Nashville: Tennessee Whiskey Cocktail Making Workshop

If you’re heading to Nashville and have a taste for spirits, this Tennessee Whiskey Cocktail Making Workshop offers a unique way to spend 90 minutes soaking up local flavors and stories. Instead of just sipping whiskey, you’ll actually learn how to craft classic cocktails with your own hands, guided by a friendly expert. It’s a fun, interactive experience that balances education with entertainment — perfect for whiskey lovers, curious travelers, and anyone who enjoys a good story with their drink.

What we really love about this experience is the personalized attention you get in a small group setting — no overwhelming crowds here. Plus, the chance to take home locally inspired memorabilia makes it feel more than just a class; it’s a souvenir for your trip. That said, if you’re hoping to directly purchase or taste the spirits during the session, you’ll need to know that alcohol isn’t sold on-site until the venue opens for business, which might be a consideration for some.

This workshop is ideal for those who want an authentic, hands-on look at Tennessee whiskey, along with some insider stories that you won’t find in typical tours. Whether your interest lies in the craft of cocktails, the history of Tennessee spirits, or simply a memorable way to spend part of your Nashville visit, this experience hits many of the right notes.

Key Points

• Hands-on cocktail making: Craft three different Old Fashioneds with guidance from a seasoned bartender.
• Storytelling: Enjoy engaging tales about Tennessee’s whiskey past, from prohibition to moonshiners.
• Educational insight: Learn what makes Tennessee whiskey unique compared to bourbon.
• Small group setting: Receive personalized attention and have an opportunity to bond.
• Take-home memorabilia: Leave with locally inspired souvenirs to remember your experience.
• Flexible booking: Reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect From the Workshop

Stepping into Nashville’s Tennessee Whiskey Workshop is like entering a friendly, spirited corner of the city. Hosted by Chris Mallon, a longtime bartender and spirits educator, this 1.5-hour class isn’t just about mixing drinks — it’s about understanding what makes Tennessee whiskey special, and how to bring that knowledge home.

The class takes place in a cozy setting next to Dino’s, a well-known American dive bar. After arriving 10 minutes early to settle in, you’ll join a small group eager to learn. The atmosphere is relaxed yet lively, with plenty of room for questions, laughs, and experimentation.

The Cocktail-Making Portion

During the workshop, you’ll get to create three signature Old Fashioneds. Each drink is a different take — perhaps exploring seasonal ingredients, homemade syrups, or unique techniques. The instructor will guide you through each step, sharing tips that you can easily replicate later. We loved the way the instructor emphasized the craft, making sure everyone understood the importance of each ingredient and technique.

The process isn’t just about following a recipe — it’s about understanding how different styles of Tennessee whiskey influence flavor, and how techniques like muddling or layering ingredients can change the final product. As you work, you’ll be tasting, adjusting, and learning to identify flavor notes, which is a delight for both beginners and seasoned whiskey fans.

Stories and Cultural Context

While mixing, the instructor shares stories from Tennessee’s spirited past. These tales include everything from prohibition tales and moonshiner secrets to the legends of Jack Daniel himself. These stories add layers of context and fun to the experience, making each cocktail a small window into Tennessee’s whiskey history.

The storytelling feels warm and authentic, often with humor and surprises. One reviewer remarked that Chris Mallon’s storytelling was “informative and entertaining,” providing a genuine sense of connection to the local culture.

Learning About Tennessee Whiskey

Part of the charm is understanding what sets Tennessee whiskey apart. You’ll learn about the aging process, the charcoal filtering method, and how Tennessee whiskey differs from bourbon. This insight isn’t just trivia — it helps you pick out flavor profiles and appreciate the craft behind the spirit.

The workshop aims to empower participants, so when you leave, you’ll not only have three new cocktails to impress friends but also a better grasp of the spirit’s nuances.

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Take-Home Keepsakes

Each guest receives a curated package with memorabilia — pins, stickers, and other locally inspired items. It’s a thoughtful gesture that turns a fun class into a tangible memory of your Nashville visit.

The Experience and Practical Details

The workshop is priced at $90 per person, which includes everything needed to create your cocktails and the educational experience. Considering that you’ll learn to make three drinks and hear stories from a knowledgeable guide, many find this price to be good value — especially with the added bonus of souvenirs.

The session is scheduled in the afternoon, making it a great midday activity before dinner or as a lively start to an evening out. It’s important to arrive about 10 minutes early to settle in, as the class begins promptly.

Group Size and Accessibility

Limited to a small group for personalized attention, the workshop creates an intimate environment. It’s wheelchair accessible, accommodating a range of guests. The instructor, who speaks English, takes care to ensure everyone is involved and comfortable.

Limitations and Considerations

One notable point: alcohol isn’t sold until the venue opens for business, so if your goal is to buy spirits during the session, you’ll need to wait until then. Also, the experience is strictly for those 21 and older with valid ID, so it’s not suitable for minors.

Flexibility and Booking

Booking is flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand. This makes it easier to plan around other Nashville activities and not feel locked into a rigid schedule.

Why This Experience Works

This workshop offers a rare combination of hands-on learning and storytelling, making it more meaningful than just a tasting or a standard bar visit. It’s suitable for whiskey enthusiasts, curious travelers, or groups seeking a memorable shared activity.

The knowledgeable guide, Chris Mallon, is often praised for his engaging storytelling and approachable teaching style. Many reviews highlight how much they learned and how fun the process was, making it clear that this isn’t just a typical cocktail class.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for an authentic look at Tennessee’s whiskey culture, this workshop fits the bill. It’s perfect for those who want to understand the craft and history, and come away with skills they can use at home. It’s also a good choice for people wanting a relaxed, engaging activity that combines education with a dash of entertainment.

Travelers who enjoy small-group experiences and personalized attention will find this workshop especially appealing. It’s also a great option for anyone wanting a memorable, hands-on activity before heading to dinner or exploring more of Nashville’s vibrant neighborhoods.

The Sum Up

The Tennessee Whiskey Cocktail Making Workshop in Nashville offers a clever way to experience the city’s spirit culture firsthand. For $90, you get to craft three Old Fashioneds, hear lively stories from local experts, and walk away with a deeper understanding of Tennessee whiskey’s special qualities. It’s a fun, approachable event that balances education with entertainment, making it suitable for both whiskey novices and aficionados.

The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the memorabilia add a personal touch that keeps the experience alive long after the last sip. Whether you’re in Nashville for a few days or just passing through, this workshop provides a genuine taste of local craft and storytelling that enriches your trip.

If you’re craving a memorable, interactive activity that combines history, culture, and good drinks, this is a solid choice. It’s particularly ideal if you value authentic experiences, enjoy learning new skills, and want to connect with Nashville’s spirited heritage in a relaxed, fun environment.

FAQ

Is alcohol sold during the workshop?
No, alcohol isn’t sold until the venue opens for business, so you’ll be able to taste and purchase spirits later, but not during the class.

What’s included in the price?
The workshop includes the chance to create three signature Old Fashioneds, educational storytelling about Tennessee whiskey, personalized attention in a small group, and memorabilia to take home.

Is the workshop suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The class is designed to be approachable, with step-by-step guidance that helps both novices and more experienced whiskey fans understand and craft cocktails.

How long does the class last?
The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect midday activity or an engaging start to an evening out.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes. You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the class. You can also reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is the workshop accessible?
Yes, it is wheelchair accessible, and the instructor speaks English. It’s suitable for most mobility needs.

This Nashville workshop combines the best of local culture, interactive fun, and educational insight into Tennessee’s iconic spirit. Whether you’re a whiskey enthusiast or just curious, it’s a memorable way to deepen your understanding of Nashville’s celebrated craft.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby