While associated with summer, cocktails have been created for every season and are enjoyed by fans of mixed drinks all year around. Chester has many pubs, restaurants and hotels where cocktails are served, but also has dedicated cocktail bars with award-winning mixologists on their staff. A popular event at these venues is the cocktail master class, an exclusive and interactive session that lets cocktail lovers learn how to mix their favourite drinks and more.
Masterclasses are an ideal way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, hen nights, stag dos and Christmas work parties, but are also a great way to simply start a fun night out. Here are some of the leading cocktail masterclasses in Chester to choose from.
Red Door
Situated on St John Street, Red Door is a late-night cocktail bar in the beating heart of the city. While known for its live music and DJs, the bar also presents two different cocktail masterclasses. The “Classic Masterclass” is led by a professional bartender and lets attendees learn to make three cocktails from a set list that includes time-honoured tipples like Strawberry Daiquiri, Mojito and Espresso Martini. The second option is the “Sparkling Masterclass” for those who prefer drinks with some fizz and starts with a chilled glass of prosecco or champagne.
Kuckoo
Renowned for its indie rock soundtrack, Kuckoo can be found on Watergate Street. As well as offering premier entertainment, games and Neapolitan Pizza, the bar hosts “DIY Cocktail Masterclasses”. With three classes to pick from, guests can get hands-on experience in a high-energy environment assisted by the Kuckoo bartenders and even take a turn behind the bar. Options include “On the Rocks”, “The Fizz Fixx” and the “The Party Starter”. a longer VIP session. All classes include a welcome drink, expert instruction and a chance to create two cocktails and enjoy multiple rounds of shots. Cocktail masterclasses can also be designed for those who enjoy low or no-alcohol drinks.
Providence Gin
Also located on Watergate Street, Providence Gin is a mecca for gin lovers visiting or living in Chester. While the bar features a staggering 500 different gins to taste, fans of the juniper-infused spirit can also learn more a about their libation of choice at a “Gin Masterclass”. The two-hour experience takes place in a private tasting room and starts with a gin cocktail. Guests get to try six gins and learn how to craft a G&T like a professional with sharing platters for nibbles.
The Slug and Lettuce
A popular pub on Bridge Street, The Slug and Lettuce serves beer, wine and spirits, but also runs cocktail masterclasses in Chester. Offering a wide range of cocktail and mocktail choices including Cosmos, Hot Honey margaritas and Beach Babes, each session begins with a welcome cocktail and shot.
Be At One Chester
Based at 39-41 Watergate Street, Be At One offers fun cocktail masterclasses that combine learning how to mix drinks with competitive cocktail-themed games. Six standard cocktail class slots are available to book on weekdays, but private events for birthdays and other special occasions are also available.
TBC
A bar on lively Watergate Street, TBC hosts hour-and-a-half-long cocktail classes for groups with a minimum of six people. Cocktail fans can book a private area of the entire venue depending on the scale of their party and learn to create two cocktails with the expert guidance of the bar’s team. Personalised cocktails and themes are available on request.
The Church
A bar and restaurant in Chester’s Newgate Street, The Church holds cocktails masterclasses for larger groups. Designed for parties of 10 this interactive experience features fun, food and a chance to make mixed drinks like a pro. From shaking a Margarita to pouring a Cosmopolitan to perfection, the class lets guests raise their bar game over 90 minutes and is headed up by The Church’s experienced staff.
With plenty of exciting bars to choose from, it’s no surprise that Chester is a hotspot for cocktail aficionados. Fortunately, as many of Chester’s bars are based in the centre of the city, cocktail masterclasses make an excellent way to kick off an evening of adventure with opportunities to extend the night with entertainment, more drinks, dining and dancing all in easy reach.