Behind every tasty cocktail is a mixologist who has honed their craft, starting from the basics of a good drink and making their way up to innovating unique combinations of flavours. The good news is, mixology isn’t just for the experts behind the world’s best bars. Any cocktail enthusiast can easily fashion a drink on their own, exactly to their liking.
Bars and restaurants all over the world offer cocktail classes for beginners looking to start making their own boozy drinks. If you’re considering joining one, here’s what lies in store for you.
What is a cocktail class?
In many establishments, a cocktail class is a 60 to 90-minute long group session where a mixologist or bartender teaches the basics and technical methods of crafting a cocktail.
At classes like these, you’ll get firsthand experience of being behind the bar, preparing ingredients, and putting it all together. By the end of the class, you’ll be familiar with one or two cocktail recipes and be able to make your own drink.
What you’ll learn in a cocktail class
Most cocktail classes are beginner friendly, meaning you’ll spend a good portion of it learning the very basics of cocktail-making.
Mixology basics
Before getting into any recipes, you’ll learn about the different tools that bartenders and mixologists use to make their drinks. Your instructors will get you familiar with the shaker, muddler, jigger, pony, and other tools you’ll need, as well as what each one is for.
You will also practice the different methods of cocktail-making such as how to properly shake your drink or muddle solid ingredients.
Additionally, some classes may introduce you to various glassware and how to choose one that best highlights your drink.
Ingredient knowledge
Mixology is more than just throwing ingredients together and mixing them up. It’s about understanding the flavours and strengths of each element and how you can bring them together to create an entirely unique taste.
This is why your instructor will familiarise you with the different liquor bases, mixers, and garnishes that go into most cocktails.
Recipes
When you join a cocktail-making session, you’ll also be learning one or two recipes, usually to make classic drinks like the Negroni, Old Fashioned, or Manhattan. However, the bar that is hosting the class may also teach you how to make their signature drink.
Why take a class?
You may be thinking, “I can just Google a recipe online and make drinks at home.” That may be true, but attending a class has benefits that you won’t get from self-learning.
Personal, hands-on experience
You’ll be taught by the best in the game and given a full understanding of the basics. These principles can be applied to any other drink you decide to concoct, allowing you to go further than just following a recipe or video tutorial at home.
All-in expenses
The fee you pay for the class covers the entire duration of the session and includes every tool and ingredient you’ll need, so you won’t have to go out and get anything yourself. This is perfect if you’re just looking to try out mixology without necessarily investing in your own tools.
Where to learn mixology in Bali
For those looking for a class in Bali, restaurants and bars on the island offer both one-off classes and in-depth courses.
Merah Putih in Petitenget is ready to guide you as you learn to craft three of the restaurant’s iconic cocktails: Coconut Water Mojito, Guava Cocktail, and Lychee & Citrus Martini.
Classes start from 15:00 at the Merah Putih bar. You can either come for lunch and follow up with a session, or attend the class before grabbing dinner at the restaurant’s main floor.
Coming with a big group? Not to worry. The classes are available for groups of four up to 20 and also includes activities like bar games and quizzes.
Below are the details for a session at Merah Putih:
- Rp.480,000 per person for alcoholic drinks
- Rp.350,000 per person for non-alcoholic drinks
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FAQ
A cocktail class is a 60 to 90-minute long group session where a mixologist or bartender teaches the basics and technical methods of crafting a cocktail.
At classes like these, you’ll get firsthand experience of being behind the bar, preparing ingredients, and putting it all together. By the end of the class, you’ll be familiar with one or two cocktail recipes and be able to make your own drink. Cocktail classes teach you the very basics of mixology tools and methods, as well as the ingredient knowledge required for crafting any good drink.
Attending a class offers benefits you won’t get from learning mixology on your own. You’ll be taught by the best in the game and given a full understanding of the basics. These principles can be applied to any other drink you decide to concoct, allowing you to go further than just following a recipe or video tutorial at home. Additionally, the fee you pay for the class covers the entire duration of the session and includes every tool and ingredient you’ll need.
Merah Putih in Petitenget is ready to guide you as you learn to craft three of the restaurant’s iconic cocktails: Coconut Water Mojito, Guava Cocktail, and Lychee & Citrus Martini. Available from 15:00 at the Merah Putih bar, the session also includes fun bar games and quizzes for groups of four to 20.
Classes will vary depending on the restaurant or bar. At Merah Putih restaurant in Bali, the price is Rp.480,000 per person for alcoholic drinks and Rp.350,000 per person for non-alcoholic drinks. This price is inclusive of every tool and ingredient required for each cocktail.
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