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Learn to mix three cocktails and taste York's spirit identity in a hands-on two-hour class inside York Distillery at Middleton's Hotel. Perfect for date nights, groups, or solo travelers who want a practical, local-flavored evening.
Learn to mix three cocktails and taste York's spirit identity in a hands-on two-hour class inside York Distillery at Middleton's Hotel. Perfect for date nights, groups, or solo travelers who want a practical, local-flavored evening.
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Operated by York Distillery · York, England
York Distillery's Cocktail Making Class (Public) is a lively, hands-on two-hour workshop hosted inside York Distillery at Middleton's Hotel in York, England. Situated a short walk from the city's medieval walls and the River Ouse, this class pairs historic character with modern craft spirits and hands-on technique. Step behind a personal workstation beneath exposed beams and beside polished copper stills, where the session begins with a York Gin & tonic and a brief tour of how local botanicals become spirit. You'll learn essential bar tools, balancing flavors, ice and shaking technique, and the logic of build-versus-shake while crafting three signature drinks: a shaken classic, a built-style cocktail, and a contemporary twist featuring the distillery's house spirits. The format is social and practical — expect guided demos, hands-on practice, and the reward of drinking what you make. What makes this experience special for York travelers is its setting and focus. The distillery occupies character-rich rooms inside Middleton's Hotel, where stone walls and hotel bustle give the class a distinctly urban-historic atmosphere. The copper pot stills are on view, and instructors explain how botanicals—juniper-forward gin, citrus peel, and local herbs—shape flavor. For visitors exploring York's Roman streets and Viking-era sites, this is a sensory complement: a chance to taste the place rather than just see it. Practical details matter: the building has steps with a railing and shared toilet facilities via the hotel. The experience is adults-only (18+ with Challenge 25) and designed for small groups and solo attendees alike. Expect a mix of cocktail styles that teach transferable skills—muddling, measuring, shaking, layering, and presentation—so you leave with techniques you can reproduce at home. Check-in takes place at the York Distillery (within Middleton's Hotel); arrive promptly to settle at your workstation and to hear the short safety and hygiene briefing. The venue has a hearing loop available and shared hotel toilets; note the steps on entry if mobility is a concern. Non-alcoholic mocktails are offered alongside spirits so everyone participates. Pricing is typically listed per person (example: Fri 7pm £35), and sessions make a compact, memorable addition to an evening out in York's compact center today. Whether you're a curious beginner or a cocktail enthusiast polishing technique, this public workshop delivers approachable instruction, a lively atmosphere, and a clear take-home: the confidence to mix better drinks and a keener appreciation for how York's local plants and layers of history inform its contemporary spirits scene.
Check in at York Distillery (within Middleton's Hotel) — arrive promptly to settle at your workstation before the session starts.
Yes — the class is for adults 18+ and operates a Challenge 25 policy; bring valid photo ID.
Yes — non-alcoholic mocktail options are available so non-drinkers can participate fully.
The building has steps with a railing and shared hotel toilets; there is a hearing loop available. Contact the host ahead of time for specific accessibility needs.
Participants craft three signature drinks: a shaken classic, a built-style cocktail, and a modern twist using the distillery's spirits.
Casual, comfortable clothes and flat shoes are best — you'll be standing and working at a bar station.
York Distillery, located in York, England, is a boutique distillery and tasting venue offering hands-on gin workshops, guided tastings and a speakeasy-style bar. The distillery’s programme includes make-your-own-gin workshops where participants take part in a guided tasting, learn the history of gin, select botanicals from the on-site garden and distill a personalised 700ml bottle to take home. Alongside gin workshops, York Distillery runs a range of tasting events: wine and crisps evenings, beer and crisps tastings led by expert Emma Moore, festive sparkling wine events, Champagne tastings for New Year, and mixed drink-and-cheese seasonal sessions. The venue also provides gin tastings and curated flights of spirits, wines and beers in a cosy speakeasy setting, with generous serves and storytelling around each pour. Experiences are designed for small groups, special events and casual evenings out. Guided formats and named hosts provide structure and insight during tastings, while hands-on workshops offer a practical distillation takeaway. York Distillery balances education and entertainment, making events suitable for enthusiasts and newcomers. Booking details, availability and specific event timings are listed on the distillery’s events or booking pages. All offerings are presented in a relaxed, social environment in York, emphasising flavour discovery, crafted spirits and seasonal celebrations.
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