We love entertaining! Whether it’s a small dinner party or a celebratory happy hour, having a great food and beverage experience is a key component for party success. So, if you are ready to level up your hosting game or simply looking for a unique date night, check out some of our favorite places to take cocktail and cooking classes around Charlotte…
The Cocktailery
2000 South Blvd. in Atherton Mill
The Cocktailery strives to take the mystery out of mixology with its fun and approachable take on craft cocktails. You can sign up for private group classes or participate in themed public classes including bourbon and burgers, wine and charcuterie pairings, and even Harry Potter-inspired libations.
Learn More: thecocktailery.com
Sweet Spot Studio
4418 Monroe Rd.
Who doesn’t love something sweet? Sweet Spot Studio offers incredible baking classes where you can learn to make everything from macarons and pastries to donuts and decorated cookies. We also love their Craft(y) Bake & Brews series of casual classes that take place at breweries around town.
Learn More: sweetspotstudioclt.com
Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen
4001 Yancey Rd.
You can sharpen your culinary skills, get fresh recipe ideas, and explore new cuisines in a Chef Alyssa’s Kitchen class. Plus, they offer classes at five different ability levels so there really is something for everyone. Be sure to book early though! Classes frequently sell out quickly.
Learn More: chefalyssaskitchen.com
Billy Sunday
1115 North Brevard St. in Optimist Hall
Billy Sunday regularly offers Cocktail 101, an introductory class to the art and science of creating a perfectly-balanced cocktail (or three cocktails, to be more accurate). You definitely don’t have to be a beginner to enjoy this fun, hands-out class, but there is also a Cocktail 201 offered too if you are looking for something a little more advanced.
Learn More: billy-sunday.com
Foxcroft Wine Co.
1235 East Blvd. in Dilworth and 7824 Fairview Rd. in SouthPark
Foxcroft Wine Co.’s educational events are more experience than class and well worth it! Often centered around a wine region, a guest speaker guides you through a multi-course meal and complimentary wine pairings. These wine-tasting events are offered at both the Dilworth and SouthPark locations so be sure to check out the calendar for both!
Learn More: foxcroftwine.com
The Foodie School
300 Springhill Farm Rd. in Fort Mill
Just across the state line in Fort Mill, The Foodie School’s hands-on cooking classes are worth the drive. They offer a wide variety of classes for all skill levels including sushi workshops, paella parties, Mexican fiestas, rockin’ ramen nights and so much more! The Foodie School is also BYOB so you can bring your own beer or wine to class. If only that was an option in college!
Learn More: thefoodieschool.com
The Secret Chocolatier
2935 Providence Rd.
After taking a hiatus for the pandemic, The Secret Chocolatier officially resumed classes this fall. This is big news for chocolate lovers! From truffles to bon-bons, you will learn to make more than chocolates, you will learn to make little edible works of art!
Learn More: thesecretchocolatier.com
Johnson & Wales
801 West Trade St.
The world-renowned culinary institute offers recreational cooking classes for groups at their Uptown Charlotte campus. The program is called Chef’s Choice and you can take a three-hour hands-on cooking class, have an interactive food and wine pairing dinner, or even customize a private event with a team cooking challenge. With so many options, you will be cooking like a pro in no time!
Learn More: jwu.edu
Sur la Table
4400 Sharon Rd. in SouthPark
Did you know that the beloved upscale kitchenware store at SouthPark Mall hosts cooking classes year-round? You can work with Sur la Table’s chef-instructors to learn how to prepare delicious recipes and hone your culinary techniques. Do note that classes are not exclusively for adults as they are open to ages 14 and up.
Learn More: surlatable.com
Skillpop
Online
Launched locally in 2015, Skillpop flipped its in-person learning model to online classes in 2020. Their live, expert-led classes are well-priced and cover every topic under the sun including many food and beverage options! So you can learn to make homemade pasta on Monday, do beginner woodworking on Tuesday, create a cheeseboard on Thursday, and take conversational Spanish 0n Friday if you are feeling particularly ambitious (LOL).
Learn More: skillpop.com
Have you taken a cocktail or cooking class in Charlotte? We would love to hear about your experience. Leave a comment below!
