Introduction

Looking for a fun way to spend an evening in Charleston that combines learning, socializing, and a splash of local flavor? The Craft 3 Cocktails with a Pro Bartender tour offers just that. It’s a lively, interactive experience that turns your usual bar night into a mini mixology class, all in the comfort of your own space—be it Airbnb, office, or house.
What makes this experience stand out? First, you get hands-on guidance from a professional bartender, making sure everyone feels like a VIP behind the bar. Second, it’s a flexible, customizable experience with options for different cocktail themes. And third, the inclusion of premium tools and fresh ingredients ensures you’re not just making drinks but doing so with quality. However, it’s worth noting that you’ll need to arrange your own alcohol and ice, which could be a small hassle for some.
This tour is perfect for groups wanting a fun, educational activity with a social vibe, whether celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a unique night out. If you love cocktails, enjoy DIY experiences, or want to learn bartender secrets, this class could be a highlight of your Charleston visit.
Good To Know

- Customizable themes allow you to choose your preferred cocktail vibe.
- All necessary tools and ingredients are provided, making it easy to focus on the fun.
- Private and flexible—the experience is tailored solely for your group.
- Includes recipe cards and photos to remember your creations.
- You supply the alcohol and ice, so plan ahead with the shopping list emailed beforehand.
- Cost-benefit: The price includes a professional bartender, top-notch tools, and a personalized experience.
Find more activities and experiences we've covered in Charleston.
What to Expect from a Hands-On Cocktail Class in Charleston

This experience is designed for those who want more than just sipping cocktails—it’s about learning, creating, and enjoying in a relaxed setting. The 2.5-hour session is hosted at your location, making it supremely convenient and intimate. You won’t be part of a giant group; instead, it’s a private class limited to your party, which allows for a personalized touch and more direct interaction with the bartender.
The Setup
The host, a professional bartender from The Cocktail Crew, arrives fully equipped with premium tools—shakers, jiggers, strainers, and spoons—and the necessary ingredients. The setup is neat and stylish, adding to the overall vibe. The host handles the clean-up afterward, leaving your space spotless and ready for your next activity or evening.
The Selection of Cocktails
You choose one of five themed packages, each featuring two signature drinks:
- The Locals: Planter’s Punch & Cadillac Margarita — perfect for those who love tropical flavors and a touch of Southern flair.
- The Martinis: Hazelnut Espresso Martini & Dirty Martini — for cocktail connoisseurs craving classic sophistication with a twist.
- The Spritzes: Strawberry Aperol Spritz & Blackberry Hugo Spritz — light, refreshing, and ideal for warm evenings.
- The Classics: PB&J Old Fashioned & Raspberry Mojito — a nod to the traditional but with a modern spin.
- The Mocktails: Cucumber Mint Cooler & Citrus Basil Smash — great for non-drinkers or designated drivers wanting to join in the fun.
You can also add on any of the drinks below your package for a more extensive tasting or variety. The flexibility means you can tailor the experience to your group’s preferences.
The Learning Experience
Guided step-by-step, you’ll learn how to mix, shake, and garnish each cocktail, all while picking up handy tips and bartender secrets. The bartender creates an engaging, approachable atmosphere, making the class suitable for all skill levels—no prior experience needed. Reviewers note that the bartender, whose name isn’t specified but is described as engaging and knowledgeable, keeps things lively and informative.
- Highlights of Charleston Guided Walking Tour
- Savor the Flavors of Charleston Walking Food Tour
- Charleston Marsh Eco Boat Cruise With Stop at Morris Island Lighthouse
- Charlestons Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
- Charleston Ghosts of Liberty Guided Walking Tour
- Lost Stories of Black Charleston Walking Tour
The Practical Details
The package includes recipe cards so you can recreate your favorite drinks later. Also, a group photo opportunity caps off the session, giving you a fun memory to take home. Since you supply the alcohol and ice (via a pre-sent shopping list), you have control over your ingredients and can customize your drinks accordingly.
Price and Value
At $79.50 per person, this experience is quite reasonable considering the personalized instruction, professional tools, and fresh ingredients. While you need to bring your own alcohol, the overall value comes from the expert guidance and the opportunity to craft three drinks in a relaxed environment. For groups, especially those celebrating or wanting a memorable activity, it’s a good spend.
In-Depth Look at the Experience
The Itinerary
Since this is a private, location-based experience, there isn’t a traditional itinerary. Instead, your evening revolves around the cocktail-making session. The host arrives prepared to set up, and the class flows naturally as you go through each cocktail.
The Cocktail-Making Process
You’ll start with setting up your workspace, then move through each step of the recipes. For the Locals package, for instance, you’ll learn how to balance the sweet, sour, and bitter elements of a Planter’s Punch and Cadillac Margarita. The Martinies focus on precision, with tips on how to achieve the perfect espresso flavor or the ideal dirty martini brine ratio, based on reviews mentioning how “the bartender made it easy to follow and explained everything in a way that was fun and not intimidating.”
What Makes It Special?
Reviewers mention the attentiveness and expertise of the bartender, with one noting, “They made it feel like a VIP experience, which was much appreciated.” The fact that the tools and ingredients are of professional grade means your drinks will look and taste like they came from a bar, not a home mix.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Highly customizable with cocktail themes and add-ons
- All necessary equipment provided, no need to bring anything but alcohol and ice
- Fun, social, and educational in a private setting
- Excellent for groups celebrating special occasions or just wanting to learn
- Photos and recipe cards add a nice keepsake
Cons:
- You need to arrange your own alcohol and ice, which might be inconvenient for some
- Slightly higher price point for the value of personalized instruction and quality tools
- The experience is limited to the duration, so it’s more of a fun activity than a comprehensive bartending course
Who Will Love This Experience?

This cocktail class is ideal for small groups looking for a relaxed, interactive night out. It’s perfect for birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, or even team-building events. If you enjoy cocktails but don’t want to spend hours in a bar, this provides a quick, engaging, and memorable alternative.
Travelers interested in learning bartender secrets or honing their mixing skills will appreciate the tips and tricks shared by the professional host. Plus, those who prefer a private, customizable experience will find it suits their needs best.
The Sum Up

The Craft 3 Cocktails with a Pro Bartender tour offers a well-balanced mix of education, entertainment, and social fun. The private setting, professional tools, and flexible cocktail options make it a standout activity for groups wanting an authentic, hands-on experience. While it requires some planning to supply your alcohol, the value of learning new skills in a relaxed environment makes it worthwhile.
If you’re after a lively, memorable activity that combines the craft of bartending with the joy of shared experiences, this tour delivers. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a bit of DIY and want to walk away with new tricks up their sleeve—plus some great photos to remember the evening.
FAQ

Can I choose the cocktails I want to make?
Yes, you pick one of the themed packages, each offering two signature drinks. You can also add additional drinks to your package.
Do I need prior experience to participate?
No experience is necessary. The bartender guides you step-by-step, making it suitable for all skill levels.
What do I need to bring?
You need to bring alcohol and ice, as these are not included. A shopping list will be emailed beforehand.
Is this a private or group experience?
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate, providing a personalized experience.
How long does it last?
Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including setup, instruction, and cleanup.
Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What’s included in the price?
Your host, all professional bar tools, fresh ingredients, a setup and cleanup service, recipe cards, and a group photo.
Is gratuity included?
No, gratuities are suggested at $15.00 per person.
Does the experience accommodate dietary restrictions or non-alcoholic preferences?
Yes, there are mocktail options available, and you can customize your drink choices.
Where does the tour start?
It begins in Charleston, SC, at your chosen location, and ends back there.
This experience is a great blend of learning, socializing, and having fun with cocktails, perfect for any group wanting a memorable night in Charleston.
More Tour Reviews in Charleston
- Charleston Airport to Charleston Historic district
- 3 Hour Bus Tour and Self Paced Audio Tour of Aiken Rhett House
- 2 of Charleston’s finest plantations in one tour
- Charleston South Carolina French Quarter Ghost Scavenger Hunt
- Charleston Self Guided Audio Experience
- Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour
Looking for something different? Other Charleston activities we've written about
- Charleston Airport to Charleston Historic district
- 3 Hour Bus Tour and Self Paced Audio Tour of Aiken Rhett House
- 2 of Charleston’s finest plantations in one tour
- Charleston South Carolina French Quarter Ghost Scavenger Hunt
- Charleston Self Guided Audio Experience
- Charleston Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour
- Scottish and Irish Connection Charleston Heritage Walking Tour
- Charleston Scooter Rentals
- Charleston History and Horticultural Tours
- Private Historical Walking Tour with Charleston Family Chronicles
- Charleston Champagne Figure Drawing Experience with Male Model
- Craft 3 Cocktails with a Pro Bartender
