Manchester: Private Cocktail Masterclass with Dinner

If you’re looking for a fun, interactive way to spend an evening in Manchester, a private cocktail masterclass with dinner might just be what you need. While I haven’t personally done this experience, I’ve looked into it thoroughly, and it seems like a perfect choice for those wanting to learn new skills, enjoy good food, and share a relaxed, social vibe.

What really catches my eye about this experience is the chance to step behind the bar and learn from an expert — all in a private setting, which means no rushing or noisy crowds. Plus, the dinner board with vegetarian and vegan options ensures you leave satisfied.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s strictly for adults, so if you’re traveling with kids, this might not be suitable. But if you’re a cocktail lover or celebrating a special occasion, this tour ticks a lot of boxes. It’s especially ideal for groups, couples, or anyone keen to add some new skills to their repertoire while enjoying a relaxed night out.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You’ll mix and taste three different cocktails, guided by a friendly in-house mixologist.
• Private group: The experience is exclusive, making it perfect for celebrations or intimate gatherings.
• Gourmet sharing dinner: Enjoy a vegetarian board, with vegan options available, featuring olives, bruschette, arancini, and more.
• Unique toast finale: Finish the night by stepping behind the bar for a shot of Limoncello, creating a memorable ending.
• Professional guides: Beatrice and her team are praised for their welcoming attitude and expertise.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to plan with confidence.
• Cultural touch: The experience is conducted in both English and Italian, adding a bit of European flair.
• Ideal for adults: Not suitable for children under 18, so it’s best for grown-ups looking for a sophisticated, fun evening.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect During Your Manchester Cocktail Experience

This private masterclass takes place at Dirextra Wine & Cocktails School, right in the heart of Manchester’s city center, inside Sicilian NQ Restaurant. The location is convenient, and the setting feels inviting and professional without being stuffy.

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a welcome cocktail served in an Italian aperitivo style. This immediately sets a relaxed tone and makes you feel like you’re about to enjoy an authentic experience. From there, the real fun begins. You’ll learn to make three cocktails, each with full tastings, so you get to savor your creations and understand what makes each drink special.

The instructor, Beatrice, and her team are praised for their friendly and professional approach. As one reviewer put it, she’s very welcoming and makes the environment feel easygoing. We loved the way she explains classic techniques, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll leave with new skills and confidence.

Throughout the session, you’ll get behind the bar, mixing, shaking, and stirring like a pro. The focus is on classic cocktail techniques, so you’ll learn proper shaking, stirring, and pouring—skills that come in handy whether you’re hosting at home or planning future nights out.

The Food and Drink

The highlight of the dinner portion is a generous sharing board inspired by Italian flavors. The board is vegetarian, featuring olives, bruschette, arancini, and mixed vegetables. Vegan options are available if you ask in advance. These delicious bites perfectly complement the cocktails, and the relaxed sharing style makes it a great social experience.

Guests consistently mention the quality of the food — one reviewer called it “excellent,” which suggests it’s more than just a simple snack. It’s a thoughtfully prepared part of the experience, adding substantial value to the evening.

The Grand Finale: Toast with Limoncello

The experience wraps up with a fun and memorable toast at the bar with a shot of Limoncello, Italy’s famous lemon liqueur. This is not just a gimmick; it’s a genuine way to celebrate your new cocktail skills and add a touch of Italian flair to your night. The final act leaves many guests with a smile and a sense of accomplishment.

Pricing and Value

While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the experience is designed to offer a comprehensive night out—learning, tasting, eating, and toasting—within a two-hour window. Considering the personalized instruction, quality food, and the unique setting, it offers good value for those looking for a more upscale, intimate activity rather than a generic bar crawl.

For the price, you’re getting a full sensory experience: hands-on cocktail making, tasting a variety of drinks, and enjoying quality food. Plus, the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance makes it a low-risk choice for planning special evenings in Manchester.

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What Past Guests Say

Two reviews, both perfect scores, highlight just how much visitors enjoyed the experience. Paula from the UK called it a “great experience” with “lots of lovely cocktails” and praised the “excellent” food. Raffaella from Italy mentioned that Beatrice was “very welcoming and professional,” emphasizing the friendly environment and top-notch masterclass.

These comments suggest that the hosts genuinely care about creating a memorable, high-quality experience. The emphasis on professional guidance and good food seems to make this a standout activity for those wanting a fun, upscale night out.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This cocktail masterclass is ideal for adults seeking a relaxed, interactive evening in Manchester. It suits groups, couples, or even solo travelers who want to learn something new and enjoy delicious food in a friendly setting. It’s perfect for celebrations, date nights, or as a special gift for cocktail enthusiasts.

If you’re someone who appreciates well-crafted drinks, enjoys social dining, and prefers a more intimate, private experience, you’ll likely find this experience both enjoyable and rewarding.

It’s less suitable for children or large groups looking for a loud party vibe. If you’re after a quick drink or a casual bar crawl, this might not be your best fit. But for those wanting a meaningful, skill-building night out, this offers plenty of value and charm.

FAQ: Your Practical Questions Answered

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The masterclass is designed to teach classic cocktail techniques, so no prior experience is needed. The friendly guides make it accessible for everyone.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s a flexible booking option that helps with planning.

Are vegan options available?
Yes, vegan options can be requested for the sharing dinner board, which is vegetarian by default.

Is the experience suitable for children?
No, it’s strictly for guests over 18 years old, mainly because of the alcohol involved.

Where exactly does the experience take place?
Inside Sicilian NQ Restaurant, located at the coordinates 53.4838, -2.2380, in Manchester City Center. The venue is easy to find and has a welcoming vibe.

How long does the experience last?
It runs for approximately 2 hours, including the welcome drink, cocktail making, dinner, and toast.

What’s included in the price?
Guests enjoy a welcome cocktail, instruction in making three cocktails with tastings, the sharing dinner board, and the final toast with Limoncello.

Is the masterclass conducted in multiple languages?
Yes, it’s available in both English and Italian, adding a nice touch for Italian speakers or anyone interested in a European flair.

Can I book as a private group?
Yes, this experience is offered as a private group, making it perfect for small celebrations or just enjoying a more personalized atmosphere.

Wrapping It Up

This private cocktail masterclass in Manchester offers a well-rounded blend of learning, tasting, and socializing in a warm, professional environment. The friendly guides and high-quality food elevate the experience beyond a basic drink-making lesson, making it a worthwhile choice for those who want more than just a few cocktails at a bar.

Whether you’re celebrating something special, wanting to impress friends, or simply looking for a fun night out, this experience delivers a memorable evening filled with good company, delicious food, and a few new skills. It’s especially suited for adults who enjoy a slow-paced, intimate setting to learn about cocktails and share a relaxed dinner.

If you’re after a genuinely engaging activity that combines taste, technique, and a touch of Italian charm, this masterclass is worth considering. Just remember to book in advance, especially if you’re traveling during busy times, and prepare for an enjoyable, flavorful night that you’ll likely talk about long after.

Enjoy your Manchester night out—whether it’s shaking up your own cocktails or just soaking in the lively, friendly vibe of this well-loved experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: