It’s 6:00 P.M. on a Friday night, and you're itching to do something different.
Every weekend is the same: order in Postmates, pregame to Olivia Rodrigo, bar hop on the Lower East Side, and eat a Prince Street Vodka slice (or a whole pie) at 2:00 in the morning.
See Also: The Best Cooking Classes In NYC, From Tasty Thai To Innovative Ice Cream
Lucky for you, we've rounded up the best cocktail-making classes in NYC to shake (not stir!) things up a bit.
Whether you’re sitting on the couch sipping a martini, or making a spicy marg in a secret mixology den, these captivating cocktail-making classes will be sure to quench your thirst for something new.
Great Jones: The Shake Up View this post on Instagram
There’s no better place to take a mixology class than Great Jones, Manhattan’s first legal whiskey distillery since Prohibition. Upon arrival, guests will be taken on a tour of the distillery, followed by a 4-part tasting of the Great Jones Straight Bourbon. After the tasting, you will be invited to indulge in a delicious charcuterie board (Prosciutto and house-made sourdough crackers are a must), and a welcome cocktail. Finally, a team of expert mixologists will lead a hands-on demonstration of the establishment’s most famed cocktails: the Saratoga Julep and Great Jones Rye Manhattan.
View this post on Instagram
Oftentimes referred to as a pioneer in the field, Liquid Lab has revolutionized the New York City cocktail scene since its inception. Offering virtual, in-person, and private classes, Liquid Lab is the mecca of all things mixology. Their wide-ranging class selection includes molecular mixology, artisanal and Prohibition-era cocktails, and even health and wellness-inspired cocktail concepts. While their flagship lies in the heart of Flatiron, Liquid Lab pairs up with world-class bars around the city to host their interactive classes.
View this post on Instagram
You’ll most definitely need a drink (or three) when he leaves your Snapchat on pending. Guests will learn how to make cocktails from the best in the industry, honing in on the techniques, styles, and flavor profiling that go into making a delicious drink. Distguinishing this class from the rest, each participant will get one-on-one time with the bartender. With classes only offered on Mondays and Tuesdays, start your week off with a bang, or better yet, a massive hangover.
View this post on Instagram
With multiple locations across the city, including sister establishment, Dear Irving, Raines Law Room has a little something for everybody. Offering both virtual and in-person classes, guests can indulge in a wide variety of mixology experiences, from DIY Bloody Marys to earth-day-inspired cocktails. If you want to spice up your date night, enroll in the Cocktails For My Crush course, which invites couples to enjoy romantic wine and champagne all evening long.
View this post on Instagram
Nestled in Chinatown’s most coveted speakeasy, the New York Apotheke Academy does not mess around. Participants have the option of choosing from three classes: Prohibition Era, Whiskey Business, or Spirits of Mexico. If you’re a Gatsby fanatic, the Prohibition course experiments with Early American cocktails like the Sazerac, French 75, and Aviation. If you’re more of a whisky type, the Whiskey Business course is focused on cocktails with Scotch, Japanese Whiskey, and Rye. And if you’re a party girl at heart, the Spirits of Mexico course profiles tequila, tequila, and well, more tequila.
View this post on Instagram
Characterized as "Your Mobile Mixology Coach," BarBees brings the cocktail-making experience straight to your home. Or your New York City brownstone, that is. Prior to the event, students will choose two signature cocktails, ranging from Espresso Martinis to Raspberry Lemonade Mules, to Jalapeno Margaritas. And if you’re like us, you’re dying to try the Rosemary Honey Paloma. Getting drunk in sweatpants? Without needing to worry about getting home? Sign. Us. Up.
View this post on Instagram
With classes offered in an undisclosed location, or in the comfort of your own home, this innovative mixology concept is truly the best of both worlds. Each class will teach you how to select ingredients, pair liquors, and spirits, and experiment with unique flavors to create the perfect cocktail. And if you’re driving tonight, Class Bento also offers mocktail-making classes so everybody can join in on the fun!
Honorable Mention: Seamores Dumbo hosts our favorite cocktail-making classes! Sign up here to put yourself on the waiting list.
Photography by: Kike Salazar
