No matter the occasion, a cocktail making lesson is one of the best ways to spend time with your mates. Luckily, in Leeds, there are countless cocktail making masterclasses for you to try. From the grungier bars to the sleeker cocktail lounges, there’s something for everyone’s tastes.
Here are our top 5 cocktail making lessons in Leeds.
Mojo, Merrion Street, Leeds
Over on Merrion Street, you’ll find the much-loved rock bar that is Mojo. If you’re after a dive bar vibe with your own private room, this is the best cocktail making masterclass for you.
There are two packages to choose from, one for £25pp and the other £35pp. Both come with two options, the classic cocktail making class or the Mojo special.
The cheaper classic class sees you trying your hand at an Amaretto Sour, Cosmopolitan and Mojito. Whereas the Mojo class will teach you how to make some of their house specials including a Sloe Gin Fizz, Hurricane and Long Island Iced Tea. For an extra tenner, you get one more drink per class and a Bellini on arrival.
Throughout your lesson, you’ll not only learn how to make some classic cocktails, but you’ll also partake in several bar games to keep the party spirit going. So, if you’re after a lively cocktail experience with drinking games in between, this will be right up your street.
Smokestack, Lower Briggate, Leeds
If we’re talking cocktails in Leeds, it doesn’t get much more infamous than Smokestack. The New Orleans inspired bar is one of Leeds’ favourites for a cheeky cocktail or two.
For £30pp you can get your hands dirty making some legendary concoctions in this speakeasy venue right in the heart of the nightlife in Leeds. You can choose a rum-themed Caribbean Cruise where you’ll be taught how to make tiki punches and Cuban Daiquiris. Or, if Gin is more your thing, you can try their special masterclass for gin-inspired cocktails instead.
Any night that starts in Smokestack is sure to be a good one. Stand up and get mixing with jazz and blues music to get you in the mood.
Liquor Studio, Lower Briggate, Leeds
Just a couple of doors down from Smokestack is where you’ll find another cocktail making gem. Liquor Studio is a haven for gin and cocktail lovers with their very own masterclass to boast.
For £30pp, you’ll get mixing three cocktails that they promise won’t be your basic bitch stuff like Woo Woo’s and Sex on the Beach’s (although you can’t say no to these sometimes, we get it). Each guest will get their own purpose-built cocktail making station and work with premium spirits to shake, stir and drink their very own creations.
Liquor Studio also runs their own Gin Creation Experience where you not only have access to unlimited gin and tonics, but you get to make your very own bottle of gin. Yep, you read that right. You get to make your own bottle of gin using any botanicals you like. Talk about an evening to remember!
Almost Famous, Great George Street, Leeds
Now, if you live in Leeds, you might know Almost Famous as ‘that burger place’ – which it is. They serve up some of the best burgers in Leeds so it’s a great spot for a bit of dinner if you’re in the market for some good grub. But did you know Almost Famous is also a fabulous bar with their own cocktail making lessons?
The first package is £25pp and you’re treated to a drink on arrival before you’re shown the ropes on how to make two beloved cocktails. The second package is £35pp for the same masterclass but with food thrown in. So, with the second option, you get three cocktails and one of Almost Famous’ legendary burgers – we're sold.
All Bar One, Greek Street, Leeds
When it comes to cocktail making lessons in Leeds, you can’t go wrong with All Bar One. There are a couple in the city centre, but we’d recommend checking out the one on Greek Street. That way, once your class is over, you’re already on one of the best streets in Leeds for even more cocktails.
All Bar One has the most options on our list with three packages to choose from. The first package is £25pp and you’ll make three cocktails with the guidance of their trained mixologists. The second package is £30pp for the same class but with a Bellini on arrival. Finally, the third package is £35pp which is the same as package two but with canapés for you to nibble on throughout your masterclass.
Greek Street is a bustling part of town, so you won’t be short on atmosphere. Plus, All Bar One is your classic bottomless brunch style bar, so feel free to get a little dressy for this one!
Have you tried any of these cocktail making lessons in Leeds - which was your favourite?