Do you and your date enjoy a good craft cocktail, but dislike the downsides of the bar scene? What if you and your special someone could skip the I-4 traffic and not have to push through the crowd in order to savor your favorite adult beverage? Taking a cocktail or mixology class in Orlando will make for a fun and educational date night.
It will also give you and your honey exactly what you need to make future date nights at home just as exciting and delicious as your favorite speakeasy or craft cocktail lounge! Here are a few of our favorite places to take a cocktail class in Orlando.
Updated September 2024 by Meghan Roth
Weekly/Monthly Mixology Classes
Sangria University at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
1000 Buena Vista Dr, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
When: Saturdays and Sundays, 1:30pm
Cost: $69-79 per person
Book online
Every weekend, Three Bridges Bar and Grill at Disney's Coronado Springs hosts Sangria University, a hands-on sangria lesson that's perfect for couples. Learn about the history of sangria and see what goes into the restaurant's four house-made drink recipes.
Then put your knowledge to work and create your own custom blend, using your choice of wine, fruit, and liquor. To wrap things up, every participant gets their own sangria flight with four drinks and a light appetizer, perfect for enjoying on the breezy waterfront patio.
The Courtesy
1288 N Orange Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789
When: Every Saturday of the month, 1:15pm
Cost: $70 per person
Contact: info@thecourtesybar.com
Cocktail classes at The Courtesy are a staple of Orlando's craft cocktail scene.
Classes at The Courtesy are perfect for the couple who enjoys a little history served up with their cocktails. Not only will you learn how to make full-size versions of your favorite classics and the story behind them, the cost includes all the materials and gratuity as well.
Each class usually lasts around 90 minutes and includes three drink creations.
Loading… Gastrobrunch
1023 New York Ave, St. Cloud, FL
When: One Friday a month, usually
Cost: $45 per person
Contact: Open Table reservations
Loading… Gastrobrunch in St. Cloud specializes in creative concoctions. Mixology classes are usually offered once a month. Learn how to make three cocktails while being guided by co-owner/beverage director at Loading… Jahnae Allen and bartenders Bailey Price and Laura Agredo! Full dinner menu & tapas available until 9pm! Class starts at 6pm.
Check the Gastrobrunch events page for the latest class
Coffee Class – It's not exactly Mixology, but Kos Coffee has specialty coffee classes. It's $65 per person and you'll taste different brew methods of the farmer’s Coffee (Espresso, Drip, and Pour Over), and explore the tasting notes of each brew style.
Private Group Mixology Classes
Kavas Tacos + Tequila
9101 International Dr #1198, Orlando, FL 32819
When: Varies
Cost: Varies
Contact: Fill out request form
Treat your guests to an intimate and interactive experience at Kavas Tacos + Tequila. Learn how to craft some of our signature cocktails and dive deep into the art of mixology in Orlando. While you’re mixing and shaking, enjoy delicious family-style appetizers. Each guest will take home the recipes for the cocktails created, as well as lasting memories for years to come.
Cocktail Classes are available for a minimum of 8 guests, and a maximum of 20 guests.
Mix & Munch Cocktail Class at Helena Modern Riviera
8441 International Dr #260, Orlando, FL 32819
When: Varies
Cost: Varies
Contact: Fill out contact request form
Helena Modern Riviera Mix & Munch Cocktail Class offers a fun, unique learning experience for any group occasion. You and your guests can learn how to craft signature cocktails while feasting on delicious Mediterranean cuisine in a private party room.
Your group gets hands-on training in mixology and bartending from the Helena Modern Riviera instructor. You’ll receive recipe cards to help recreate your favorite drinks at home later.
Event package is available for a minimum of 8 guests up to a maximum of 40.
Mixology Classes at The Edison
Located at Disney Springs®, 1570 E. Buena Vista Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
When: Requires 72 hours notice
Cost: $100 per person
Contact: 407-560-WATT (9288)
Imagine taking a mixology class at Disney Springs. It can be done at The Edison! Just fill out the request form including your desired date and time.
Explore mixology basics, hone the perfect recipe for your favorite classics, or discover crucial tools and techniques for the home bartender. Lessons include a light lunch and 2-3 cocktails.
RELATED: A Guide to Orlando’s Best Private Dining Rooms
Sake Classes at Bar Kada
957 Fairbanks Ave, Winter Park, FL
When: Varies
Cost: Varies
Contact: Book Online
Discover the versatility of sake as you explore its role in crafting delicious cocktails at Bar Kada. Their team will guide you through the art of mixing sake with some of their favorite ingredients and create enticing twists, on some classic cocktails. The night will include a tasting of 5 mini-cocktails and a 3 course tasting menu. Guests will also receive blending bottles to recreate your favorite cocktail at home.
Ultimate Mixology Picnic by The Picnic Drop
Location Varies
When: Varies
Cost: $100+ per person
Contact: Info@thepicnicdrop.com or book online
For an interactive mixology lesson that's truly next-level, book a private mixology picnic from The Picnic Drop. Not only do you get your own bartender instructor and three curated cocktails, but the team will provide a gorgeous picnic setup in your location of choice. The cost includes all bar equipment and cocktail ingredients, plus a picnic table, pillows and blankets, placemats and napkins, and table décor. Choose your date, time, and place, and the team will get in touch to create your perfect day. You can even book a photographer, if you want to commemorate an extra special occasion. A minimum of ten guests is required, making this an ideal option for girls' nights and lively group dates.
Encore Resort at Reunion
7635 Fairfax Dr, Reunion, FL 34747
When: Varies
Cost: $44 per person, plus $75 hourly mixologist fee
Contact: events@encorereunion.com or book online
Guests staying onsite at Encore Resort can book in-home mixology lessons starting at $44 per person, plus an hourly mixologist fee. Learn to create two craft cocktails from a selection of rum, gin, whiskey, vodka, or tequila-based recipes. Guests also receive complimentary Fiji water and can keep their own basic bar tools to mix their own craft cocktails back at home!
This is a great option if you're visiting from out of town or doing a staycation and looking for cocktail classes in Orlando.
Limited Engagements & At-Home Classes
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
When: November 15-16, 2024
Cost: $85-195 per person
Contact: FoodandWineClassic@SwanDolphin.com or book online
Every fall, the Swan and Dolphin hosts the Food & Wine Classic, a two-day event packed with gourmet food and beverage tastings, seminars, and live entertainment. An all-inclusive, two-day ticket costs $165, but you can also purchase tickets for individual seminars and events if you prefer.
In the one-hour Craft Cocktails Beverage Seminar, you and your date can learn the components of a great cocktail, then step into the bar and prepare your own drinks. This is absolutely one of the best ways to enjoy cocktail classes in Orlando.
Krafty Cocktails Videos via Aku Aku
For an easy date night at home, look no farther than the Krafty Cocktails video series on Aku Aku Tiki Bar's website. Learn how to make specialty Aku Aku drinks, like the Fu Man Chu or The Zombie, as well as classic daquiris, margaritas, and manhattans. Plus, find even more drink recipes on the Krafty Cocktails Instagram page. Put on some Hawaiian music and spread out the beach towels for maximum tropical vibes.
Read on for more ideas and cocktail classes in Orlando…
Hire A Private Mixologist
Classes can be fun, but sometimes a private event in the comfort of your own home is even better. Hiring a bartender makes for a special gift if your date is looking to take their craft cocktail skills to the next level. One way you can go about hiring is to ask your favorite mixologist upfront if they are available for these types of opportunities and what their rates are (if they have any already set). Come prepared with a little info as to what you are looking for, how long you would like the private class to be and what you are willing to spend.
Another option is to inquire with a catering business. You can find bar vendors on websites like The Knot. Although many will advertise for weddings and special large events, you may be surprised how many are able to help staff your stay-at-home mixology class. Well-known vendors include Beck N Call Bartenders and Sol-Tree Cocktail Co., just to name a few.
Mixology Date Night at Sea
Going on vacation? Several cruise ships departing from Florida ports offer mixology classes, tastings, and beverage seminars out at sea.
Disney Cruise Lines offers beverage tastings for an additional fee aboard all of their ships, including the much-anticipated Disney Wish! Tastings typically include 4-5 sample sized pours, and in the mixology course, you can even learn how to create a few specialty cocktails. Best of all, you'll receive recipe notes to take home so that you can recreate your favorite vacation cocktails anytime you like! Mixology and tasting classes tend to fill up quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot via the Planning Center as soon as possible!
If adults-only cruises are more your style, check out the elevated offerings from Virgin Voyages. The bar upgrades are absolutely top-notch, especially the Shot for Shot mixology class at The Test Kitchen. Learn how to make delicious craft cocktails from some of the ship's best mixologists. The class even includes a mini photography lesson, perfect for capturing that Insta-perfect shot of your delicious concoction!
Local Distilleries
We have plenty of incredible distilleries nearby, where you can often take free distillery tours and sample locally-crafted rum, vodka, and even moonshine. While you likely won't find any mixology or cocktail classes here, you can go straight to the source and maybe even bring a cocktail recipe or two home! Visit a distillery near you, or add one of these spots to your next weekend getaway.
Distilleries You Can Visit in Central Florida
- JLA Distillery – Orlando
- Loggerhead Distillery – Sanford
- Forward/Slash – Winter Park
- Sugar Works Distillery – New Smyrna Beach
- Tampa Bay Rum Company – Tampa
- Copper Bottom Craft Distillery – Holly Hill
- The Roasted Spirit – Clermont
Good news! Many Florida distilleries are offering simple cocktails to purchase while you browse their selection. Loggerhead Distillery in Sanford has a selection of simple cocktails they will make right in front of your eyes. The “Grown Up Slushie” rum punch is popular, and their tropical take on a Gin and Tonic is super refreshing.
Florida Distilleries Worth the Drive
- Saint Augustine Distillery – St. Augustine
- Suncoast Loaded Cannon Distillery – Bradenton
- Islamorada Brewery & Distillery – Key West
- Siesta Key Rum – Siesta Key
- NJoy Spirits Distillery– Spring Hill
Feature image by Stephanie Patterson
