Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop

The Bols Cocktail Experience in Amsterdam offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of genever and liqueur distillation. Participants embark on a self-guided audio tour, delving into the brand’s 450-year legacy, before honing their mixology skills under the guidance of a professional bartender. The highlight? Crafting 2-3 signature cocktails and savoring them in the elegant Mirror Bar, where the art of mixology takes center stage.

Key Points

• The Bols Cocktail Experience is a self-guided audio tour exploring the 450-year history of Genever and liqueur distillation in Amsterdam.
• The experience includes a cocktail-making workshop led by a professional bartender, where participants craft 2-3 cocktails focusing on flavor combinations and techniques.
• Participants can enjoy the crafted cocktails in the elegant Mirror Bar, which enhances the appreciation for the art of mixology and history.
• The Bols Cocktail Experience is available in multiple languages and is suitable for adults aged 18 and above, with wheelchair accessibility.
• The meeting point for the experience is located at Paulus Potterstraat 14, 1071 CZ Amsterdam, conveniently near major attractions in the city.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Bols Cocktail Experience Overview

The Bols Cocktail Experience is a self-guided audio tour that takes visitors through the 450-year history of Genever and liqueur distillation at the Bols distillery.

Guests can learn about the brand’s rich heritage and the art of mixology. The tour culminates in a cocktail-making workshop led by a professional bartender, where participants craft 2-3 cocktails focusing on flavor combinations and techniques.

Afterwards, visitors can enjoy a cocktail in the elegant Mirror Bar. The experience lasts 1.5-2 hours and is available in multiple languages, making it an engaging activity for both cocktail enthusiasts and newcomers.

Exploring the History of Genever and Liqueur Distillation

As visitors embark on the self-guided audio tour, they’ll explore the rich 450-year history of Genever and liqueur distillation at the Bols distillery.

The tour highlights:

• The origins of Genever, a traditional Dutch spirit, which dates back to the 16th century

• The evolution of liqueur production, including the development of signature Bols flavors

• The distillation process and the role of copper pot stills in creating the unique Bols taste

• Insights into the brand’s innovative spirit, including the world’s first flavored liqueur

• The legacy of the Bols family, whose dedication to quality has spanned over 24 generations.

Cocktail-Making Workshop With a Professional Bartender

What does the cocktail-making workshop with a professional bartender entail?

During the 1-hour or 30-minute workshop, you will craft 2 or 3 cocktails under the guidance of a professional bartender. The focus is on flavor combinations and techniques.

Guests will learn to mix, stir, and strain their own drinks, experimenting with classic and contemporary recipes. The hands-on experience allows attendees to hone their cocktail-making skills in an engaging atmosphere.

Upon completion, participants enjoy one of their creations in the elegant Mirror Bar, capping off the Bols Cocktail Experience.

Crafting Cocktails: Flavor Combinations and Techniques

During the cocktail-making workshop, participants craft 2 or 3 cocktails under the guidance of a professional bartender.

The focus is on:

• Exploring flavor combinations through the selection of spirits, mixers, and garnishes

• Mastering essential techniques like muddling, shaking, and stirring

• Learning how to balance sweetness, acidity, and bitterness for a harmonious drink

• Experimenting with creative presentation and garnishes to elevate the cocktail experience

• Developing an understanding of the science behind cocktail ingredients and their interactions

The workshop provides a hands-on opportunity to hone one’s cocktail-making skills in a fun and supportive environment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Enjoying a Cocktail in the Elegant Mirror Bar

After completing the cocktail-making workshop, participants head to the elegant Mirror Bar to savor one of the cocktails they crafted.

The Mirror Bar provides a sophisticated ambiance, allowing visitors to relax and indulge in the fruits of their labor. The bar’s elegant decor and attentive staff create an inviting atmosphere for guests to sip and savor their custom-made cocktails.

This final experience caps off the immersive Bols Cocktail Experience, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the art of mixology and the rich history of genever and liqueur distillation in Amsterdam.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The meeting point for the Bols Cocktail Experience is located at Paulus Potterstraat 14, 1071 CZ Amsterdam, directly opposite the Van Gogh Museum.

The experience is:

• Wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity.

• Suitable for adults aged 18 and above.

• Conveniently situated near major attractions.

• Easy to find, with clear directions provided.

• Seamlessly integrated into the vibrant Amsterdam cityscape.

This central and accessible location allows participants to fully enjoy the rich history and craft of Dutch cocktail culture, creating a memorable and inclusive experience.

Included Features of the Tour

The Bols Cocktail Experience includes several key features that enhance the overall tour.

Visitors can enjoy an audio-guided tour detailing the 450-year history of Genever and liqueur distillation.

The experience also includes a cocktail-making workshop with a professional bartender, where participants can craft 2 or 3 cocktails, focusing on flavor combinations and techniques.

A cocktail-making workshop with a professional bartender, where participants craft 2-3 cocktails, focusing on flavor combinations and techniques.

After the workshop, guests can relax and savor a cocktail in the elegant Mirror Bar.

While food and hotel transportation aren’t included, the tour provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of Amsterdam’s rich cocktail culture.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Frequently, the Bols Cocktail Experience receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from customers.

With an average rating of 4.8/5 based on 445 reviews, it’s clear that this activity is a hit. Guests highlight:

• Amazing value for money

• Engaging and fun atmosphere

• Excellent cocktail-making workshop with a professional bartender

• Enjoyment of the self-guided audio tour on the history of Genever and liqueur distillation

• Some dissatisfaction with shop-purchased cocktails compared to those made during the workshop

The consistently stellar customer reviews suggest the Bols Cocktail Experience delivers an exceptional, memorable experience in Amsterdam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for the Cocktail Workshop?

There is no specific dress code for the cocktail workshop. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, casual clothing that they feel confident in. The focus is on the cocktail-making experience rather than formal attire.

Can I Purchase Extra Cocktails During the Experience?

Yes, customers can purchase additional cocktails during the experience. The Mirror Bar offers a selection of cocktails that can be enjoyed after the cocktail-making workshop.

Is There an Option to Add a Food Pairing?

No, the tour does not include any food pairing options. The experience focuses solely on the cocktail-making workshop and a single cocktail served in the Mirror Bar. Extra cocktails can be purchased during the event, but no food is provided.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Workshop?

The maximum group size for the cocktail workshop is not specified in the provided information. The tour allows for individual or small group participation, but the exact group capacity is not detailed.

Are Photos/Videos Allowed During the Cocktail-Making Session?

Photos and videos are allowed during the cocktail-making session. Participants can capture the experience and share it with others, though they’re advised to be mindful of others’ privacy in the small workshop setting.

The Sum Up

The Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop offers an immersive journey into the rich history of Genever and liqueur distillation. Participants enjoy a self-guided audio tour, a hands-on cocktail-making workshop, and relax in the elegant Mirror Bar, savoring their creations in a sophisticated ambiance that celebrates the art of mixology. With its informative and interactive format, the experience provides a unique opportunity to explore the world of bartending and mixology.

You can check availability for your dates here: