Two ways to make cocktails with us
Choose your cocktail making experience
You are here · Private hire
Private cocktail making party
From £240 · your group
The whole venue exclusively yours for two hours. Two cocktails plus a welcome G&T. Ideal for hen parties, birthdays and work socials.
- Choose your day or evening
- Whole venue to yourselves
- 2 cocktails + welcome drink
Public class · Book by the seat
Public cocktail making class
£35 per person · Fridays 7pm
Our Friday-night masterclass. Come solo, as a couple or in a small group, make three signature cocktails. From September.
- Fridays, 7pm start
- Individual & small-group tickets
- 3 cocktails + welcome drink
New for September · Public class
Cocktail making class in York
Unleash your inner mixologist in the heart of historic York. Join us for a hands-on, two-hour cocktail workshop inside the character-rich York Distillery. Whether you are coming solo, with a partner or in a small group, this immersive public masterclass is for anyone who wants to stir, shake and sip their way through a night of craft spirits. Winner of the TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Award 2026.
What to expect
- Welcome drink. Start the session with a York Gin & tonic.
- Master the fundamentals. Guided by our expert, friendly hosts, discover balanced flavour profiles, essential barware and ice techniques.
- Craft two signature drinks. At your own workstation to measure, muddle, shake and garnish two distinct cocktails — a classic shaken drink and a layered built-style cocktail.
- Distillery insights. Get an insider's peek into the distillation process and how local botanicals become world-class spirits.
Day & time
Fridays, 7pm
Duration
2 hours
Tickets
£35 per person
Suitable for
All levels, beginner to enthusiast
Age
18+ (Non-alcohol 16+)
Non-drinkers
Non-alcoholic spirit options on request
Places are strictly limited to keep the class interactive and hands-on for everyone. Book individual or small-group tickets to secure your spot.
Book a class ticketCompare the two
Which experience is right for you?
| Private party | Public class | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Whole venue, your group only | Shared class, book by the seat |
| When | Any day, your choice | Fridays, 7pm |
| Price | Minimum spend from £240 | £35 per person |
| Cocktails made | 2 + welcome G&T | 2 + welcome G&T |
| Best for | Hens, birthdays, work socials | Solo, couples, small groups |
Check availability
Choose your Friday and book online
Places are limited. If your date is full, get in touch about the next available class.
Finding us
How to find York Distillery
York Distillery is located in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, in its own building next to the hotel gym. The entrance for visitors is on Skeldergate itself. We are right in the heart of York, a short walk from Clifford's Tower, the River Ouse and the city centre, which makes us easy to reach on foot from most parts of the city.
Address
Skeldergate
York
YO1 6DS
Nearest landmark
Clifford's Tower, 5 min walk
Getting here
We are very central. Walking is recommended from most of York.
Parking
Middleton's Hotel guests can park on site and receive a discount. Public car parks at St George's Field and Nunnery Lane are both around 5 min walk.
FAQ
Cocktail class questions
When does the class run and how long is it?
Classes run on Friday evenings from 7pm and last two hours, from September.
Can I book just one or two tickets?
Yes. The class is designed for individuals, couples and small groups — book the number of seats you need at £35 per person. For the whole venue to yourselves, choose the private party instead.
How is the class different from the private party?
The class is a shared Friday session you book by the seat at £35pp, making three cocktails. The private party gives your group the whole venue on a day of your choice, from a £240 minimum spend, making two cocktails. Both last two hours and include a welcome G&T.
Do I need any experience?
None at all. The class suits everyone from complete beginners to home enthusiasts, and our hosts guide you through every step.
Can non-drinkers take part?
Yes — non-alcoholic spirit options are available on request, so everyone can join in.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does the cocktail making party last?
The session lasts two hours.
How much does the cocktail making party cost?
Pricing is based on a minimum spend which varies by day. Sunday to Friday the minimum is £240, which covers up to 6 people. Saturday the minimum is £400, which covers up to 10 people. Additional guests are £40 each. The mocktail option for non-drinkers and under 18s is £35 per person. Maximum group size is 20 people.
Is the venue private to our group?
Yes. York Distillery is exclusively yours for the full two hours. There are no other groups sharing the space.
Is the cocktail making party suitable for hen parties?
Yes, it is one of our most popular hen party activities in York. The private venue, personalised space and relaxed atmosphere make it ideal for celebrating. Friday and Saturday sessions book up months in advance and we regularly run a waitlist, so book as early as you can. A deposit secures your date, with the balance due two weeks before your party.
Can I personalise the event?
Yes. Send us your Spotify playlist and photos in advance and we will have everything set up and ready when you arrive.
What age do you have to be to attend?
Guests must be 16 or over. Those aged 16 and 17 can attend on the mocktail option and cannot be served alcohol.
Can non-drinkers attend?
Yes. We offer a full mocktail option at £35 per person so no one needs to sit it out. Select this when booking.
What is the difference between the private party and the public class?
The private party gives your group the whole venue on a day of your choice, from a £240 minimum spend, making two cocktails each. The public class is a shared Friday-evening session you book by the seat at £35 per person, making three cocktails. Both last two hours and include a welcome G&T.
Can I buy the cocktail party as a gift?
We offer gift cards which are cash equivalent and can be spent on any event at York Distillery, including the cocktail making party. Available via our gift certificates page.
What are the nibbles? Any dietary information?
York Distillery is a nut-free venue. The bar snacks served during the session are all vegan and some are gluten-free. We ask for any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, we are dog-friendly. Well-behaved dogs on leads are very welcome at York Distillery.
Is there parking at York Distillery?
On-site parking is available for guests of Middleton's Hotel, who also receive a discount on events. If you have accessibility requirements and need to park on site, please mention this when booking and we will do our best to help. For everyone else, the nearest public car parks are Nunnery Lane and St George's Field, both around five minutes on foot. We are right in the heart of York so walking or public transport is recommended.
Is York Distillery affected by flooding?
We are close to the River Ouse, and York has flooded since mediaeval times — it is part of the city's character. York Distillery itself does not flood, and if there were ever any concern about a session going ahead, we would contact you in advance. Please do not let this put you off booking. York and its residents are very used to it.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately our venue has steps and is not fully accessible for all visitors. If you have a vehicle and specific accessibility requirements, parking at Middleton's Hotel can usually be arranged. Please mention this when booking and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Where is York Distillery? How do I find you?
We are located in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS. The visitor entrance is on Skeldergate itself, a short walk from Clifford's Tower and York city centre.
What our guests say
Reviews from TripAdvisor and Google
★★★★★
"Fantastic experience with wonderful staff. Very knowledgeable and fun! Highly recommend for groups of all sizes and ages."
★★★★★
"What a wonderful experience on a lovely sunny afternoon in York. Our host Emily was knowledgeable and fun, the gins were amazing and our fellow guests were such good company. All contributing to a fantastic experience."
Experiences & Gift Vouchers at York Distillery