Top 10 Cocktail Making Classes in Indianapolis You Can Trust

Indianapolis has emerged as a vibrant hub for craft cocktails, mixology innovation, and experiential dining. As local bartenders push boundaries with house-infused spirits, seasonal ingredients, and artisanal garnishes, the demand for authentic cocktail-making education has surged. Whether you’re a home enthusiast looking to elevate your weekend entertaining or a professional seeking to refine your technique, finding a trustworthy cocktail class is essential. Not all classes are created equal—some prioritize flash over substance, while others deliver hands-on training rooted in tradition, science, and creativity. This guide presents the top 10 cocktail making classes in Indianapolis you can trust, vetted for instructor credibility, curriculum depth, student feedback, and consistency in quality. Discover where to learn the craft that turns drinks into experiences.

Why Trust Matters

In the world of mixology, trust isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the foundation of a meaningful learning experience. Unlike cooking or baking, cocktail making involves precise measurements, chemical interactions between ingredients, and an understanding of balance that can’t be mastered through guesswork. A poorly taught class can lead to bad habits: over-sweetened drinks, unbalanced acidity, improper dilution, or unsafe handling of alcohol and garnishes. Trustworthy instructors bring more than flair—they bring years of experience, formal training, and a commitment to teaching principles, not just recipes.

When evaluating a cocktail class, consider the instructor’s background. Are they certified by recognized institutions like the United States Bartenders’ Guild or the International Bartenders Association? Do they have professional experience in reputable bars or restaurants? Have former students reported tangible improvements in their skills? Trustworthy programs prioritize safety, hygiene, and technique over entertainment. They don’t just show you how to shake a drink—they explain why you shake it, when to stir, and how ice affects dilution and temperature.

Additionally, trust is built through transparency. Reputable classes list their curriculum, ingredient sources, and class size limits. They avoid gimmicks like “free drinks” as the main selling point and instead emphasize skill development. The best programs encourage questions, provide take-home materials, and foster ongoing learning through follow-up workshops or community events. In Indianapolis, where the cocktail scene is growing rapidly, choosing a class with integrity ensures you’re investing your time in a foundation that will serve you for years—not just one evening.

Top 10 Cocktail Making Classes in Indianapolis You Can Trust

1. The Stillery Mixology Studio

Located in the heart of the Mass Ave Arts District, The Stillery Mixology Studio is widely regarded as Indianapolis’s most respected destination for serious cocktail education. Founded by James Beard semifinalist mixologist Elena Ruiz, the studio offers small-group classes capped at eight students to ensure personalized attention. The curriculum covers foundational techniques—muddling, layering, fat-washing, and proper glassware selection—alongside advanced topics like house-made syrups, bitters, and smoke infusion.

Each class includes a tasting component where students sample their creations alongside professionally curated pairings. The studio sources all ingredients locally, partnering with Indiana distilleries and organic farms. Students leave with a printed recipe booklet, a branded shaker, and access to an online portal with video refresher tutorials. Reviews consistently highlight Elena’s ability to demystify complex techniques without sacrificing depth. The Stillery also offers a 12-week professional certification track for those seeking industry credentials.

2. The Barrel Room at Oldfields

Nestled within the historic Oldfields estate—a former Gilded Age mansion turned cultural center—The Barrel Room offers a uniquely immersive cocktail experience. Their classes blend history with mixology, teaching students how to recreate Prohibition-era cocktails using period-appropriate methods and ingredients. Led by head bartender Marcus Holloway, who trained under award-winning bartenders in New Orleans and Chicago, the curriculum emphasizes balance, storytelling, and the cultural context behind each drink.

Classes are held in a dimly lit, oak-paneled lounge lined with vintage spirits and cocktail paraphernalia. Students learn to craft classics like the Old Fashioned, Sazerac, and Negroni with precision, while also exploring lesser-known regional recipes from Indiana’s distilling heritage. The Barrel Room’s signature offering is the “Whiskey & Wood” workshop, where participants taste five different bourbons and learn how barrel char and aging affect flavor profiles. All materials are provided, and attendees receive a hand-bound journal documenting each recipe and technique covered.

3. Craft & Cocktails at The Bottle Shop

Craft & Cocktails at The Bottle Shop stands out for its community-driven, no-frills approach to education. Run by a collective of local bartenders with over 50 years of combined experience, this class is ideal for beginners who want to learn without pretense. Held in a converted 1920s liquor store turned retail-and-education space, the atmosphere is casual but rigorous. Classes are held every Saturday and focus on three core cocktails per session, with an emphasis on accessibility and affordability.

The curriculum is designed for home bartenders: how to stock a bar on a budget, substitute ingredients, and use common kitchen tools for professional results. Instructors demonstrate how to make simple syrups from pantry staples, how to properly chill glassware without a freezer, and how to adjust recipes for personal taste. What sets this class apart is its “Build Your Own Bar” module, where students leave with a curated starter kit of bottles, tools, and a shopping guide for local suppliers. The team also hosts monthly “Open Mix” nights where alumni can practice and receive feedback.

4. The Alchemist Lab

For those drawn to the science of mixology, The Alchemist Lab offers a laboratory-style approach to cocktail making. Founded by a former food chemist and certified sommelier, this class treats cocktails as edible experiments. Students learn about molecular interactions—how citric acid affects mouthfeel, how sugar concentration influences viscosity, and how temperature changes alter aroma release.

Each session includes a short lecture followed by hands-on lab work using pipettes, hydrometers, and pH strips. Classes explore topics like emulsification in egg-white cocktails, the role of tannins in tea-infused spirits, and how carbonation impacts perception of sweetness. The Alchemist Lab also offers a “Flavor Mapping” workshop where participants create their own custom bitters using botanicals sourced from Indiana’s native flora. This is not a party class—it’s a rigorous, intellectually stimulating experience for those who want to understand why a drink works, not just how to make it.

5. The Garden Bar at The Children’s Museum

Unique in its setting, The Garden Bar at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis offers cocktail classes that blend education with sustainability. Designed for environmentally conscious learners, this program teaches how to reduce waste, utilize edible flowers and herbs from the museum’s rooftop garden, and create zero-waste garnishes. Instructors are trained in sustainable bartending practices certified by the Green Bar Initiative.

Students learn to make cocktails using foraged ingredients like elderflower, wild mint, and hibiscus, and are taught how to repurpose citrus peels into zest oils and spent grains into flavored salts. The class includes a tour of the museum’s edible garden and a demonstration on composting cocktail waste. The curriculum also covers energy-efficient chilling methods and the environmental impact of single-use plastics in bars. Ideal for eco-advocates and home mixologists who want to make their craft more sustainable, this class is as much about ethics as it is about flavor.

6. Tasting Room by 1818 Spirits

As the official education arm of 1818 Spirits, Indianapolis’s first small-batch bourbon distillery, the Tasting Room offers an insider’s view of how cocktails are built around local spirits. Classes are led by the distillery’s master blender and a team of certified mixologists who have worked in award-winning bars across the Midwest. The focus is on understanding how spirit profiles influence cocktail design.

Students sample 1818’s full line of spirits—corn whiskey, rye, and aged gin—and learn how to pair them with complementary modifiers. The “From Grain to Glass” course traces the journey of a single batch of bourbon from fermentation to bottling, then demonstrates how to build cocktails that highlight its unique notes. The class includes a guided tasting of five cocktails, each designed to showcase a different expression of the spirit. Attendees receive a mini bottle of the day’s featured spirit and a tasting journal with pairing notes. This is the only class in Indianapolis where you can learn directly from the creators of the spirits you’re using.

7. The Art of the Stir at The Clowes Club

Located in the historic Clowes Club building—a landmark known for its jazz-age architecture—The Art of the Stir offers a refined, intimate experience centered on stirred cocktails. This class is designed for those who appreciate elegance and precision. Led by former head bartender of The No. 19 in Chicago, Daniel Monroe, the curriculum focuses exclusively on drinks prepared by stirring rather than shaking: the Manhattan, Martinez, Negroni, and Vieux Carré.

Students learn the physics of stirring: the ideal speed, the correct type of ice, how long to stir for optimal dilution, and why a bar spoon’s twist matters. The class includes a blind tasting of six Manhattans made with different vermouths and bitters to train the palate. All tools are hand-selected: copper muddlers, crystal mixing glasses, and vintage strainers. The session ends with a seated tasting accompanied by live jazz and artisanal cheese pairings. This is a class for those who view cocktail making as an art form, not just a skill.

8. Urban Mixology Collective

Founded by a group of former bar managers and cocktail competition finalists, the Urban Mixology Collective offers a dynamic, rotating curriculum that reflects current trends and regional flavors. Classes change monthly and are themed around seasonal ingredients, global influences, or emerging techniques like koji fermentation or aquafaba foams. Recent themes have included “Tropical Indiana” (using local figs and pawpaw), “Japanese Izakaya Cocktails,” and “Spice Routes of the Caribbean.”

What makes this collective unique is its emphasis on creativity and adaptation. Students aren’t just following recipes—they’re encouraged to modify them, taste critically, and develop their own signature drink by the end of the course. The class includes a “Build Your Own Cocktail” final project, judged by a panel of local bar owners. The collective also maintains a digital archive of all past classes, accessible to alumni for ongoing inspiration. With a strong focus on inclusivity and innovation, this is the class for those who want to push boundaries.

9. The Heritage Bar at The Eiteljorg Museum

At the intersection of culture and cocktail, The Heritage Bar at The Eiteljorg Museum offers classes that explore Indigenous and early American drinking traditions. Instructors collaborate with Native American historians and ethnobotanists to recreate pre-colonial beverages using native botanicals like sassafras, sumac, and wild ginger. The curriculum honors the cultural significance of drink in Native communities, avoiding appropriation by working directly with tribal consultants.

Students learn to make traditional corn beer, smoked maple negronis, and herbal tisanes infused with indigenous plants. The class includes a guided tour of the museum’s Native American exhibits and a discussion on ethical sourcing. All ingredients are sustainably harvested and ethically procured. This is not a typical cocktail class—it’s an educational journey into the roots of American libations, taught with reverence and historical accuracy. It’s ideal for those seeking depth, meaning, and cultural awareness in their craft.

10. Mix & Mingle at The Coffeehouse

Though it may sound unconventional, Mix & Mingle at The Coffeehouse offers one of Indianapolis’s most accessible and consistently excellent entry-level programs. Held in a cozy, neighborhood coffee shop with no pretense, this class is designed for people who want to learn without the pressure of a formal setting. Instructors are certified by the American Bartenders School and focus on clarity, simplicity, and confidence-building.

Each two-hour session covers one classic cocktail and its variations. Students learn how to properly measure, pour, and garnish while sipping coffee and chatting with peers. The class is structured in modules: “The Ice Lesson,” “The Sweet Spot,” and “The Finish.” By the end, even complete novices can confidently make a perfect Old Fashioned or Gin & Tonic. The Coffeehouse also offers a “Cocktail & Book Club” pairing, where each class is tied to a novel set in a bar or speakeasy. It’s a warm, welcoming space that makes learning feel like a conversation, not a lecture.

Comparison Table

FAQs

What should I look for in a trustworthy cocktail class?

A trustworthy cocktail class prioritizes technique over entertainment. Look for instructors with professional experience, transparent curricula, small class sizes, and a focus on foundational skills like proper dilution, ingredient balance, and hygiene. Avoid classes that promise “free drinks” as the main attraction—real education comes from practice, not consumption.

Do I need prior experience to join a class?

No. Most classes in Indianapolis are designed for beginners. Programs like Mix & Mingle at The Coffeehouse and Craft & Cocktails at The Bottle Shop are specifically tailored for those with no prior bartending experience. Advanced classes may require prerequisites, but these are clearly labeled.

Are these classes suitable for group events or private bookings?

Yes. Nearly all of the listed classes offer private bookings for birthdays, corporate events, or bachelor/bachelorette parties. The Stillery Mixology Studio and The Barrel Room at Oldfields are especially popular for private events due to their ambiance and customization options.

How much should I expect to pay for a quality class?

Prices range from $45 to $120 per session, depending on duration, materials provided, and instructor expertise. Classes that include take-home kits, spirits, or certification typically cost more. The most valuable classes are those that offer lasting resources—not just a single evening’s experience.

Can I get certified through these classes?

Only The Stillery Mixology Studio offers a formal 12-week certification track recognized by regional industry networks. Other classes provide certificates of completion, which are great for personal development but not industry credentials. For professional licensing, additional training through the United States Bartenders’ Guild is recommended.

Are ingredients included in the class fee?

Yes. All classes listed include all ingredients, tools, and glassware. Some may offer optional upgrades—like premium spirits or branded merchandise—but these are clearly marked as add-ons.

How often do classes run?

Most classes are offered weekly or biweekly. The Urban Mixology Collective and Craft & Cocktails at The Bottle Shop update their schedules monthly, while others like The Alchemist Lab and The Heritage Bar host sessions seasonally. Always check the provider’s website for the most current calendar.

Can I bring my own alcohol to class?

No. For safety, consistency, and legal compliance, all classes require participants to use provided ingredients. Bringing outside spirits is not permitted and may result in removal from the class.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

All classes accommodate dietary needs. Notify the provider at registration, and they will substitute ingredients—such as using agave instead of honey, or omitting egg whites. The Garden Bar and The Heritage Bar are especially attentive to allergen-free and plant-based modifications.

Do these classes include food pairings?

Some do. The Barrel Room, The Art of the Stir, and The Stillery include curated pairings with cheese, charcuterie, or small bites. Others focus solely on the drink. This is always noted in the class description.

Conclusion

Indianapolis offers a remarkable range of cocktail making classes, each with its own philosophy, focus, and community. Whether you’re drawn to the science behind the stir, the history of a Prohibition-era Manhattan, or the sustainability of foraged botanicals, there’s a class here that aligns with your values and goals. The key to a transformative experience lies not in the flashiest venue or the most Instagrammable garnish—but in the integrity of the instruction.

The top 10 classes listed here have been selected not for popularity, but for consistency, depth, and respect for the craft. They represent the best of what Indianapolis has to offer: a blend of tradition and innovation, community and expertise, passion and precision. By choosing one of these programs, you’re not just learning how to make a cocktail—you’re learning how to think like a bartender, taste like a connoisseur, and create with intention.

As the city’s cocktail culture continues to evolve, so too will the opportunities to learn. But the foundation remains the same: trust is earned through competence, transparency, and a genuine commitment to teaching. Take your time. Read reviews. Ask questions. Choose a class that doesn’t just show you how to shake a drink—but helps you understand why it matters.