Cocktail Classes
Where to learn from the experts.
- Vandy (STLBarkeep): The cocktail classes taught by The Vandy (1301 S. Vandeventer) are ideal for different levels of spirits and cocktail knowledge and include various options for Non-alcoholic substitutions as well.
- Meredith Barry: The acclaimed mixologist frequently hosts cocktail classes at Platypus (4501 Manchester). Reach out to inquire about class schedules and pricing.
- Intoxicology: If you’ve ever stopped into Intoxicology (4321 Manchster) you know that both Melissa and Andy are absolute experts when it comes to spirits and cocktails. Their classes sell out fast, so keep an eye on their website to secure your spot.
- Barrel Blends: Each month, Barrel Blends’ South Side (4911 Hampton) and Valley Park (13645 Big Bend Rd) locations host cocktail classes. Check the website for details.
- Decoding Cocktails: Chris LeBeau, who began his cocktail career as a home mixologist and enthusiast, is now a well-respected industry educator. Book a work event or afternoon class.
- LuvWoo: Every Sunday from 5:15–5:45 p.m., LuvWoo Bar (12965 Olive) hosts a free mini bartending course to teach you some of the basics of mixology. Sign up here.
- Cocktails Are Go: Local Industry Legends Matt and Beth Sorrell have accumulated more spirits and cocktail knowledge combined than most industry professionals in the game today. They also gladly share this knowledge through guided spirits tastings and cocktail classes.
Cocktail Books
Helpful guides that can help teach the ins, outs, ups, and downs of mixology
Find the best food in St. Louis
Subscribe to the St. Louis Dining In and Dining Out newsletters to stay up-to-date on the local restaurant and culinary scene.
We will never send spam or annoying emails. Unsubscribe anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Classic Cocktail Books
- Cocktail Codex (Death&Co)
- The Bar Book (Jeffrey Morgenthaler’s)
- Regarding Cocktails (Sasha Petraske)
- Spirited: Cocktails From Around the World (Adrienne Stillman)
- Liquid Intelligence (Dave Arnold)
Ingredients and Flavor Pairings
- The Drunken Botanist (Amy Stewart)
- Flavor Thesaurus (Niki Segnit)
- Flavor Bible (Karen Page & Andrew Dornenburg)
- Flavor Matrix (James Briscione & Brooke Parkhurst)
This History of Cocktails and Spirits
- A Proper Drink: The Untold Story of how a Band of Bartenders Saved The Civilized Drinking World (Robert Simonson)
- Oxford Companion to Spirits and Cocktails (Edited by Dave Wondrich and Noah Rothbum)
- The Ideal Bartender (Tom Bullock)
- Imbibe! From Absinthe Cocktail to Whiskey Smash, a Salute in Stories and Drinks to “Professor” Jerry Thomas, Pioneer of the American Bar (Dave Wondrich)
- Punch: The Delights (And Dangers) of the Flowing Bowl (Dave Wondrich)
Tools + Equipment
- Barrel Blends (13645 Big Bend)
- Wine and Cheese (7435 Forsyth)
- Wine Merchant (9200 Olive Boulevard)
- Intoxicology (4321 Manchester)
- Randall’s Wine and Spirits (1910 S. Jefferson)
Bonus: Grab some cocktail ice from Good Ice, which can even engrave ice for a fun little garnish at your next holiday party.
