Behind the bar
Mixology Classes
Be prepared to shake, muddle and drink.
Why the class exists
A cocktail resurgence is in full swing in DC. An interest in quality spirits, classic cocktails and local ingredients has been growing exponentially in the last few years, yet it is very hard to learn more and be completely submerged in this trend. Whether you are interested in expanding your palate or planning a bachelorette or bachelor party, we can curate an experience to fit your needs.
Each private class is held at Commissary and can be catered to your preference. A Senior Bartender instructor will walk you through cocktail basics, technique, infusions and food pairings. The instructor will set you and your guests up with tools, fresh ingredients, spirits, and snacks to highlight each of your cocktails.
Rates
A framework rather than a fixed price list. The bar team works with all budgets.
Minimum spend
$360
The floor for a private class, regardless of group size.
4+ guests
$90 / person
Per-person pricing once the group reaches four.
13+ guests
On request
Dependent on restaurant availability. Additional costs may apply.
Rates in detail
The above rates are a framework for your event and are very much subject to change. We are flexible and work with all budgets. Off peak times are Sunday PM through Thursday; peak times are Friday and Saturday plus Sunday AM.
**Price includes lessons, ingredients, food pairing and plenty of drinks! Tax and Gratuity will be applied upon booking and not included in the base price.**
Contact us at commissary@eatwelldc.com to learn more.
What a class actually covers
The instructor tunes the session to the group, but most classes move through the same four stages.
- The fundamentals
- Balance, dilution, and why the same three ingredients make a different drink depending on the order and the ice. The part that changes how you drink afterwards.
- Technique
- Shaking versus stirring and when each is correct, building in the glass, muddling without destroying the herb, and how to actually use a jigger.
- Infusions
- Working with house infusions and syrups — what to infuse, for how long, and what happens when you leave it too long.
- Food pairing
- Snacks selected to sit alongside each cocktail. The pairing is the part most guests do not expect and most remember.
Groups this suits
The format bends to the occasion, which is most of its appeal.
- Bachelorette & bachelor parties
- The most common booking by some distance. Lively, hands-on, and easier to organise than a crawl.
- Team offsites
- Genuinely collaborative in a way that a group dinner is not. Works well as an afternoon session before a meal.
- Birthdays
- Particularly for the guest who has already been taken out to dinner three years running.
- Curious drinkers
- No occasion required. Groups book simply to learn, and those are usually the sessions with the best questions.
Enquire about a class
Email the bar team with your date, group size and whether you have a preference for spirits or style. Classes are held in the restaurant and are subject to availability.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much does a mixology class cost at Commissary?
The published framework is a $360 minimum spend, or $90 per person for groups of four or more. Groups of thirteen or more are priced depending on restaurant availability and may carry additional costs. Rates are a framework and are subject to change.
What is included in the price?
Lessons, ingredients, food pairing and plenty of drinks. Tax and gratuity are applied at booking and are not included in the base price.
Who teaches the class?
A senior bartender from the Commissary bar team, who covers cocktail basics, technique, infusions and food pairings.
How many people can attend?
Classes run from small groups upwards. Four or more guests moves you onto per-person pricing, and thirteen or more depends on restaurant availability.
Where is the class held?
In the restaurant at 1443 P St. NW, using the bar and dining room rather than a separate facility.
Is it suitable for a bachelorette party?
It is one of the most common reasons groups book. The format is hands-on and easy to organise for a group that is already out for the day.
How do I book?
Email commissary@eatwelldc.com with your preferred date, group size and any preferences on spirits or style.
Are off-peak classes cheaper?
Off-peak times — Sunday evening through Thursday — give more flexibility on rates. Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning are peak.
Come and see us
1443 P St. NW, Washington, DC 20005 — open from 8 AM, seven days a week. Call 202-299-0018 to book a table, or start an order online.