Aliu IsaI was at a friend’s dinner party when, after dessert, he pulled out a surprise party trick—crafting cocktails like a total pro.
But these weren’t your average, thrown-together drinks. He served up a perfectly balanced espresso martini with a silky froth on top and a citrusy, herb-infused gin smash—both smooth and absolutely Insta-worthy.
Naturally, we all had the same question: Did you secretly go to bartending school?! He laughed and said, “Nope, just took a couple of cocktail-making classes in the city.”
Apparently, Toronto is packed with fun cocktail classes. So, if you’ve ever wanted to up your cocktail game (or just impress your guests with more than a rum and coke), here are the best cocktail-making classes in Toronto!
Salty Paloma
Media credit: saltypaloma
Website: https://saltypaloma.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltypaloma/
Address: 880 Grandview Way Unit 202, North York
Hours: Mon – Fri: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (647) 727-1110
Salty Paloma was founded by Amanda Chen—who admits she’s no whiz in the kitchen but knows her way around a drink trolley. They offer a hands-on experience that welcomes both cocktail lovers and curious beginners.
Set in their stylish downtown bar, each cocktail class includes a welcome drink and a snack to kick things off. Then, you’ll learn to craft two signature cocktails and get to experiment with their signature salts and garnishes.
We love that their expert bartenders break everything down in a fun, approachable way, so you leave feeling confident enough to mix up your new favorite cocktail at home.
Note that since classes require a minimum of six participants, they’ll confirm your session at least 48 hours in advance.
Pro Tip:
If you’re looking for a more customized experience, Salty Paloma also collaborates with local restaurant venues and food and drink brands. Feel free to contact them to create one-of-a-kind in-person events and virtual team-building experiences.
BareBones Bartending
Media credit: datenightyyz
Website: https://www.barebonesbartending.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barebonesbartending/
Address: 1307 Dundas St W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (647) 867-7282
BareBones Bartending was formed by real working bartenders who were fed up with outdated Certified Bartending Schools. Their goal is to simply offer no nonsense—just hands-on—practical training.
Check out their monthly Cocktail Workshop, a public event where you can drop in, learn new skills, and shake up some delicious drinks. Signing up is easy; just check their online calendar and pick a date that works for you.
What makes their workshops stand out is the fun, creative themes. Examples include Cake & Cocktails, Tequila Cocktails, Cocktail Bingo, and Love Potions!
They also host private cocktail-making workshops for anywhere between 8 to over 100 people. We love that they’ll conveniently come to your home or office, or host you at one of their event spaces around the GTA.
Pro Tip:
Short on time or prefer learning at your own pace? Sign up for their BareBones Online course for instructional videos, interviews, and demos from industry pros, plus notes, quizzes, and expert insights.
Love of Cocktails
Media credit: loveof_cocktails
Website: https://loveofcocktails.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveof_cocktails/
Address: 1564 Queen St W
Hours: Tue – Sat: 12 PM – 6 PM
Contact Details: (647) 627-1564
Love of Cocktails is owned by beverage expert Evelyn Chick, author of For the Love of Cocktails, and a regular on CTV’s The Good Stuff and The Social.
LOC offers in-person or virtual cocktail classes. Private and corporate events are available as well—simply call or shoot them an email to book.
Their Open Cocktail Class is the most popular, where you’ll master three delicious cocktail recipes using only premium ingredients. And you don’t need to worry about bringing bar tools because they’ve got equipment that’s used behind real bars.
While you’re mixing up your drinks, you’ll enjoy small finger snacks to keep your energy up. And to top it off, there’s a group shot to toast your hard work, plus a gift bag for each participant to take home–pretty nifty, huh?
Pro Tip:
If you want to make your experience even more special, purchase a signed copy of For the Love of Cocktails by Evelyn Chick for just $20 (retail value $34.95) with any class! It’s the perfect keepsake or gift for any cocktail enthusiast.
Toronto Institute of Bartending
Media credit: torontobartending
Website: http://www.torontobartending.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torontobartending/
Address: 16 Trinity St
Hours: Mon – Thurs, Sat: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (416) 862-7272
Since 2002, the Toronto Institute of Bartending has trained over 65,000 students, easily making them one of the top bartending schools in the city.
For a fun and interactive experience, check out their 90-minute Cocktail Workshop. You’ll kick things off with a full-sized welcome cocktail before jumping into mixing and shaking three sample cocktails for each other.
To make things even better, your group gets a complimentary charcuterie board to snack on while you work your magic behind the bar.
Now, if you’re serious about bartending as a profession, their Fast Track course gets you fully certified in just one week. This intensive program is designed to teach you everything you need to know to step behind a bar with confidence.
Pro Tip:
We suggest taking advantage of their free course materials by downloading them straight to your phone for easy studying on the go.
BarChef
Media credit: barchef
Website: http://www.barchef.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barchef/
Address: 472 Queen St W
Hours: Mon – Wed, Sun: 6 PM – 1 AM
Thursday: 6 PM – 2 AM
Fri – Sat: 5 PM – 2 AM
Contact Details: (416) 868-4800
Named one of the Top 7 New and Innovative Bars in the World by Food & Wine Magazine, BarChef is a dimly lit, intimate hangout. It’s known for its creative cocktails, over 5,000 housemade bitters, and cool virtual mixology workshops.
Their virtual workshops are designed for team bonding, making them perfect for corporate events or a fun night with friends. You’ll be guided by expert mixologists who will walk you through the art of crafting two unique cocktails step by step.
Customizable cocktail kits are delivered to each participant in advance. These come packed with BarChef’s signature in-house bitters, infused syrups, premium ingredients, and top-of-the-line bar tools.
It’s no surprise that some of the biggest brands, including Amazon, Sephora, TikTok, Deloitte, and Bell Media, have turned to BarChef for their virtual events.
Pro Tip:
BarChef’s custom cocktail sets make an unforgettable present for clients, colleagues, friends, or family. They can be tailored to suit your needs and budget, though minimum orders may apply.
George Brown College
Media credit: gbcchca
Website: https://www.georgebrown.ca/hospitality-culinary-arts
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gbcchca/
Address: 300 Adelaide St E
Hours: Mon – Fri: 7 AM – 11 PM
Contact Details: (416) 415-2000
George Brown College’s Centre for Hospitality and Culinary Arts is Canada’s largest culinary school. They’re known for delivering top-tier training, and that includes its mixology courses.
Their on-campus Cocktails course is an 18-hour deep dive into the world of classic and modern cocktails. Learn how to shake, stir, and pour a variety of drinks—from martinis and old-fashioned to mojitos, margaritas, and even wine and beer cocktails.
But it’s not just about the drinks—you’ll also explore how to pair cocktails with small dishes, making your mixology game even more impressive.
You’ll work hands-on with premium materials in class, all included in the $280.53 course fee. Keep in mind that you must be at least 19 years old and have completed the Smart Serve Training (HOST 9028) course before enrolling.
Pro Tip:
George Brown also offers an online Cocktails course for $145.53—perfect for those who want to learn from home at their own pace!
Grey Tiger
Media credit: greytigerto
Website: http://greytiger.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greytigerto
Address: 1190 Bloor St W
Hours: Tue – Sat: 5 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 5 PM – 11 PM
Contact: https://www.facebook.com/greytigerto
Tucked away in Bloordale, Grey Tiger is an artist-run cocktail bar and bottleshop known for its selection of over 100 whiskies, craft beer, wine, and spirits. They’re also home to awesome cocktail classes.
Their School of Hard Drinks offers cocktail workshops designed to teach you the skills to mix well-balanced cocktails. These 90-minute classes are led by Ryan Ringer, a cocktail and spirits expert with over 20 years of bartending experience.
Workshop options range from Cocktail Basics Level One and Level Two to more specialized sessions like Amari & Bitter Cocktails.
If you prefer a more personalized experience, we suggest taking private cocktail classes, which can be tailored to your group’s preferences.
Pro Tip:
After your cocktail class, ask about Grey Tiger’s Break-Even Bottle program—a great way to sample rare and high-end spirits without breaking the bank!
Suite 115
Media credit: suite115.to
Website: https://www.suite115.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suite115.to
Address: 532 College St
Hours: Mon – Sun: 5:30 PM – 2 AM
Contact: [email protected]
Hidden behind an unassuming entrance, Suite 115 is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar that delivers an intimate and stylish drinking experience. Known for its innovative cocktails and small plates, this cozy spot also offers cocktail-making classes.
Their 1.5-hour cocktail class is a hands-on experience where you’ll shake, stir, and craft three classic cocktails while learning the history behind each drink. You’ll also get familiar with essential bar tools and techniques.
This is also an ideal place to experiment with flavors and techniques under the guidance of expert bartenders.
For a more personalized experience, Suite 115 offers private cocktail classes that can be tailored to your group.
Pro Tip:
Getting the hang of making cocktails? We recommend asking about advanced cocktail techniques during class, like layering drinks or making your own syrups!
Reid’s Distillery
Media credit: reidsdistillery
Website: https://reidsdistillery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidsdistillery/
Address: 32 Logan Ave
Hours: Tuesday: 12 PM – 4 PM
Wednesday: 12 PM – 10 PM
Thurs – Sat: 12 PM – 12 AM
Sunday: 11:45 AM – 8 PM
Contact Details: (416) 465-4444
Nestled in Toronto’s east end, Reid’s Distillery is a family-run gin distillery known for crafting small-batch gins inspired by recipes they’ve loved over the years. But beyond making exceptional gin, they also offer fun cocktail-making classes.
Their 90-minute cocktail class is designed for all skill levels. During the session, you’ll learn essential bartending techniques while making three unique cocktails featuring Reid’s signature gin.
No need to bring anything but yourself—all equipment and ingredients are provided on-site. The classes take place right in the distillery at 32 Logan Ave, so you’ll be mixing drinks surrounded by the very gin you’re using.
Since the class involves drinking, plan your transportation accordingly. We suggest taking public transit or a cab.
Pro Tip:
For a memorable private event, Reid’s Distillery offers group bookings for cocktail classes, distillery tours, and even high tea.
In Good Spirits
Media credit: ingoodspiritsto
Website: https://www.ingoodspirits.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ingoodspiritsto
Address: Table Food Hall Fare + Social, 81 Bay St. Floor 4 Unit 1
Hours: Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 594-6916
Founded by award-winning mixologist Oliver Stern, In Good Spirit offers expert-led cocktail classes designed to make you feel like a pro behind the bar.
One of their most exciting offerings is the American Whisky Cocktail Class, where you’ll learn to craft three whisky cocktails. Along the way, you’ll snack on some BBQ bites and even get to sample something special from Oliver Stern’s private stash.
If gin is more your style, don’t miss the Classic Cocktails: Gin class, where you’ll master timeless drinks featuring this beloved spirit. Each session focuses on repeatable techniques, so you can impress friends at your next gathering.
Looking for a private experience? They also offer on-site cocktail classes for corporate events, birthday parties, or any occasion worth celebrating.
Pro Tip:
Stay in the loop! Sign up with your email to receive the latest news, updates, and exclusive invites to special cocktail events.
