About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team booked this 2-hour speakeasy cocktail class, she found herself in a hidden spot where history, technique, and decent banter collide over a drink. The setup feels deliberately throwback — all dim lighting and mixology theatre — and you'll work through three proper cocktails while picking up the stories behind them, noshing on snacks between rounds. The guide knows their stuff (certified, licensed) and treats the whole thing less like a lecture and more like hanging with someone who actually loves cocktails. The pacing hits a nice balance: you're making drinks, learning why they matter, laughing, and tasting as you go.
Highlights
- Licensed guide who leans into history and personality, not just pouring
- Three full cocktails made and drunk across the session
- Snacks timed between drinks to keep your palate honest
- Hidden speakeasy vibe that genuinely delivers on the aesthetic
- Small-group format means real interaction, not lecture-theatre vibes
- Wheelchair accessible throughout — no surprises on access
- Learn techniques you can actually replicate at home
- No pretension; guides crack jokes without it feeling forced
What to expect
You'll start with a quick rundown of how cocktails fit into American history — nothing dry, just the colourful bits that matter. Then it's hands-on: you're building drinks yourself under guidance, tasting as you go. The guide walks you through technique (shaking vs. stirring, balance, why temperature matters) without making it feel like homework. Between cocktails, there's food to reset your palate and keep things steady. The rhythm is deliberate — a drink, some snacks, a story or two, then the next round. The space itself does a lot of the heavy lifting; it genuinely feels like stepping into another era, which makes the whole thing feel less like a class and more like a proper outing.
What surprised Lily was how much the guide's personality shaped the experience. There's banter, recommendations tailored to what you actually like to drink, and an honesty about which cocktails are overrated. It's not a tasting flight where you're passively sipping; you're participating. Two hours moves briskly without feeling rushed.
Good to know
This is brilliant if you like cocktails but want to understand the 'why' behind them, or if you're keen to pick up mixology skills that actually stick. The small-group format means you're not anonymous, and the guide adjusts to the room's vibe. It's fully wheelchair accessible with no stairs or tricky surfaces. Nearby public transport is solid, so no stress on getting there. Perfect for a date, a mate's birthday, or just a smarter-than-usual night out.
This isn't recommended for pregnant travellers. It's not a dinner replacement — you're getting snacks, not a meal, so come fed or plan food after. The speakeasy sits in a buzzy area, so it can get crowded during peak times (weekends). The 2 hours moves steadily, so if you're very slow with alcohol or prefer a leisurely pace, it might feel brisk. Dress code is smart-casual; they're particular about the vibe.
Bring nothing but yourself and cash for tips. Included: three cocktails, snacks, guidance from a certified guide. Not included: dinner, transport. Group sizes stay intimate (under 10), bookings fill up Thursday–Saturday.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.