By place · COCKTAIL CLASSES IN THE USA
This is the shortlist you would send a friend: 12 cocktail classes in the USA worth the money, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the one thing to check before you commit.
Sail from Kewalo Basin Harbor along Waikiki and past Diamond Head aboard a Hawaii-built catamaran. You get about two hours on the water, a complimentary first premium drink, paid cocktails after that, sunset views, and possible dolphins or humpback whales. Shoes come off before boarding.
“Wonderful experience with knowledgeable and kind tour guides. Amazing views and photo opportunities!”
Sail from Key West’s historic seaport aboard the 69-foot Marquesa to the Florida Reef. You’ll receive gear and safety instruction, snorkel in shallow reef water, then enjoy unlimited beer, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks on the ride home. The three-hour trip holds up to 80 people.
“The captain and crew made it fun and interesting. The water was beautiful and I saw many species of fish.”
Spend about 3.5 hours walking historic St. Augustine with a guide such as Garry, Russ, or Alex, stopping for a substantial meal, wine, cocktails, and local bites. You’ll see the Castillo, City Gates, Plaza de la Constitución, and other landmarks while sampling spots you may not find on your own.
“We had Russ as our guide and he was fantastic, tasted some good wine, good cocktails and great food! We also learned a little about city I would recommend”
Cruise Biscayne Bay for two hours with wine, beer, prosecco, and frozen cocktails included. Watch Miami’s sunset, mansions, yachts, cruise ships, and city lights, with music and a friendly crew. Laura has shared fun facts about celebrity homes, while limited seating makes arriving early a smart move.
“Nice little get away, need more speakers on the top deck in the back so can hear what the person is saying with everyone talking so loud.”
Spend about two hours walking Nashville’s downtown bar district with a guide such as Sean, Jimmy, Will, or Elijah. You’ll visit four venues, receive one selected drink at each, hear local stories, sample beer, cocktails, or Tennessee moonshine, and take home a souvenir fanny pack.
“This tour was a lot of fun! Jimmy was great and our first stop MJs Chill spot was the most fun! Bartender there got the parry started!”
Walk from Red Fish Grill to Cane & Table with guides such as Meg, Ben, and Gary, tasting gumbo, muffuletta, jambalaya, pralines, plantains, hot sauces, and four full-size cocktails. The 21-plus tour covers about four hours, with a vegetarian option but no vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free menu.
“Ben was an amazing guide, his enthusiasm, knowledge, and ability to engage the group made this an excellent experience. The food tastings and drinks were outstanding and we felt like honored guests at each restaurant location.”
Spend 3 to 4 hours walking Midtown Atlanta with guides such as Corey or Katrina, stopping for a full four-course meal and three alcoholic drinks. Expect chicken and waffles, pizza, paella, cocktails, and a sweet finish, plus stories about Margaret Mitchell, the Federal Reserve, and historic St. Mark’s Church.
“Learning the history of Midtown Atlanta was nice since I just moved her. Like that's all I have to say.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Patrick’s Bar Vin at 5pm for a three-hour French Quarter walk with four cocktails at four venues. Expect Sazeracs, a Roffignac, absinthe stories, local history, and practical nightlife tips from guides such as Beth, Gary, Meg, and John.
“Beth was a wealth of knowledge and wit! She was engaging and was able to speak to local hotspots outside the planned tour! After we parted ways with Beth our group stayed together for a few more bars - met some fantastic people and we all vibed!”
Sail from Waikiki for 90 minutes aboard the Holokai Catamaran with unlimited wine, champagne, beer, cocktails, soda, and juice. The crew, including bartenders such as Chase and Kevin, keeps the mood social while you watch the sun set near Diamond Head. Boarding is barefoot through shallow water.
“Enjoyed the sail immensely. Boat was comfortable and clean, loading and unloading was easy. Would recommend!”
Meet at the French Market at 5 p.m. for a three-hour walk through the French Quarter and Riverwalk. With guides such as Jack, Craig, Nate, Rob, and Milton, you’ll sample four foods and four cocktails at four stops, with menus and restaurants changing by date.
“My son and I just got in from this amazing tour. Our tour guide Jack was beyond words! I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but not only did we get to try all the local cuisine and cocktails but we got a history lesson as well!! my son CHRIS and I did this together and so far it’s been the best part of our trip to New Orleans! We just arrived yesterday and this really started us on such a high! He is so knowledgeable and knows everybody!! You can tell he is well loved and I see why!!!!! I will take this tour every time I come back…”
Board the Hanu Lani at Kewalo Basin Harbor for a 90-minute sunset sail past Waikiki and Diamond Head. You get open-air or shaded seating, snacks, restrooms, and a full bar with cocktails, beer, wine, soda, and juice. The crew, including names such as Clay and Captain Mark, keeps the mood relaxed and social.
“Nice casual cruise with drinks and snacks. Fun crew and beautiful views. We really enjoyed this activity.”
At 7 pm, join a small cocktail class inside Congress Street Up, the American Prohibition Museum’s 1920s-style speakeasy. An experienced bar instructor, including names such as Connor, Leah, Blake, or Val, guides you through two hands-on drinks, three samples, bar tools, cocktail history, snacks, and Southern drinking culture.
“Highly recommend this activity. You'll learn all kinds of neat things about making cocktails and their history. You'll definitely catch a buzz, and maybe even make some new friends. They had little plates of snacks to help with absorbing the booze, and water is provided at your table. The facilitator was sharp, witty, and knowledgeable about her craft. Overall a great experience that we would likely do a second time.”
Pick a bottle and see where it is poured properly.
