Mixology and bartending lessons: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What mixology and bartending lessons is

A bartending teacher shows measuring, shaking, stirring and garnishing cocktails, with recipes, tools and service basics, for adults of legal age. People book these lessons to make cocktails at home, prepare for a party, or learn the skills for bar work.

Signs you need it

  • You want to make cocktails at home that taste like the ones you order out
  • Your drinks come out too strong, too weak or unbalanced
  • You do not know how to shake or stir a drink correctly
  • You are hosting a party and want to serve a few cocktails well
  • You are thinking about bartending and want to learn the basic service skills

What the pro does

  • Checks your tools, glassware and ice and how you measure each ingredient
  • Teaches balance with sweet, sour, bitter and strong elements
  • Shows shaking and stirring and when each method is right
  • Works through garnish and presentation for a finished drink
  • Covers service basics such as checking age, pacing and handling a busy bar

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Whether the class is a group, a private lesson or a bartending course
  • Teacher experience with classic cocktails or modern bar work
  • Lesson length and how many cocktails you make
  • Whether the class is at a venue, a home or online
  • Spirits, mixers, garnishes and glassware included or bought separately
  • Whether the class includes service training or a practice shift

What a written quote should spell out

  • The cocktails, techniques and service topics the plan covers
  • The number and length of lessons and whether they are private or group
  • Whether spirits, mixers and garnishes are included
  • The cancellation and refund policy for the class
  • Which tools, glassware or spirits you must buy or bring yourself

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is this class for adults of legal age only, and how do you check?
  • Which cocktails will we make, and which techniques do they teach?
  • Do you cover service basics, and how?
  • Do you provide the alcohol, and what is your policy on serving it?
  • Can you tailor the class to a home party or a small group?
  • What tools should I own after the class?

Red flags

  • Lets guests who are not of legal age make or taste drinks
  • Pushes you to buy an expensive bar set before the first lesson
  • Says measuring does not matter and eyeballs every drink
  • Promises you will run a busy bar after one class

What you can do yourself

You can practice measuring with a jigger and making a simple two-ingredient drink at home, and taste each ingredient alone first. Serve responsibly, never serve anyone under the legal drinking age, and never drink and drive. Hire a teacher for balance, shaking and stirring technique, or service skills you need for paid work.

Licenses and permits

No license is usually required to teach a cocktail class. Serving alcohol at a class or paid event can fall under state or local liquor licensing rules, and paid bar service may need its own permit. Check with your state or local liquor licensing agency before you serve or sell drinks.

Mixology and bartending lessons questions

Do I need to know how to mix drinks before a class?

No. Most classes start with the basics. Tell the instructor your level so they can teach at the right pace.

Is bartending class the same as a bartending license?

No. A class teaches skills. Check with your state or local liquor licensing agency about any permit you need to serve alcohol for pay.

How do I book a bartending teacher on infinibell?

Describe the class you want, including the group size, the occasion and your level. Pick the instructors you want by name. Only the instructors you pick see your request, and it is free for you.

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