Inside the Cocktail Academy: From Classics to Contemporary Creations

Overview

Step behind the scenes of Rome’s most storied cocktail classroom and explore mixology through history, technique, and taste. This two-hour, chef’s-table masterclass blends culture and craft: guests trace the evolution of the cocktail from 19th-century pioneers to today’s golden age, then apply those ideas behind the bar with guided shaking, stirring, and tasting. Designed for curious travelers, this immersive experience balances education with enjoyment and celebrates responsible, high-quality drinking.

What to Expect

The session opens with an engaging look at the eras that shaped cocktail culture—how spirits, liqueurs, bitters, and ice changed the way the world drinks. Anecdotes and insider tips bring the classics to life, while foundational skills—building, balancing, dilution, aroma, and presentation—set the stage for confident mixing. Guests then move from theory to practice at a chef’s-table counter, sampling a curated flight of cocktails, highballs, and aperitivi and learning when to stir, when to shake, and how to finish a drink with polish.

Who It’s For

Ideal for first-time enthusiasts and seasoned sippers alike, the academy welcomes travelers who want more than a simple drink: expect hands-on instruction, clear techniques, and flavors that map the journey from timeless standards to modern signatures. Whether planning a special night in Rome or searching for a distinctive food & wine activity, this class delivers a memorable, shareable experience.

Location & Setting

Hosted in a speakeasy-style academy in Rome’s historic center, the environment is intimate and atmospheric, with professional tools and premium ingredients at each station. Seating at the counter keeps the group close to the action, ensuring every question finds an answer and every step is easy to follow.

Language, Duration & Availability

The class is conducted in English and lasts approximately 2 hours. Sessions run throughout the year and are suitable as a pre-dinner or after-sightseeing highlight during a stay in Rome.

Responsible Enjoyment & Options

Tastings feature a range of spirits and liqueurs integral to classic recipes. Non-alcoholic alternatives can be prepared on request, preserving technique and flavor while keeping the experience inclusive. Guests must be 18+ to consume alcohol in Italy; valid ID may be required.

Booking Details

Admission includes expert instruction, use of professional bar tools, all ingredients, and a guided tasting. The exact meeting point in the historic center will be shared in the confirmation voucher. Early reservations are recommended, as group sizes are intentionally limited to maintain a premium learning environment.

Why Book This Experience

More than a cocktail class, this is a deep dive into Rome’s drinking heritage and the craft behind impeccable drinks. Guests leave with practical skills, newly trained palates, and a story-rich understanding of how the world’s favorite cocktails came to be—ready to order, taste, and mix with confidence long after the evening ends.