Everyone loves cocktails, and they’re appropriate for any event where alcohol is permitted. From team-building away days, a birthday party, or a hen do group activity, you can almost always find the right mixologist for you. But how to you know if it’s going to work for your event? After all, there are loads of different activities out there that are suitable for a group. If you have your heart set on cocktails, consider these points before finalising your plans.
Choose Your Vibe
Before settling on the type of cocktail
masterclass that you are looking for your event, you need to know what vibe
your day is going to have. Is this a work event that needs to be more team
focused? Then look for a class that specialises in corporate functions and
team-building. If it’s a hen-do then you are probably looking something that’s a
little bit cheekier and good for a few laughs. The theme of your event is all
important, as it can turn what would be a fun masterclass into something that’s
boring for everyone.
Pick Your Venue
Once you know what you are looking for out
of the class and mixologist, it’s time to look for the perfect venue. Luckily,
there are loads of cocktail masterclass venues for hire in London, so you’ll
have a full array to choose from. The location matters just as much as the
class itself. It needs to be somewhere that will also fit the group. After all,
you don’t want to bring your work group into a bar that’s meant more for
students, cocktail class or not! Most classes fit will with their venue, so by
researching them, you should be able to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Think About Location
Another thing that must be considered when
looking for a cocktail masterclass is where
the venue is located. When alcohol is involved, you need to ensure that everyone
has an easy way to get home safely. Driving isn’t an option, so take a look at
public transport or arrange taxis. Your choice of class won’t be a popular one
if it takes the group too long to get to or to get home from, so you’ll need to
factor that in when looking for cocktail masterclasses. Having it close by will
mean that everyone will relax and enjoy themselves a lot more and won’t be
checking their watches if it goes on longer than expected.
What About Dinner?
After a healthy session making cocktails,
most groups will have only one thing on their mind. Dinner. If you haven’t
eaten beforehand then you should ensure that you have a reservation somewhere.
Check to see if the place you are having your masterclass in also has a restaurant
where you can all go to, and maybe even bring that last of your creations! If
that doesn’t work with your plans, think about organising a meal beforehand, if
your class is a little later in the evening. While a cocktail masterclass is
great fun, no one will hang around for long afterwards if they are hungry.
Signature Cocktails
If your masterclass is for a special event,
there is always a chance for you to request particular cocktails to be made up
to match. For example, one named after your company or even your boss! There
are lots of things that you can play around with to make the day feel truly tailored
to your group. Think about a funny take on a Mr and Mrs cocktail for a hen do or
something unique for a birthday party. Everyone in attendance will love the
attention to detail that has gone in to getting everything just right.
Make it a Taster
You don’t have to make full-sized cocktails
for each person. If you are looking for more variety out of your event you can
give everyone sample size glasses. This means that there will be less waste for
those cocktails that aren’t popular, and you can make a larger variety of
different mixes for the group to try. It can make the event much more involved
as you’re not sitting around sipping full-sized cocktails every time you make
something.
Make it a Game
A cocktail masterclass doesn’t need to be a
serious affair. There are lots of games that can be played while you mix up
your drinks so ask your bartender about incorporating some in if you have the
time. You can have a competition between people for the best or most inventive cocktail,
or they can guess the ingredients that goes into some of our favourite classic
drinks. The options are endless!
Make Sure There’s Something for Everyone
Not everyone can or wants to drink alcohol,
so if you’re planning a cocktail masterclass for a group, it’s important that
they aren’t left out. Most cocktails can be easily altered to be non-alcoholic
so long as your mixologist knows in advance, so there’s no reason why anyone
should miss out on the fun! No one should have to sit on the side-lines just
because they aren’t drinking, and the people running your masterclass will be
used to tailoring what they do for everyone’s tastes. You’ll also need to keep
in mind any allergies that the group might have to particular fruits or other
items in case they appear in the menu.
A cocktail masterclass can be anything you
want it to be, so don’t be afraid to be inventive! Your mixologist is sure to be
helpful in making your event exactly what you have envisioned, so don’t be
afraid to let them know your different ideas for the event. It’s the perfect
type of class for a whole host of different occasions because it can be
tailored to suit almost any theme.
Cocktail masterclasses are a popular option for a fun night out, and there’s plenty of them to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a venue that hosts its own cocktail masterclass, or a space where you can host your own, you can use the Canvas search function to find them. Just specify which area of London you’d like to search in (or leave it blank if you’re happy to be anywhere in the city) and then choose “Cocktail Masterclass” for the event type.
A hen do is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a cocktail masterclass. Whether the bride is a laid-back lass or full of energy, you can find the perfect activity for her. Some venues have specific cocktails you’ll be making, and other spaces let you choose your own or from a selection. Try and find out what the bride’s favourite cocktails or spirits are, so you know she’ll love whatever you’re making. It’s a good idea to specify to the venue what sort of hen do you’re planning – you don’t want them to lay the innuendo on thick if that’s not her style! They’re very experienced when running lots of different types events, so don’t be shy when it comes to asking for what you want.
Activity bars are venues that offer an activity alongside drinks and often food. The activities vary from cocktail masterclasses to axe throwing, from karaoke to mini golf, and from darts to escape rooms. They’re a great idea for a night out in London with friends, family or even a date night. Cocktail masterclasses are particularly popular and can be for either a large group or small, private or with others, and you can even make virgin cocktails and mocktails so no-one has to miss out on the fun.