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From swanky speakeasies to themed lounges, bars hosting cocktail classes in Los Angeles are mixing and shaking up the city’s nightlife scene! Instead of just ordering, you get to make cocktails yourself, guided by experienced bartenders and mixologists in LA’s top bars.
Whether you're planning a date night, bachelorette party, team building event, or just want to learn the art of mixology, these interactive bars offer hands-on fun with a delicious reward at the end. Here are nine of the best spots in Los Angeles where you can sip and stir your way through a night to remember.
1. The Wicked Wolf Long Beach
By day, The Wicked Wolf charms as a Victorian-style tea lounge and café. By night, it transforms into a romantic cocktail bar where moody lighting, lush greenery, and vintage furnishings conjure the feeling of a forest-dwelling parlour. This cozy Long Beach gem offers more than just a great drink; it’s a creative sanctuary where poetry readings, live music, and community events are part of the magic.
Upstairs in the candlelit Wolf Den, the bar hosts a signature Gin & Tonic Mixology Class, a hands-on tasting experience where you’ll explore four premium gins from around the world, paired with thoughtfully matched tonics and imaginative garnishes. You’ll learn the foundations of balance and flavor while crafting your own variations under the guidance of an expert host.
This experience is perfect for date nights, birthday plans, or a refreshing solo adventure. Private group bookings are also available, making it a uniquely intimate space to celebrate or connect.
Best for: Gin lovers, whimsical romantics, and anyone seeking an atmospheric escape from the ordinary.
2. Relentless Brewing and Spirits
Nestled in the vibrant Eagle Rock neighborhood, Relentless Brewing & Spirits is a family-owned spot known for its expertly crafted craft beers and welcoming atmosphere. Alongside a curated selection of their own brews and local favorites, they serve up Asian American fusion cuisine that perfectly complements the drinks.
But the fun doesn’t stop at just sipping, Relentless hosts a Classic and Creative Cocktails Workshop led by a master mixologist. In these engaging, hands-on classes, you’ll learn how to stock your home bar and make timeless cocktails like the Old Fashioned and Lemon Drop Martini, plus inventive twists such as the Spicy Cucumber Margarita. You’ll taste each drink, try making your favorites with a partner, and discover how to make simple syrup and use creative garnishes.
Here’s what one happy cocktail shaker had to say about this hands-on experience!
“This class was so fun! The venue was great too. I also thought the structure of the class allowed for great conversation and meeting new people.” - Ericca Dent
Best for: Anyone eager to level up their bartending skills while enjoying great company.
3. Death & Co Los Angeles
Tucked inside LA’s stylish Arts District, Death & Co Los Angeles brings speakeasy elegance to the heart of Downtown LA. With its moody lighting, plush velvet booths, and hushed ambiance, stepping inside feels like entering a secret, upscale hideaway, one where cocktail craftsmanship takes center stage.
While Death & Co is best known for its expert mixology and atmospheric setting, it also offers custom private events for up to 75 guests, making it the perfect pick for birthday parties, client mixers, or unforgettable team bonding nights. These gatherings can be tailored to include interactive cocktail experiences, with bartenders guiding guests through the stories, spirits, and techniques behind their signature drinks.
Expect a thoughtfully curated night where every detail, from the drinks to the décor, is dialed up for a truly elevated experience.
Best for: Cocktail connoisseurs who love a luxurious speakeasy vibe.
4. Bar Franca
Step into Bar Franca and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a chic European lounge, right in the heart of Downtown LA. With its Parisian-inspired décor, soft lighting, and elevated cocktail menu, this bar offers an elegant yet inviting atmosphere perfect for a stylish night out.
On Thursday through Saturday evenings, Bar Franca partners with the team at TalkTales to host immersive cocktail making classes that blend technique with creativity. Under the guidance of seasoned bartenders, you’ll learn how to build classic cocktails with finesse, explore flavor balance, and pick up pro tips to elevate your home bartending game.
Pair the learning with Bar Franca’s curated wine and spirits selection, and you’ve got a night that’s equal parts sophistication and social. These intimate sessions are ideal for date nights, small group outings, or anyone looking to get hands-on with European-style mixology in a polished setting.
Best for: Those craving a sophisticated yet fun mixology experience with European style.
8 years in business
Runs regularly
Downtown LA
/ Mobile
1 to 100 guests
$99
8k followers
5. OR Bar
Step into a 1970s French cocktail lounge at OR Bar, a stylish and sophisticated venue nestled in West Hollywood. The venue boasts a stunning 3,700-piece crystal chandelier and plush interiors, creating an ambiance that's both glamorous and inviting. As a proud LGBTQ+ bar, OR Bar is a vibrant hub for community connection, celebration, and fun.
OR Bar also host a Mixology 101 Workshop with elegant, old-world charm. These hands-on classes guide you through crafting four classic cocktails: Paloma, Gimlet, Old Fashioned, and Martini.
Under the guidance of a master mixologist, you'll learn bartending techniques, taste each cocktail, and partner up to recreate your favorites, just like this beginner bartender!
“Had a great time! We loved the bits of cocktail history and mixology fundamentals Sarah sprinkled in for the class; the drink options were a lot of fun to make. Would happily do again for other cocktails” - Devon Smith
Perfect for bachelorette parties or a fun evening out, OR Bar offers an elegant yet approachable mixology experience in the heart of West Hollywood’s LGBTQ+ scene.
Best for: Those seeking a glamorous, stylish venue to learn classic cocktail making in LA.
6. The Doughroom
Nestled in the Palms neighborhood, The Doughroom is a warm, inviting Italian restaurant celebrated for its artisanal approach to both food and drink. Known for its craft beer, artisanal wine, and rustic food, The Doughroom offers a perfect pairing of authentic Italian flavors in a cozy setting that feels like a home away from home.
In addition to its acclaimed menu, The Doughroom hosts interactive cocktail and mocktail classes led by mixologists like Akeema Bryan. These hands-on classes teach everything from bartending basics to creating unique flavor profiles, including making fresh syrups and muddling techniques. Guests can also enjoy pairing their mocktails and cocktails with delicious Italian bites from the kitchen. This mocktail shaker recommends it for a fun night out!
“Venue was great, amazing food. The three mocktails were delicious and a blast to craft with Ms. Bryan’s instruction. Would for sure recommend to others.” - David Maller
Best for: Fans of authentic Italian cuisine paired with artisanal drinks and interactive cocktail experiences.
7. Apotheke Los Angeles
Inspired by the apothecaries of 19th-century Europe, Apotheke Los Angeles is no ordinary bar; it’s a cocktail laboratory where drinks are infused with botanicals, herbs, and a healthy dose of showmanship. Located in Chinatown, this atmospheric gem delivers a theatrical mixology experience in a candlelit setting.
Their cocktail making classes dive into the science and art of mixology. Led by expert bartenders, you’ll get hands-on with fresh ingredients and exotic elixirs as you learn to build beautifully balanced drinks from Apotheke’s own apothecary-style menu. Themes often rotate, from seasonal flavors to classic cocktail foundations.
With both public and private booking options available, it's a perfect spot for date nights, group outings, or company events with a creative twist. And when the class is done? Stick around, the sultry vibes and curated DJ sets make it a nightlife destination in its own right.
Best for: Lovers of unique ingredients, atmospheric vibes, and the science behind mixology.
Shake things up at LA bars with cocktail making
Why just sip when you can stir, shake, and create? LA bars with cocktail making are all about turning a night out into a hands-on experience. Whether you're in it to learn some mixology skills, have a few laughs with friends, or just try something new, these bars serve up fun with every pour.
From hidden speakeasies to creative neighborhood spots, there's something for every vibe. So grab your crew, pick a place that speaks to your style, and mix things up a night to remember, one delicious drink at a time.
