and location for the class. They can come to your home or teach at one of their multiple locations in Vancouver (West Point Grey, Shaughnessy, Kerrisdale, Coal Harbour, and West Vancouver).
But if online learning is more your thing, no worries! Vancouver Bartending School is open to that option too.
Brandywine
Website: https://www.brandywine.ca/
Address: 241 Union St, Vancouver, BC V6A 0B4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-565-7708
Operating hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM | Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM | Sunday: 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
If you’re looking for a comprehensive bartending class that focuses directly on cocktail making, then Brandywine is the perfect place for you. Their four-day fast track class is particularly ideal for enthusiasts aiming to enhance their skills behind the bar.
When we say complete bartending class, we mean more than just diving into cocktail making. We mean gaining a diverse understanding of various drink types, preparation methods, professional service, and how to excel behind the bar.
Participants receive one-on-one training behind the Brandywine Bar, which includes all class materials and cocktail ingredients. Additionally, you’ll not only leave the class with knowledge but also with a full certification course, including a practical exam.
Essentially, this four-day class could set you on the path to becoming a professional in the field of cocktail making.
Brandywine doesn’t always offer this particular class though. So, if you want to sign up, always check the schedule on their website for the next available classes and then book your spot.
And since this class seems to offer everything, expect to pay a relatively higher fee. But like we always say, great value comes at a high price – and high rewards!
The Keefer Bar
Website: http://www.thekeeferbar.com/
Address: 135 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-688-1961
Operating hours: Sunday – Thursday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Friday – Saturday: 4:00 PM – 2:00 AM
The Keefer Bar in Vancouver is renowned for its late-night apothecary-themed cocktails, live music, and delectable Asian sharing plates.
But did you know they also host cocktail-making workshops from time to time? Their previous one, called “Learn it, Drink it!”, was a crash course in mixology.
It featured four cocktails and guided guests through their history as they mixed. It’s a fun and informative experience – plus, you get to take home recipes and gifts.
Once they announce a new event like this, you really won’t want to miss it. To stay updated, follow their social media or visit their website now and then.
Start Bartending
Website: https://www.startbartending.com/
Address: Vancouver, Canada
Operating hours: +1 604-710-8075
At Start Bartending, they offer an exclusive online bartending course with 11 different sections for you to explore.
Each section is packed with exercises, cocktail recipes, and additional tips every bartender should know. But generally, the course is all about effectively teaching beginners the tricks of the trade in bartending and mixology.
What’s fantastic is that even though the course materials (videos, exercises, and quizzes) are expected to take nearly 40 hours to review, you have the freedom to study consecutively or take breaks. This means you can progress at your own pace.
All this is available for a one-time payment of $195. Just sign up and pay online, and they’ll send you everything you need to complete the course and become a bartender.
Moreover, they even include tips for creating a bartending resume and advice for applying for work in the final section of the course.
