Learn to Build Cocktails That Actually Work

Join a mixology class with Claremont Distillery in Hamburg, New Jersey

When you take a mixology class at Claremont Distillery in Hamburg, you'll work with professional bar tools, taste spirits made on-site, and learn how to build cocktails that balance flavor, strength, and presentation. The classes are taught by Carlos Ruiz, a credentialed mixologist who has trained bartenders and worked in professional settings where precision and consistency matter. You'll leave with techniques you can repeat at home and a better understanding of why certain ingredients work together.

Classes are structured for different skill levels, from people who have never made a cocktail outside of pouring liquor into juice to those who already know the basics and want to refine their technique. You'll learn how to measure, shake, stir, strain, and garnish, along with how to adjust recipes based on taste preferences or available ingredients. Each class is hands-on, so you'll spend most of the time making drinks rather than watching demonstrations.

If you want to schedule a class for yourself, your partner, or a small group, contact Claremont Distillery to check availability and book a session in Hamburg.

What happens during a typical class

You'll start with an introduction to the tools and ingredients you'll be using, including spirits distilled at Claremont, along with mixers, bitters, and garnishes. Carlos will walk you through the first cocktail step by step, explaining why each ingredient is added in a specific order and how technique affects the final drink. You'll then make that cocktail yourself, tasting and adjusting as you go.

After your first build, you'll notice how small changes in measurement, dilution, or shaking time shift the flavor and texture of the drink. You'll also learn how to recognize when a cocktail is balanced versus when it's too strong, too sweet, or missing acidity. By the end of the class, you'll have made several drinks and walked away with recipes and techniques you can replicate without needing to look up instructions every time.

Classes work well for individuals, couples, or small groups who want to learn in a focused setting without the noise or distractions of a larger event. You'll be working with real bar equipment and professional-grade ingredients, so the skills you develop will translate directly to making drinks at home. Classes are designed to be approachable, but Carlos won't skip over technique or let mistakes slide without correction.

You'll want to know a few things before signing up

Most people ask about experience requirements, what they'll make during the class, and whether they need to bring anything when they book a session in Hamburg.

What if I've never made a cocktail before?
The classes are designed to accommodate beginners, so no prior experience is required. Carlos will start with the basics and build from there, adjusting the pace based on who's in the class.
How many cocktails will I make during the class?
You'll typically make three to five cocktails depending on the class length and complexity of the recipes. Each one builds on what you learned in the previous round, so you'll practice the same techniques multiple times.
Can I bring a group for a private class?
Yes, Claremont Distillery offers private mixology classes for groups. You'll work with Carlos to choose recipes and set a time that fits your schedule, and the class can be tailored to your group's skill level.
What tools or ingredients do I need to bring?
Everything you need is provided, including tools, spirits, mixers, and garnishes. You'll just need to show up ready to learn and taste what you're making.
How long does a mixology class last?
Most classes run between 90 minutes and two hours depending on the number of cocktails and the pace of the group. You'll have time to ask questions, make drinks, and taste what you've built without feeling rushed.

If you're visiting Hamburg or live nearby and want to learn how to make cocktails that don't rely on pre-made mixes or guesswork, the mixology classes at Claremont Distillery give you hands-on instruction with professional tools and spirits. Carlos Ruiz teaches with clarity and precision, so you'll leave with skills you can use immediately and confidence in what you're building behind the bar.