Jameson Whiskey Cocktail Making Class in Dublin
When in Dublin, you can’t miss out on the Irish whiskey experience! Since we already did a tour of Guinness HQ, I thought it’d be fun to try an alternative to the standard history tour at Jameson. So naturally, as soon as I saw the option for a Whiskey Cocktail Making Class I was sold! Admittedly, this was a last minute addition to our itinerary (literally as we were en route from Belfast to Dublin), but I’m so glad we decided to squeeze some time in for it.
Back in my dad’s college days, he was a bartender, so I thought it would be super fun to see his bartending “skills,” even though drinks are MUCH more complicated these days (and not like the simple cocktails from the 80s he used to make)!
Jameson Whiskey Cocktail Making Class Overview
For €50, the one-hour masterclass at Jameson HQ on Bow Street teaches you the basics of making the perfect cocktail (x3) in a small group setting (16 people max) with a Jameson bartender. Plus, at the end of the class, you get a souvenir booklet to take home so you can read about Jameson’s history and try your hand at making even more cocktails once you get home.
The Whiskey Shakers
When you walk into The Whiskey Shakers room, the first thing you do is grab an apron, because obviously mixing cocktails can get a little messy, especially if you’re new to it! Then you pick a spot at the table to sit, and get familiar with your personal station complete with all of the essentials needed to make some great drinks (a few extra things are dropped off later).
On the menu? A Jameson Whiskey Sour, followed by a Jameson Old Fashioned, and finally, a group collab (4 people total) to whip up a bowl of Jameson Punch!
While our drinks certainly didn’t come out like the ones the Jameson bartenders were serving, it was certainly a fun and memorable activity that we’d definitely recommend!
The only downside to the class is that while an hour seems like a long time to make 3 drinks, it would’ve been helpful if it was extended by another half hour. The drinks get pretty complicated and at times, and as a newbie to making super fancy cocktails, it was hard to follow along or keep up, especially as you’re trying to sip on a drink you already made while making a new one!
I will say that I definitely have a new appreciation for bartenders! The extra flavors and garnishes added in are certainly cool to see, but after trying my own hand at making the drinks, I’m super impressed by those who have mastered the skill of a good tasting AND looking drink. It’s not easy!
Jameson Distillery Bow St.
If you’re planning a visit to Dublin and not sure if making whiskey cocktails is for you, you can always check out their distillery tour, sign up for a class to make your own whiskey (straight up — no complicated ingredients), or just hang out at JJ’s Bar and admire the gorgeous chandelier made of Jameson bottles!
Regardless of how you decide to spend your time, a stop at Jameson is definitely worth your while! After all, this is the home of the world-famous whiskey brand!
Are you a fan of Jameson? What’s your favorite cocktail to make with whiskey?
