Become an expert mixologist with the 9 best cocktail-making classes in Adelaide!
Cocktails mix sweet, sour, bitter, and savoury notes for something truly satisfying, and they can be tricky to make. Here in Adelaide, we’re lucky to have bartenders who really know their stuff.
You can also learn to make your own cocktails by joining a masterclass. I did it for a friend’s birthday, and it was a blast mixing drinks and discovering new techniques.
If you’re looking to try something new, why not check out the best local cocktail-making classes? By the end of this guide, you’ll be ready to sign up!
Prohibition Liquor Co
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Address: 22 Gilbert St
Phone: +61 881 556 007
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday – 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Website: https://prohibitionliquor.co/
Price Range: $
Prohibition Liquor Co is the perfect spot for anyone keen to dive into the world of cocktail making. With its industrial-chic vibe, it’s got a welcoming yet stylish atmosphere that’s great for both learning and socializing.
Their classes are all about tasting, mixing, and enjoying drinks. You’ll get to try their award-winning gins and learn how to whip up classics like a Dry Martini, Pina Chihuly, or Negroni. I booked a class with my partner once, and we had a blast picking up tips from their pros.
The highlight for me was creating a Bathtub Negroni using their Bathtub Cut Gin. The gin’s vanilla and juniper notes, mixed with herbaceous wormwood, made the Negroni beautifully rich and bitter. It’s a must-try for anyone who loves experimenting with bold, layered flavours.
Tip: Consider enjoying an antipasto platter during your class to complement the cocktails you make.
Ambra Spirits Distillery
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Address: 43 Phillips St, Thebarton
Phone: +61 883 540 611
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://www.ambraspirits.com.au/
Price Range: $$
If you’re looking to learn the art of cocktail making, Ambra Spirits Distillery is a fantastic spot. Their team is passionate about teaching, and they use high-quality, locally made spirits. The distillery’s Italian-inspired vibe makes it a cozy and lively place to pick up some skills.
You’ll get to mix a range of drinks, from classics like gin and tonics to spritzes and Ambra’s unique creations. One of my favourites was the Ambra Cappuccino Martini. With guidance from my instructor, I blended Ambra Cappuccino Liqueur, vodka, and espresso into a smooth, coffee-forward cocktail.
Tip: They offer custom packages that are perfect for birthdays or team-building events. It’s a fun and interactive way to celebrate with a twist!
Threefold Distilling
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Address: 1/524 Anzac Hwy, Glenelg East
Phone: +61 881 232 959
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://threefolddistilling.com.au/
Price Range: $$
For a cozy cocktail-making experience, check out Threefold Distilling in Glenelg East. This spot is run by a passionate team of hospitality pros offering beginner-friendly classes. With small group sizes, you’ll get plenty of personalised tips and a chance to connect with others.
You’ll kick things off with a refreshing gin and tonic before diving into the fun. The hands-on session guides you through making two cocktails—a signature Threefold creation and a classic gin sour.
What I love about them is their focus on local ingredients, from botanicals to spirits. It’s a great way to support local producers while learning the art of mixology.
Tip: Grab a bottle of their liquor after the class and score a 10% discount!
Trap
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Address: Basement, Cold Chisel La
Phone: +61 882 314 555
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
- Sunday – 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Website: https://www.trapadl.com/
Price Range: $
Mix cocktails underground at Trap, a cozy basement bar with a laid-back, intimate vibe. It’s the kind of spot perfect for a night out with a small group of friends.
During the class, you’ll get hands-on with crafting cocktails—from timeless classics to unique mixes inspired by local flavours. Think of creations like the Strawberry Gin-Washed Milk Punch that really show off Trap’s creative twist on drinks.
One of the best parts? A fresh, fluffy pizza served midway through the session, perfectly paired with the Tropical Boozy Drink you whipped up earlier.
Tip: Make sure you’ve got at least three mates with you. The workshop needs four people to run.
Therapy Cocktail Bar
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Address: 2 Peel St
Phone: +61 435 098 126
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday and Thursday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Friday and Saturday – 5 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Sunday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Website: http://therapycocktailbar.com.au/
Price Range: $
If you’re after a spot in the Adelaide CBD where you can craft your own cocktails, Therapy Cocktail Bar is worth checking out. They give you the tools to experiment with flavours and come up with something uniquely yours.
Classes kick off with a quick rundown of cocktail-making basics before you dive into creating your own drinks with the ingredients provided. In the end, you get to taste and enjoy what you’ve made.
The last time I was there, I whipped up a spicy mojito with fresh mint, lime juice, sugar syrup, and spiced rum. A touch of chilli-infused syrup gave it a fiery edge, and I topped it with lime and mint for a fresh finish.
Tip: Don’t be shy to ask the mixologists for advice or to get creative with your ingredients. You might stumble upon your new favourite drink.
Next Door Bar
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Address: 24 Gilbert St
Phone: +61 881 556 007
Operating Hours: Thursday to Saturday – 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Website: https://nextdoor24.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Next Door Bar offers gin-focused cocktail-making classes that are both fun and hands-on. You’ll learn to whip up signature drinks in a relaxed, sophisticated setting, guided by instructors who really know their stuff. It’s a great way for beginners to dip their toes into mixology without feeling overwhelmed.
The class lets you craft two cocktails while you nibble on an antipasto platter. The instructors guide you through each step so you can focus on having fun and experimenting with flavours.
When I booked a class last summer, I tried my hand at a summer spritz. It turned out light and refreshing, with gin, citrus, and a splash of sparkling wine.
Tip: They give you recipe cards so you can impress your friends at home!
Restaurant Botanic
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Address: Plane Tree Dr
Phone: +61 882 233 526
Operating Hours:
- Thursday to Saturday – 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Sunday – 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Website: https://restaurantbotanic.com.au/
Price Range: $$
Mix cocktails with a view of the beautiful Adelaide Botanic Garden at Restaurant Botanic. These classes often feature house-made sodas and garden-inspired infusions, adding a creative twist to your drinks. It’s a great way to connect with the flavours of the gardens around you.
You’ll learn to make a range of drinks, from herb-infused creations to twists on classics like Negronis and Mules. Everything focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, so you walk away with mixology skills rooted in South Australia’s produce.
I love the freedom to get creative here. I tried making a gin fizz with lemon myrtle, and the zesty flavour was delightful.
Tip: Try using native rosemary for a fragrant, herbal twist. It pairs beautifully with gin.
The Franklin Hotel
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Address: 92 Franklin St
Phone: +61 884 100 036
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Website: http://www.thefranklinhotel.com.au/
Price Range: $$
The Franklin Hotel’s cocktail-making classes are a must if you’re keen to mix a variety of drinks and have some fun. The vibe is relaxed and social, making it perfect for groups or team-building with friends or colleagues.
Each class runs for about two hours and suits all skill levels, from beginners to cocktail enthusiasts. You’ll learn how to make a range of cocktails with guidance from experienced mixologists, so no need to worry if you’ve never mixed a drink before.
I had the chance to learn from Salvatore Maggio, one of Adelaide’s top mixologists. He showed us how to craft signature drinks like The Belle Epoque and The Dickens Martini. The canapés served alongside the cocktails made the experience even more enjoyable.
Tip: Bring a notebook or use your phone to save the recipes and tips shared during the session. They’ll come in handy when you’re mixing drinks at home!
Archie & Co
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Address: 48/81 Carrington St
Phone: +61 872 250 301
Operating Hours:
- Thursday and Friday – 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Saturday – 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Website: http://www.archieandco.com/
Price Range: $$$
If you’re up for a hands-on cocktail adventure, Archie & Co is a solid pick. Their cocktail classes are interactive and social, making it easy to connect with both the instructors and fellow attendees. It’s a fun way to learn the craft while sharing a laugh or two.
The class kicks off with a quick dive into cocktail history and some basic techniques. Then, you roll up your sleeves and get creative, mixing your own drinks with guidance from the pros. It’s all about trying new things and leaving with skills you’ll actually use.
One highlight for me was making a margarita with mango puree, using fresh ingredients from their distillery. The sweetness of the mango paired perfectly with the tang of lime juice, giving it a fruity, zesty kick.
Tip: Before serving, try expressing citrus peels over your cocktail. It’s a simple trick to release those aromatic oils, giving your drink a fresh and complex finish.
