Spritz & Spaghetti: Tipsy Cooking Class in Rome

If you’re craving an experience that combines authentic Italian food, lively drinks, and a good dose of fun, then this Spritz & Spaghetti class from Carpe Diem Tours might just be your perfect match. It’s a three-hour adventure in the heart of Rome that promises to teach you how to craft three iconic spritz cocktails—Aperol, Hugo, and Limoncello—and to make your own fresh pasta, culminating in a delicious meal.

What sets this apart is its small group setting—limiting participants to 15—ensuring plenty of personalized attention from passionate local guides, chefs, and mixologists. It’s a chance to get off the tourist trail, learn some new skills, and have a lot of laughs along the way.

One thing to keep in mind: this experience isn’t suitable for those with gluten intolerance, vegan, or dairy-free diets, as the menu includes gluten and dairy ingredients. But if you’re flexible and eager to learn authentic Italian cooking with a drink in hand, you’ll find this class hits all the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic Italian experience blending food and drinks in an intimate setting
• Hands-on pasta-making with locally sourced ingredients
• Learn to make three classic spritz cocktails in a fun, relaxed atmosphere
• Expert guides—a professional chef and mixologist—ensure quality instruction
• Small group size for a personalized, engaging session
• Includes take-home recipes in a handy ebook

What Makes This Cooking Class Stand Out

This tipsy cooking experience offers much more than just a cooking lesson. It’s about creating memories, learning authentic skills, and tasting Italy’s most beloved drinks and dishes—without the touristy crowds.

The location is central, making it easy to find and perfect for those staying near Rome’s core attractions. Guests consistently praise the friendly hosts, notably Sherry, Niloo, and Angela, whose enthusiasm and charisma elevate the experience. Their ability to blend fun, education, and a genuine passion for Italian cuisine makes this class both informative and lively.

The main draw is the chance to make and enjoy three iconic spritz cocktails—Aperol, Hugo, and Limoncello—which are served during the lesson, often refilled generously according to reviews. Guests love how the mixologists incorporate stories and history into their drink-making, adding layers of cultural insight.

Meanwhile, the pasta-making segment is praised for being straightforward and accessible, even for beginners. You’ll knead, roll, and cut your own pasta, guided by experienced chefs like Marzia and Jem, who keep the atmosphere friendly and encouraging. As one guest put it, “I felt that I learned a lot of knowledge that I can’t learn from books or the internet.”

The Itinerary: A Deep Dive

Meeting and Introduction

The class begins at a conveniently located spot on Via Cesare Balbo. After a quick introduction, the hosts set a lively tone, emphasizing that this is a relaxed, hands-on experience—no standoffish chefs here. The small group size means everyone gets to participate actively, ask questions, and take home recipes.

Spritz Cocktail Workshop

The first part focuses on crafting three classic Italian spritzes. You learn the history behind each drink, with stories about their origins and regional differences. The mixologists guide you through the process, from selecting your ingredients to pouring and garnishing. Many reviewers commented on how the drinks were “fantastic” and “flowed easily,” highlighting the skill of the hosts.

Pasta Making

Next, it’s time to get your hands dirty with pasta dough. Using locally sourced ingredients helps showcase the freshness and quality typical of Italian cuisine. Guests love the way the chefs encourage even the most inexperienced cooks, with one reviewer mentioning how they “felt at ease” despite being new to pasta-making.

You’ll learn to make carbonara—or a vegetarian alternative like cacio e pepe—using traditional techniques. The process involves kneading, rolling, and slicing, which makes the experience tactile and satisfying. Once your pasta is ready, it’s cooked to perfection and served with the signature sauces.

Dinner and Conversation

After all the effort, everyone sits down to enjoy their self-made pasta paired with the drinks they’ve crafted. Reviewers rave about the deliciousness of the pasta, with some claiming it was among the best they had in Italy. The convivial atmosphere, combined with generous pours of spritz, makes for a memorable meal.

Take-Home Recipes and Final Cheers

As the class wraps up, you receive an ebook with all the recipes, so you can recreate the magic at home. Many guests mention how inspired they felt to try making spritz and pasta on their own after the class.

Practical Details and What to Expect

The duration is about three hours, making it a manageable yet immersive experience. The price of $127.92 per person is quite reasonable, considering the hands-on experience, expert instruction, and unlimited drinks included. It’s a solid value, especially for travelers eager to learn authentic recipes and enjoy a fun night out.

The group size is limited to 15, providing an intimate environment that fosters interaction and personalized attention. This is ideal if you prefer a relaxed, friendly setting over large, impersonal tours.

The meeting point at Via Cesare Balbo is easily accessible, near public transportation, which simplifies logistics. The activity ends back at the same location, so it’s straightforward to plan your evening afterward.

Note: The class cannot accommodate gluten-free, vegan, or dairy-free diets, as the menu includes gluten and dairy ingredients. If you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to contact the organizers in advance.

Authenticity and Reviews: What Travelers Say

Guests consistently highlight Angela, Jem, Sherry, Niloo, and Marley as standout hosts, describing them as charismatic, knowledgeable, and engaging. Many reviewers mention how much they learned, with one saying, “I learned a lot of knowledge that I can’t learn from books or the internet,” emphasizing the educational value.

The atmosphere is often described as fun, lively, and welcoming. Several guests appreciated how the class brought together people from different backgrounds—”majority of us did not know one another but the class teachers did a great job bringing us together.” This social element adds to the overall appeal.

The quality of the food and drinks receives glowing reviews, with many stating that the pasta was “delicious,” and the spritz cocktails “flowed easily and tasted fantastic.”

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

If you’re a food lover, cocktail enthusiast, or eager to learn some classic Italian recipes in a relaxed setting, this class is a real winner. Its combination of interactive cooking, expert guidance, and lively drinks makes it perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers wanting a memorable evening in Rome.

The small-group format ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the emphasis on hands-on participation means you’ll leave with new skills and recipes to impress friends back home. It’s ideal for those who want a fun, authentic, and educational experience that’s more meaningful than just dining out.

However, if dietary restrictions are a concern, or if you prefer a more traditional, sit-down cooking experience, this might not be the best fit. Also, for travelers on a tight schedule, note that the class lasts about three hours, so plan your evening accordingly.

All in all, this Tipsy Cooking Class in Rome offers a lively, tasty way to connect with Italy’s culinary culture, and the overwhelmingly positive reviews show it’s a hit among past participants.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, vegetarians can choose the cacio e pepe option instead of carbonara, which is available during the class.

Are there gluten-free options?
No, unfortunately, the class does not accommodate gluten-free diets due to the menu ingredients.

Can I participate if I’m vegan or dairy-free?
No, because dairy products are used in the recipes, and vegan options are not provided.

How many people are in each group?
The class is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate and engaging atmosphere.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers the expert-led workshop, all ingredients, unlimited water and soft drinks, and take-home recipes in an ebook.

Do I get to eat what I make?
Absolutely. You’ll sit down to enjoy your pasta paired with the spritz cocktails you’ve made, often with generous refills.

Is there a dress code?
No specific dress code, but comfortable clothes suitable for cooking are recommended, as you’ll be kneading, rolling, and possibly getting a little floury.

What should I bring?
Everything needed for the class is provided, including ingredients and utensils. Just bring your enthusiasm and a smile!

What if I’m late or need to cancel?
The booking offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Arriving late might mean missing part of the class, so plan to arrive on time.

How do I find the meeting point?
The class starts at Via Cesare Balbo, 19, and is close to public transportation, making it easy to find.

To sum it up, whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone new to pasta, this Tipsy Cooking Class in Rome offers a lively, authentic way to spend an evening. You’ll leave with new skills, a full belly, and a few stories to tell—plus, perhaps, the secret to making the perfect spritz.