England · COCKTAIL EXPERIENCES
The good cocktail experiences go weeks ahead and the best go first. Below: the 13 to book early, what each includes, and how they differ once you look past the photograph.
At Alcotraz Manchester, you enter Cell Block Three-Four in an orange prison jumpsuit, smuggle in gin, rum, or whisky, and work with the prison cast to create four cocktails. Expect about 1 hour 45 minutes of comic live theatre, direct interaction, and a small group capped at 15 people.
“It was a brilliant experience. Actors were amazing. Loved every minute. Also made new friends in Cell C.”
At Alcotraz London, you enter in an orange jumpsuit, smuggle in a base spirit, and let the prison staff turn it into custom cocktails with bitters, syrups, and liqueurs. Inmate Cassidy, the guards, and the Warden guide a roughly 1-hour-45-minute theatrical session inside a prison-style cocktail bar in Hackney.
“So much fun and very unique! The actors were very talented. The drinks were delicious! Make sure you go to the address on Hackney where the venue is, and not where Viator tells you to go.”
Make your own G&T, watch a short Bombay Sapphire film, then tour Laverstoke Mill with a distillery host. You’ll explore the botanical glasshouses, taste aromas in the Botanical Room, and learn about vapour infusion. The 90-minute visit ends at the cocktail bar, with guides such as Luke, Nick, Naomi, and Helen praised for adding warmth and detail.
“Value for money, and interesting experience. Option of non alcoholic drink was nice. Could've shown Around more stuff.”
At Alcotraz Liverpool, you enter Cell Block Three-Six in an orange jumpsuit, smuggle in liquor, and let inmates create four custom cocktails with syrups, bitters, liqueurs, and purees. Actors including Willy, Cassidy, Gill, and the Warden keep the prison story moving through interactive tasks. It suits groups, hen and stag parties, and anyone after a playful night out.
“Had a great time, so funny, only thing wasn't keen on cocktails, but definitely would do it again, the warden was good and funny”
Meet Ola, Matthew, or another energetic guide at The Fitz Regent at 7:30 pm for a five-hour crawl through Brighton’s lanes and along the beach. You’ll visit four more bars and clubs, receive five free shots and drink discounts, skip some entrance lines, and have photos taken during the night.
“Olla was an amazing guide! So fun!! The drinks were well priced and everyone on the group was so sweet. It was just four of us that night but we still had a blast!”
You’ll begin at the Turbine Bar with a Bombay gin and tonic, watch a short film, tour the Still House, and join a Gin Expert for a hands-on cocktail class. The roughly three-hour visit includes three Bombay Sapphire cocktails, but no food or transport. Adults only, with flat closed-toe shoes required.
“Great experience would highly recommend the Bombay Sapphire Tour and Cocktail Masterclass - both our tour guide and cocktail class leader were excellent”
Follow guide Harry through North Laine, The Lanes, and Kemptown on a 2.5-hour walk through cocktail history. You’ll visit three very different bars, taste three off-menu cocktails inspired by the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries, and learn about prohibition, mixology, and Brighton’s bar scene in a small group of up to 10.
“Had a great time, learnt some new things, saw nice parts of Brighton and had some really nice cocktails! Especially great if it’s your first time in brighton”
At Moonshine Saloon, you enter a Wild West story in East London, borrow Western clothes from the onsite tailor, and enjoy custom cocktails made from your own smuggled liquor. Expect games, actors, a Sheriff, and a tour of Cassidy’s moonshine distillery. The experience lasts about 1 hour 45 minutes and is offered in English.
“Lousy service everything was fake, it's not what they sell, what they explain, they contradict the host with the waiters have a very bad nightAuto-translated”
At Alcotraz Brighton, you enter Cell Block One-Three in an orange prison jumpsuit, hand over your own gin, rum, or whisky, and help create four personalised cocktails. A cast of actors guides the prison story, while the bar supplies liqueurs, bitters, syrups, and fruit purees. Plan on 1 hour 45 minutes.
“We went into the experience not really knowing what it was, but very pleased to say it was an incredible time. The actors are amazing and super funny, the cocktails were beautiful and tasty. Would 100% recommend this experience.”
At Alcotraz Bristol, you enter Cell Block Two-Two-Six in an orange jumpsuit, receive a prison identity, and work with crooked guards to hide your own gin, rum, or whisky. Bartenders turn it into four tailored cocktails while actors, including characters such as Wilmot and the Warden, keep the story moving. Allow about 1 hour 45 minutes.
“Great different night out! Pricey but honestly is so worth it.”
At Liverpool’s Moonshine Saloon, you’ll enter Cassidy’s outlaw bar for two hours of interactive theatre, games, costumes, and custom cocktails. Bring your own base spirit, then let the saloon team mix it into drinks while you watch for the Sheriff and tour the Moonshine Distillery if trusted. The experience begins and ends at 40 Seel St.
“Absolutely brilliant! We had the best time. The actors are class and you can be assured of lots of belly laughs, tasty cocktails and a very memorable experience.”
Spend about two hours at a private Bristol cocktail class with an English-speaking host. You will make and drink three cocktails each, learn professional mixing and shaking techniques, and enjoy a relaxed group session. Hosts such as Josh and Carrie have helped make the class a popular choice for hen parties, stag groups, birthdays, and mixed-age celebrations.
“We all had an amazing time. Great atmosphere and staff. We had a wide variety of ages on our trip and everyone had an amazing time. Would definetly reccomend”
Meet Susan or another London Cocktail Tours guide at the Palace Theatre at 5:15 pm for a three-hour walk through Soho. You’ll visit four iconic bars, meet bartenders, taste several cocktails, and enjoy snacks. The group is capped at six, with the evening ending at Kingly Court.
“Wonderful tour by Susan who was very knowledgeable on the history of cocktails. We had a great time walking the streets of soho in London and tasting delicious cocktails .”
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