Pendergast Cocktail College Classes

If you’re looking to add a splash of sophistication and a dash of fun to your Kansas City trip, the Pendergast Cocktail College at Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is worth considering. While I haven’t personally participated, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions suggest this is a lively, engaging experience that combines education, tasting, and a little bit of history — all in about an hour and a half.

What really appeals are the interactive nature of the class, the quality of the cocktails, and the knowledgeable local guides—who are often the bartenders or tour guides themselves. Plus, for just $75, you get to learn how to craft three seasonal cocktails, enjoy cheese, and walk away with new bartending skills. But, it’s worth noting that the class is small — limited to 15 people — so it feels intimate and personalized.

One potential consideration? The experience takes place at a specific time (Wednesday evenings at 6:00 PM), so it might not fit every schedule. Still, if you love cocktails, history, and a fun social vibe, this class could be a highlight of your Kansas City stay.

This experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to learn mixology, couples seeking a unique date night, or anyone wanting a memorable, hands-on tasting experience that’s more than just tasting.

Good To Know

• Interactive Cocktail-Making: You’ll learn to shake and stir three seasonal drinks with guidance from expert bartenders.
• Educational Content: The class covers bar skills, the difference between shaking and stirring, and cocktail history.
• Quality and Value: For $75, you receive three crafted cocktails, a cheese board, and a knowledge boost — all in 90 minutes.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 15 guests, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.
• Historic Venue: Held in a cool, historic brick building that adds to the ambiance.
• Convenient Location: The meeting point is centrally located at 1701 Main St, close to public transportation.

An In-Depth Look at Pendergast Cocktail College

The Setting: An Atmosphere of Cool Authenticity

Set inside Tom’s Town Distilling Co., the location alone offers a memorable vibe. The historic brick building adds a sense of old-school Kansas City charm, making the experience more than just a class — it feels like a night out in a hidden gem. The distillery maintains a lively, inviting atmosphere that’s perfect for those interested in local spirits and craft beverages.

The Experience: What You Can Expect

The 90-minute class is led by Tom’s Town’s resident experts — bartenders and tour guides who are passionate about their craft. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into a friendly, small group setting. With a maximum of 15 travelers, everyone gets hands-on time, rather than watching a demonstration from afar.

Once seated, the instructors introduce the three spirits in focus: bourbon, gin, and vodka. These aren’t generic brands — they’re Tom’s Town signature spirits, which adds a local, boutique feel to the tasting and mixing. You’ll be guided through the process of making three seasonal cocktails, with clear instructions on techniques like shaking and stirring, which can make all the difference in a well-balanced drink.

The Cocktail Classes: Crafting and Learning

Participants get the chance to shake, stir, and garnish their own drinks. It’s a practical experience — not just a lecture. Reviewers mention that the class is very engaging and fun, with one describing themselves as leaving “much more charming.” The rotating recipes keep the experience fresh, and you might find yourself making drinks you’d never thought of at home.

Along With the practical skills, the class offers insights into cocktail history and tips for building your own home bar. This kind of knowledge is golden for anyone who loves spirits or wants to impress at gatherings.

The Food and Tasting Component

Your ticket includes a cheese board, which balances the spirits and enhances the tasting experience. The reviews highlight the delicious food offerings, which are a nice touch, making the session feel more like a social gathering than just a class.

Extra Educational Value

One of the core strengths of Pendergast Cocktail College is the educational aspect. You’ll learn the differences between shaking versus stirring, gain tips on creating your own bar, and hear stories about cocktails’ origins. This makes the experience more meaningful than simply mixing drinks — it’s about understanding the craft behind the spirits.

Practical Details: Logistics and Group Size

The location at 1701 Main St is easily accessible, near public transportation, which makes it convenient for most travelers. Since the class is scheduled for a Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM, it works well for those who want to start their night with something different.

The cost of $75 per person is reasonable considering the amount of knowledge your receive, the three cocktails, and the cheese board. Compared to other cocktail classes in major cities, this offers good value — especially given the intimate setting and expert guidance.

Reviews and Authentic Insights

The single review available is enthusiastic, describing it as a night that turned attendees into “certified cocktail connoisseurs.” The reviewer praised the “cool historic building” and the fun, relaxed atmosphere. This points to an experience that’s both educational and enjoyable, with a local twist.

Concluding Thoughts

The Pendergast Cocktail College at Tom’s Town Distilling Co. offers an engaging way to spend an evening in Kansas City. Its combination of hands-on cocktail making, historical tidbits, and quality food makes it stand out among casual bar outings. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it ideal for curious travelers, couples, or groups of friends.

If you’re someone who appreciates craft spirits and enjoys learning new skills in a lively, authentic environment, this class is a great choice. It’s a chance to add some mixology finesse to your repertoire and enjoy a memorable, social night out. The value for the price is solid, considering the experience and extras included.

Just keep in mind it’s scheduled for a specific time midweek, so plan accordingly. But overall, this experience has all the ingredients for a fun, educational, and delicious evening.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed to teach basic bar skills, perfect for anyone new to cocktail mixing or looking to improve their technique.

How long does the class last?
The session runs approximately 90 minutes, which includes hands-on cocktail making, tasting, and learning.

Are the cocktails non-alcoholic or only alcoholic?
The class focuses on alcoholic cocktails made with Tom’s Town spirits, but you could ask the instructors about customizing or non-alcoholic options.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, the class is limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the class, three seasonal cocktails, and a cheese board to accompany your drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellations are available up to 24 hours before the class. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are non-refundable.

In summary, Pendergast Cocktail College offers a unique, engaging, and tasty way to spend an evening in Kansas City. Whether you’re a cocktail novice or seasoned sipper, it’s a chance to learn, taste, and enjoy in a cool historic setting.