Top 10 Cocktail Making Classes in South Minneapolis You Can Trust

South Minneapolis is a vibrant hub of culinary creativity, where neighborhood bars double as experimental labs and home mixologists are as common as coffee drinkers. But with so many cocktail classes popping up—some led by enthusiastic amateurs, others by seasoned professionals—how do you know which ones are truly worth your time and money? This guide cuts through the noise to present the top 10 cocktail making classes in South Minneapolis you can trust. Each selection has been rigorously evaluated based on instructor credentials, curriculum depth, hands-on experience, student feedback, ingredient quality, and overall reputation within the local food and beverage community. Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned home bartender looking to refine your craft, these classes offer more than just recipes—they deliver confidence, skill, and a deeper appreciation for the art of mixology.

Why Trust Matters

In the world of cocktail education, trust isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation. Unlike cooking classes where ingredients are familiar and techniques are often passed down through generations, mixology involves precision, chemistry, and an understanding of flavor balance that can’t be learned from a YouTube video. A poorly taught class might teach you to shake a margarita with too much sugar, or confuse a muddle with a stir, leading to drinks that are unbalanced, overly sweet, or even unsafe. Trustworthy classes are led by certified professionals with real-world experience in high-volume bars, distilleries, or award-winning restaurants. They don’t just show you how to pour; they explain why certain techniques matter, how ice affects dilution, and how citrus oils change a drink’s aroma before it even touches your lips.

Trust also means transparency. Reputable instructors disclose their background, list their training, and welcome questions. They use fresh, seasonal ingredients—not pre-made syrups from plastic bottles—and prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and waste reduction. They don’t promise you’ll become a “bartending superstar” in two hours. Instead, they offer structured learning paths that build competence over time. Reviews from past students aren’t just glowing testimonials; they’re detailed accounts of what was learned, how the class was paced, and whether the skills were immediately applicable at home.

South Minneapolis has a tight-knit community of food and drink enthusiasts. Word travels fast. The classes on this list have been consistently recommended by local food bloggers, neighborhood associations, and even professional bartenders who send their own friends and family. These aren’t sponsored promotions or paid listings—they’re the result of real, repeat experiences. Choosing one of these classes means investing in an experience that will elevate your home bar, impress your guests, and deepen your connection to the craft of cocktail making.

Top 10 Cocktail Making Classes in South Minneapolis You Can Trust

1. The Still Room Mixology Studio

Located in the heart of the Linden Hills neighborhood, The Still Room Mixology Studio stands out for its rigorous, science-backed curriculum. Founded by James Beard-nominated mixologist Elena Ruiz, the studio blends traditional techniques with modern flavor science. Classes are capped at eight students, ensuring personalized attention. Each session begins with a tasting flight of house-made bitters, syrups, and infusions, followed by hands-on preparation of four signature cocktails. Students learn how to properly muddle herbs without bruising them, how to calculate dilution ratios, and how to use fat-washing to add depth to spirits. The studio sources all botanicals from local Minnesota farms and offers a vegan-friendly option for every class. Graduates receive a custom cocktail journal, a certificate of completion, and access to monthly alumni tastings. Reviews consistently highlight Elena’s ability to demystify complex techniques without oversimplifying them.

2. The Cedar Social Club

Founded by former bar manager of The Bachelor Farmer, Marcus Delaney, The Cedar Social Club offers an immersive, bar-style experience that mimics the rhythm of a professional cocktail lounge. Located in a restored 1920s brick building on 38th Street, the space features a full bar, copper shakers, and vintage glassware. Classes are held on weekday evenings and last three hours, structured like a shift: prep, service, cleanup. Students rotate roles—mixer, garnisher, glass washer—gaining insight into the workflow of a high-end bar. The curriculum includes classic cocktails (Old Fashioned, Negroni, Daiquiri), modern creations, and zero-proof alternatives. Marcus emphasizes balance, timing, and presentation, with a strong focus on mise en place. The club also hosts seasonal workshops on ice carving and cocktail pairing with local cheeses. Many students return for advanced classes in barrel aging and tiki culture.

3. Botanica Spirits Lab

Botanica Spirits Lab is the only class in South Minneapolis dedicated entirely to foraged and native ingredients. Led by herbalist and distiller Naomi Tran, this class explores the use of Minnesota-grown botanicals like wild bergamot, chokecherry, and pine needles in cocktails. Students learn to identify, harvest (ethically and legally), and preserve local flora for use in syrups, infusions, and garnishes. Each session includes a guided walk through a nearby nature preserve to collect seasonal ingredients, followed by a lab-style session in the studio kitchen. You’ll make a cedar-infused gin sour, a chokecherry shrub, and a spruce tip soda. The class is ideal for those interested in sustainability, terroir, and the connection between landscape and flavor. Naomi’s background in ethnobotany adds academic depth without sacrificing accessibility. All ingredients are provided, and students take home a small foraging kit.

4. The Glass House: Craft Cocktail Workshops

Founded by three former employees of the nationally acclaimed restaurant The Bachelor Farmer, The Glass House offers a refined, minimalist approach to cocktail education. Classes are held in a bright, light-filled space on 36th Street, designed to resemble a professional bar back. The focus is on precision: measuring with digital scales, using jiggers, controlling temperature, and selecting the right glassware for each drink. Students make five cocktails per session, including a stirred classic, a shaken classic, a layered drink, a hot cocktail, and a zero-proof aperitif. The instructors, all certified by the United States Bartenders’ Guild, emphasize the importance of consistency over flair. The curriculum includes a deep dive into spirit profiles—how aging, proof, and filtration affect flavor. Students leave with a set of professional tools and a digital guide to building a home bar on a budget.

5. The Vermouth Project

Specializing in fortified wines and apéritifs, The Vermouth Project is a unique offering in the Minneapolis cocktail scene. Led by sommelier and vermouth expert Daniel Rios, this class demystifies the world of aromatized wines, from Italian vermouths to French quinquinas and Spanish mistelas. Each two-hour session focuses on one type of fortified wine, exploring its history, production, and pairing potential. Students taste six different vermouths side by side, then craft three cocktails using each as the base—such as a Boulevardier, a Bronx, and a modern riff with house-made bitters. The class includes a tasting of artisanal olives, pickled vegetables, and charcuterie that complement the wines. Daniel’s passion for preserving traditional recipes while encouraging innovation has earned him a loyal following among wine lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike. No prior knowledge of wine is required.

6. The Ice & Spirit Collective

At The Ice & Spirit Collective, the focus is on one of the most overlooked elements in cocktail making: ice. Led by former ice sculptor and bar manager Kyle Hixson, this class teaches students how ice affects dilution, temperature, and texture. Sessions begin with a hands-on lesson on sourcing and storing ice, followed by demonstrations on carving spheres, cubes, and crushed varieties using professional tools. Students learn the science behind slow-melting ice, how to freeze water in layers to avoid cloudiness, and why some bars use filtered or distilled water. The class then moves into cocktail preparation, where each drink is made with three different ice types to demonstrate the impact. You’ll make a classic Old Fashioned, a Whiskey Sour, and a Ramos Gin Fizz—each with distinct ice profiles. The class ends with a tasting of ice-enhanced cocktails paired with dark chocolate. Kyle’s background in fine dining and ice sculpture brings an artistic, almost meditative approach to a technical subject.

7. The Spice Route Cocktail Co.

For those drawn to global flavors, The Spice Route Cocktail Co. offers a journey through Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean via cocktail. Led by chef and mixologist Priya Mehta, who trained in Mumbai and Bangkok before moving to Minneapolis, this class explores the use of spices, teas, and tropical fruits in drink making. Students learn to infuse spirits with star anise, cardamom, and Szechuan peppercorns, make house syrups from tamarind and pandan, and use smoked salt and chili tinctures to add complexity. Each session features three cocktails rooted in regional traditions, reimagined with local ingredients. You’ll craft a Thai Basil Gin Fizz, a Middle Eastern Rose & Cardamom Martini, and a Caribbean Rum Punch with allspice dram. The class includes a spice sampler to take home, and students are encouraged to bring their own favorite spices to share. Priya’s storytelling and cultural context elevate the class beyond technique into a sensory experience.

8. The Modern Barkeep

The Modern Barkeep, located in a converted garage studio on 43rd Street, caters to the tech-savvy, sustainability-minded drinker. Instructors use digital tools to track dilution rates, temperature fluctuations, and ingredient ratios, making the science of mixology accessible through data. Students learn to use refractometers, pH strips, and digital thermometers to measure acidity, sweetness, and temperature with precision. The curriculum includes making cocktails using sous-vide infusions, nitrogen-chilled garnishes, and carbonated syrups. You’ll create a smoked maple Old Fashioned, a sparkling elderflower spritz, and a clarified milk punch—all using modern techniques. The class emphasizes zero-waste practices: citrus peels become oils, spent herbs are composted, and leftover spirits are repurposed into bitters. Instructors are trained in sustainable bar management and offer a digital toolkit with recipes, sourcing guides, and carbon footprint calculators for home bartenders.

9. The Home Bar Collective

Designed specifically for beginners, The Home Bar Collective removes intimidation from cocktail making. Held in a cozy, kitchen-style studio on 39th Street, the class is led by longtime home bartender and educator Simone Johnson, who specializes in teaching adults with no prior experience. The curriculum is built around five foundational cocktails: the Margarita, the Gin & Tonic, the Whiskey Sour, the Moscow Mule, and the Daiquiri. Each class breaks down each drink into its core components—spirit, sweet, sour, dilution—and teaches how to adjust them to personal taste. No fancy tools are required; students learn to use a mason jar as a shaker and a measuring spoon instead of a jigger. The class includes a starter kit: a reusable shaker, a citrus zester, and a guide to affordable, high-quality ingredients available at local grocery stores. Students leave with confidence, not just recipes. Many return for the “Advanced Home Bar” series, which covers infusions, bitters, and presentation.

10. The Heritage Spirits Workshop

At The Heritage Spirits Workshop, the focus is on American distilling traditions and the revival of forgotten spirits. Led by historian and distiller Robert Langley, who has consulted for the American Whiskey Trail, this class explores the history of rye, corn, and apple brandy in the Midwest. Students taste rare, small-batch American spirits alongside modern interpretations and learn how to build cocktails that honor their origins. Each session includes a deep dive into a single spirit: rye whiskey, applejack, or corn whiskey. You’ll make a Pre-Prohibition Whiskey Sour, a 19th-century Mint Julep, and a modern-day Applejack Toddy using heritage recipes. The class includes a visit to a local small-batch distillery and a tasting of spirits made with heirloom grains. Robert’s lectures are rich with historical context—citing primary sources, old bar manuals, and Prohibition-era advertisements. This is less a “how-to” class and more a cultural immersion into the roots of American mixology.

Comparison Table

FAQs

What should I wear to a cocktail making class?

Most classes recommend comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing that can handle minor spills. While aprons are usually provided, dark or non-light-colored clothing is ideal. Avoid loose sleeves or dangling jewelry that could interfere with shakers or glassware. Some classes, like The Ice & Spirit Collective or Botanica Spirits Lab, may involve light walking or outdoor elements—dress accordingly.

Do I need any prior experience to join a class?

No. Several classes, especially The Home Bar Collective, are designed specifically for beginners. Others, like The Still Room or The Heritage Spirits Workshop, are better suited for those with some familiarity, but all instructors tailor their teaching to the group’s skill level. If you’re unsure, contact the provider—they’re happy to recommend the right class for your experience.

Are these classes suitable for group events or private bookings?

Yes. Most of the listed studios offer private group bookings for birthdays, corporate events, or bachelor/bachelorette parties. The Cedar Social Club and The Glass House are particularly popular for group events due to their spacious setups and customizable menus. Group rates typically start at six people.

Can I take home the cocktails I make?

Most classes do not allow guests to take home alcoholic beverages due to Minnesota state regulations. However, many studios offer take-home kits with syrups, bitters, or spice blends. Some, like The Vermouth Project and The Spice Route Cocktail Co., provide printed recipes and ingredient sourcing guides so you can recreate the drinks at home.

Are non-alcoholic options available?

Yes. All ten classes include non-alcoholic or low-alcohol alternatives. Botanica Spirits Lab and The Modern Barkeep go further, designing entire sessions around zero-proof cocktails using herbal infusions, fermented teas, and house-made sodas. The Home Bar Collective also offers a dedicated non-alcoholic track.

How often do these classes run?

Schedules vary. The Still Room and The Glass House offer weekly classes on weekdays and weekends. Others, like The Heritage Spirits Workshop and Botanica Spirits Lab, run seasonally—often once a month or during special events. Check each studio’s website for current offerings. Many offer waitlists for sold-out classes.

Are ingredients included in the price?

Yes. All classes include all ingredients, glassware, tools, and take-home materials. You don’t need to bring anything except your curiosity and a willingness to learn. Some studios, like The Modern Barkeep, even provide reusable containers for leftovers.

Can I become a bartender after taking one of these classes?

These classes are not professional bartender certification programs. However, they provide foundational skills that many local bars consider valuable. Several graduates have gone on to apply for bar positions, citing their class experience as a key differentiator in interviews. For formal certification, consider enrolling in a state-approved bartending school—but these classes will give you a significant head start.

What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?

All studios accommodate dietary needs. Inform the provider when booking. Common accommodations include nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, and low-sugar options. Botanica Spirits Lab and The Home Bar Collective are especially attentive to allergies due to their focus on whole, unprocessed ingredients.

Do these classes offer continuing education or advanced levels?

Yes. Most studios offer multi-level programs. The Still Room has “Advanced Infusions” and “Bitters & Tinctures.” The Cedar Social Club offers “Tiki & Exotic Cocktails.” The Modern Barkeep has a “Bar Management” course. Many students return for multiple sessions to deepen their knowledge. Alumni often receive discounts on future classes.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cocktail making class in South Minneapolis isn’t just about learning how to shake a drink—it’s about joining a community that values craftsmanship, curiosity, and connection. The ten classes listed here have earned their reputation not through flashy marketing, but through consistent quality, passionate instruction, and a genuine commitment to teaching the art behind the alcohol. Whether you’re drawn to the science of ice, the history of American spirits, or the wild flavors of Minnesota’s native plants, there’s a class here that aligns with your interests and your goals.

What sets these programs apart is their authenticity. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re the result of years of bar experience, deep ingredient knowledge, and a love for sharing that knowledge with others. In a world where cocktail culture is often reduced to Instagram trends and viral recipes, these instructors remind us that great drinks are built on patience, precision, and purpose.

Don’t just drink your cocktails—understand them. Take the first step. Book a class. Taste the difference that trust makes.