Pendergast Cocktail College Classes

Travelers looking for a fun, intimate way to experience Kansas City’s vibrant craft cocktail scene will find the Pendergast Cocktail College at Tom’s Town Distilling Co. offers a compelling mix of history, craftsmanship, and socializing. This 90-minute class is more than just mixing drinks; it’s an engaging journey into the art of cocktail making, set in a stylish, historic brick building that oozes personality.

What makes this experience stand out? First, you get to learn how to craft three seasonal cocktails with expert guidance from Tom’s Town’s resident bartenders. Second, the focus on bar skills like shaking versus stirring gives you practical knowledge to impress at home. Third, the stories behind classic cocktails add a layer of cultural appreciation you won’t get from a standard bar crawl. A potential consideration? Since the class is capped at 15 guests, booking in advance ensures a spot, especially since it’s popular—booked about 26 days ahead on average.

Ideal for those who enjoy hands-on experiences, cocktail enthusiasts, or anyone curious about the history behind the drinks they love, Pendergast Cocktail College offers a lively, authentic taste of Kansas City’s spirited side.

Good To Know

• Hands-on class: Learn to make three seasonal cocktails with professional guidance.
• Historic setting: The class is held in a stylish, brick building that adds charm and atmosphere.
• Expert instruction: Taught by Tom’s Town’s own bartenders and tour guides, blending skills and storytelling.
• Includes food: Participants enjoy a cheese board alongside their drinks.
• Focus on skills: Learn about creating an at-home bar, the art of shaking vs. stirring, and cocktail history.
• Limited group size: Max of 15 travelers, fostering a personalized experience.

What to Expect from Pendergast Cocktail College

An Introduction to Kansas City’s Cocktail Heritage

Located at 1701 Main St, Kansas City, the class kicks off at 6:00 PM on Wednesdays. The setting—Tom’s Town Distilling Co.—is a historic brick building that exudes character, helping to set a relaxed yet engaging atmosphere. As the class begins, you’ll meet your hosts, expert bartenders who are also tour guides, eager to share their knowledge and passion.

The 90-Minute Hands-On Experience

Once you’re settled, the real fun begins. Over approximately an hour and a half, you’ll learn to craft three signature cocktails using Tom’s Town spirits—bourbon, gin, and vodka. The recipes are seasonal and rotate, ensuring you get a fresh, ever-changing experience each time. The small group size (capped at 15) makes it easy to ask questions and get personalized tips.

Cocktail Crafting & Bar Skills

Expect to get your hands dirty—shaking, stirring, pouring—under the watchful eye of your instructors. You’ll learn the techniques that bartenders use, like the difference between shaking and stirring, and how these choices affect the final flavor. This isn’t just about following recipes; it’s about understanding the craft behind each drink. Plus, the class covers tips on setting up your own at-home bar, making this a practical skill for future parties.

Storytelling & Historical Insights

What sets this class apart is the storytelling. Your guides share the background of classic cocktails, bringing history alive through anecdotes and context. For example, one reviewer notes, “Prohibition Never Tasted So Good,” highlighting how the class makes these historic drinks feel relevant and fun.

Tasting & Food Pairing

Your ticket includes three crafted cocktails—each one a different seasonal delight—and a cheese board that pairs well with the drinks. The pairing adds a gourmet touch and enhances the tasting experience, making it a well-rounded evening out.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

Quality of Instruction

You’re not just watching a demonstration; you’re actively participating, which enhances learning and enjoyment. The instruction comes from knowledgeable staff—Tom’s Town’s own bartenders and guides—who blend bar skills with storytelling, making the session both educational and entertaining.

The Spirit of Authenticity

The historic venue and the focus on classic cocktails lend an authentic feel that many bar-focused tours lack. It’s a taste of Kansas City’s local distilling scene combined with cultural storytelling, giving you more than just a drink in hand.

Price Point

At $75 per person, the price covers not only the three cocktails and cheese board but also the expert instruction and access to a unique historic setting. Considering that this is a small-group experience, the intimacy and personalized tips add to the overall value.

Booking & Accessibility

The class is booked around 26 days in advance on average, so planning ahead is advisable. The location is near public transportation, making access easier for visitors staying downtown or nearby.

Additional Details

• Duration: Around 1 hour 30 minutes
• Start Time: 6:00 PM on Wednesdays
• Max Travelers: 15, ensuring an intimate experience
• Cancellation Policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, offering flexibility
• Service Animals: Allowed, accommodating all guests

In Practice: The Experience Day

Imagine arriving at the historic brick building, greeted by friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere. You’ll find yourself in a room that feels both cozy and cool—perfect for a relaxed learning environment. As the class begins, your instructors share stories about Kansas City’s cocktail history and Tom’s Town distilling’s role in shaping local spirits.

Throughout the session, you’ll take turns shaking and stirring, gaining confidence with each drink. The spirits—bourbon, gin, vodka—are provided, so you don’t need to worry about sourcing ingredients. The seasonal recipes keep things fresh; one week you might be mixing a bourbon-based Old Fashioned twist, another week a gin-based cocktail with local herbs.

Between drinks, you’ll enjoy the cheese board, which complements the flavors beautifully. The small group size means you can ask questions and get personalized feedback, making this more than just a class—it’s a social, memorable evening. Reviewers mention how much they enjoyed the approachable, friendly atmosphere, with one saying they left feeling “much more charming” after mastering cocktail techniques.

The Takeaway: Expert Guidance & Authentic Atmosphere

Guests consistently praise the instructors’ knowledge and friendly approach. The storytelling about the cocktails’ origins and the history of Tom’s Town adds depth to the experience, making it more meaningful than a simple drink-mixing session.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, hands-on activity that combines education, culture, and social fun. Cocktail lovers will appreciate the focus on spirits and techniques, while history buffs enjoy the storytelling. It’s also ideal for small groups or couples looking for a unique date night or a memorable activity with friends. If you’re interested in elevating your home bartending skills or exploring Kansas City’s local spirits, this class offers excellent value and insight.

FAQs

Is prior cocktail experience necessary? No, the class is designed for all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

Are the cocktails non-alcoholic? No, the experience includes three crafted alcoholic cocktails based on bourbon, gin, and vodka.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions? The tour provides a cheese board, but specific dietary accommodations aren’t detailed; it’s best to inquire directly.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing is fine. Since it’s a hands-on class, dress for comfort and some shaking.

Is the class suitable for children? No, since alcohol is involved, this experience is intended for guests 21 and over.

How accessible is the location? The venue is near public transportation, but specific accessibility info isn’t provided—consider contacting Tom’s Town for details.

What happens if the weather is bad? The class is held indoors in a climate-controlled environment, so weather doesn’t impact the activity.

Is there parking available? The tour location’s parking options aren’t specified; nearby street parking or public transit are recommended.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

How many people will be in the class? A maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and engaging environment.

Final Thoughts

The Pendergast Cocktail College at Tom’s Town Distilling Co. offers a well-rounded, engaging taste of Kansas City’s cocktail culture. Its combination of expert instruction, historic atmosphere, and delicious drinks makes it a standout activity for those wanting to learn new skills while enjoying a relaxed, social setting. The inclusion of cheese and the focus on storytelling elevate this experience beyond simple cocktail mixing to a memorable cultural outing.

Ideal for curious travelers, budding home bartenders, or anyone seeking a fun, authentic activity, this class delivers real value—especially considering the small group size and personalized attention. Whether you’re visiting Kansas City for a few days or a local looking for a unique night out, Pendergast Cocktail College offers a distinctive, flavorful experience you won’t forget.

Note: Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak times, and enjoy a memorable evening of spirits, stories, and camaraderie in Kansas City’s lively distilling scene.