Bordeaux: “Leftovers from the fridge” cocktails

If you’re heading to Bordeaux and love the idea of turning everyday kitchen scraps into fancy drinks, this workshop might just be the highlight of your trip. While we haven’t personally attended, the concept of creating cocktails from leftovers like jam, pickle vinegar, or forgotten ingredients sounds both clever and sustainable. You’ll love the hands-on approach, the chance to learn basic bartending skills, and the satisfaction of reducing food waste. That said, it’s a short, two-hour experience, so if you’re after a full-blown wine tour or a big party, this might not be it. This activity suits curious travelers, eco-conscious spirits enthusiasts, or those simply looking for a fun, practical skill to take home.

Key Points:

• Creative Use of Leftovers: Turn fridge remnants into impressive cocktails.
• Learn Basic Techniques: Improve your bartending with insider tips.
• Focus on Sustainability: Reduce food waste through mixology.
• Enjoy Tasting: End with two mocktails you’ve crafted yourself.
• Private Group Setting: Personalized guidance in a cozy environment.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel easily with 24-hour notice for a full refund.

An overview of the experience and what makes it special

This two-hour cocktail workshop from EMILE & MARGUERITE offers a fresh take on mixology—using ingredients you might normally toss out or forget in the back of your fridge. Hosted in Bordeaux’s historic city center at the Émile & Marguerite French spirits cellar, the setting itself is charming and authentic, adding to the overall experience. The workshop is designed for the inventive, imaginative, and daring—perfect for travelers who enjoy a bit of creativity and sustainability in their leisure activities.

One of the standout features is the focus on anti-waste practices. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box, discovering how jam, vinegar, or even leftover herbs can be transformed into tasty, balanced drinks. The mixologist leading the class is well-versed in sharing secrets and techniques, making the process accessible even for beginners. You’ll come away with practical skills that can be applied at home, impressing friends and family with unexpected flavor combos.

A highlight, as noted in reviews, is the ability to discuss and ask questions during the session. This ensures you’re not just following steps blindly but truly understanding the why behind each technique. The workshop also includes a tasting component, where you sample two carefully crafted mocktails, giving you a sense of achievement and inspiration for your own experiments.

The price includes a 2-hour interactive session, recipes, technical sheets, and snacks—great value considering the personalized guidance and the fun learning environment. Alcohol isn’t included but can be purchased on-site, giving you the flexibility to turn your mocktail creations into full cocktails if desired. Plus, mixology accessories and additional ingredients are available for purchase, allowing you to extend the experience beyond the workshop.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The itinerary and what to expect

The meeting begins at the Émile & Marguerite spirits cellar, a cozy, atmospheric place in Bordeaux’s historic center. Here, your instructor, fluent in French, English, and Italian, sets the tone for a relaxed yet engaging session. The group is private, ensuring personalized attention, and the session typically runs for two hours—perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.

Once settled, the instructor introduces the concept of using leftovers creatively. You’ll learn about flavor pairings, such as how to balance sweet, sour, bitter, and umami notes, even with unconventional ingredients. The workshop is very hands-on, so you’ll be actively involved in selecting, measuring, and mixing ingredients for your cocktails.

A typical activity involves creating two cocktails—one savory and one sweet—using ingredients you bring or that are provided. For example, you might be asked to incorporate jam into a base or use pickle vinegar to add a tangy twist. The mixologist shares techniques for muddling, shaking, and balancing flavors, giving you confidence that you can replicate these at home.

Throughout the session, you’ll get practical tips on basic bartending techniques, such as proper shaking, straining, and garnishing, which elevate your drink presentation. The atmosphere encourages questions, making it ideal for those who want to deepen their knowledge or just want some creative inspiration.

Finally, you’ll sit down to enjoy your two mocktails, with time allocated for discussion, tips, and sharing ideas. The instructor might also share recipes and technical sheets so you can recreate the drinks later.

The value in the details

While the workshop lasts just two hours, the value lies in the practical skills and mindset shift it offers. You’ll learn that making cocktails isn’t about expensive ingredients but about balancing flavors and being resourceful. This is especially relevant in today’s eco-conscious climate, making it a meaningful activity for many travelers.

The inclusion of snacks adds a social element, giving the session a convivial feel. Plus, the ability to purchase additional ingredients or accessories on-site means you can extend your newfound skills or start your own eco-friendly bar at home.

Pricing-wise, the workshop costs between $40 and $60 if you choose to buy alcohol on-site, which is reasonable considering you get a personalized 2-hour class, recipes, and the chance to learn a unique skill. If you’re not into alcohol, the mocktail focus still makes this a fun, inclusive experience.

Because reviews mention the workshop’s informative and friendly nature, you can expect a relaxed environment where learning is fun and accessible. The instructor’s multilingual skills help break down technical concepts, making the class suitable for international travelers.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

This workshop is ideal for adventurous eaters and drinkers who enjoy trying new flavor combinations. It’s also perfect for sustainable-minded travelers wanting to reduce waste. If you’re curious about bartending but don’t want to invest in lots of equipment or ingredients, this is a practical, budget-friendly way to gain foundational skills.

It’s especially suited to those who prefer small, private groups over large tour settings, ensuring personalized guidance. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends, you’ll find this activity fun, interactive, and highly educational.

Final thoughts

This Bordeaux cocktail workshop offers more than just a fun activity—it’s a chance to think creatively about ingredients, reduce waste, and improve your bartending skills. The focus on using leftovers makes it both eco-conscious and cost-effective, appealing to travelers who want their adventures to align with sustainability.

The setting in Bordeaux’s historic center, combined with a knowledgeable multilingual instructor, makes for an engaging and authentic experience. It’s not a party but a relaxed, educational session that leaves you with tangible skills and inspiration.

If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn how to turn everyday ingredients into impressive drinks, this workshop delivers good value and a memorable experience. It’s particularly well-suited for curious, eco-friendly travelers looking for a practical way to enhance their culinary repertoire while exploring Bordeaux’s vibrant culture.

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FAQ

Is this workshop suitable for beginners?
Yes, the workshop is designed to be accessible, with basic techniques and tips that anyone can pick up, regardless of prior experience.

Can I buy alcohol during the workshop?
Yes, alcohol can be purchased on-site for between $40 and $60 if you want to turn your mocktails into full cocktails.

Are ingredients provided, or do I need to bring my own?
You can bring your own leftovers or use ingredients provided by the instructor. The experience encourages using what you have on hand.

Will I learn bartending techniques?
Absolutely. The instructor shares fundamental methods like shaking, straining, and garnishing, which you can practice during the session.

Is this a private group experience?
Yes, the workshop is scheduled for private groups, allowing personalized attention and a tailored experience.

What should I bring?
Bring your ID or passport. It’s also helpful to have any special ingredients you want to experiment with, but most supplies are provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance.

Is the workshop suitable for children?
No, this activity is intended for travelers aged 18 and older due to alcohol consumption.

How long does the workshop last?
It runs for approximately two hours, from introduction to tasting and discussion.

Where does the activity take place?
At the Émile & Marguerite spirits cellar in Bordeaux’s historic center, a charming and authentic setting.

If you’re a traveler interested in sustainability, creative mixology, or simply want to add a practical skill to your repertoire, this Bordeaux “Leftovers from the fridge” cocktail workshop offers a friendly, insightful, and environmentally conscious experience that you won’t forget.

You can check availability for your dates here: