Sue did an outstanding job preparing us for our exam! Her knowledge and experience is excellent read more

DrinkMaster Bartending - Bartending Schools Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

Just hosted nine clients at DrinkMasters Boston and had an absolute blast. Firstly, the interior and overall aesthetic of the place is pretty incredible and almost takes you a bit back in time to match the vintage posters displayed across the walls. As for the staff, Carolyn was incredibly helpful and flexible while getting everything set up and perfectly catered. Jason was outstanding as our instructor and MC. His trivia between cocktails was fun and genuinely informative, and he took extra time to walk us through what to watch for when buying different tiers of liquor. We all walked out of there wanting 100% blue agave tequila with ....no additives! A fantastic experience all around and one I would happily recommend :) read more

DrinkMaster Bartending - Bartending Schools Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

If you're looking for a place to take bartending classes, DrinkMaster Bartending is easily one of the best options out there. The atmosphere is beautiful, and the classes themselves are engaging and well-structured. Our instructor, Ryan, brought both expertise and personality--he not only knew the history behind what we were learning but also made the entire experience fun and memorable. It was a great balance of learning and laughter, all in a welcoming and stylish environment. read more

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This was such an amazing experience!! We had the absolute best time! First off, the interior is beautiful! They've done a great job with the decor of the space the entire environment is stunning!! They start you off with a tasty welcome drink made by the class teacher (which was delish!!) along with a selection of cheese & charcuterie. When it's time for class to begin, the setup is great with everything you need to make the cocktails! I took the classic cocktail making class where we made 4 drinks (Apple Jack old fashioned, speakeasy bee's knees, classic espresso martini and pineapple jalapeño whiskey sour). All were so delicious! (And I don't usually like whiskey or mezcal but I loved these) They also teach you so much about different liquors, qualities, history and more and they turn it into a fun trivia competition between each other to see who can answer the most questions which was so fun! Would absolutely recommend read more

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Had my first class a few weeks ago and loved it!! I truly had (and made) such great cocktails, with tweaks and twists of flavors I wouldn't have known I would like together at all if it weren't for this class! The set up was so cool, there were so many things involved, and I really enjoyed how there was always something to do or listen to. Learned a lot and shared great mems. Can't wait for another class! read more

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Friday night attending a cocktail making class at DrinkMaster is so much fun! Learning how to make cocktails with a group of enthusiastic people made it even more enjoyable! read more

DrinkMaster Bartending - Set up - Bartending Schools Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

The Craft Cocktail Class was so different and fun. I didn't know what to expect going into it, but I can absolutely say I learned a lot of interesting history and some surprising techniques for building a layered drink that is absolutely delicious! The rest of the group was friendly and it was nice how everyone was interested and engaged. Great vibes all around. read more

DrinkMaster Bartending - Bartending Schools Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

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Fantastic corporate team-building experience with Jason educating us on proper cocktail making, and leading the trivia game. Highly recommend this business! Enjoy a night out with your team or company, you won't regret it. read more

He is. a man. telling bad jokes. to a captive audience. many of the jokes involved him putting on an accent or involved historical inaccuracies. We learned very little about actual drink making skills. probably 10 minutes of the hour long event were tips on drink making, the rest was his 'alcohol trivia tour of the world" read more

Outstanding bartending training. Very cool atmosphere and real bar setting. Ryan was an awesome instructor.

Denver was great!! He fully prepared us for the world of bartending, beyond just making drinks! His humorous approach, coupled with years of bartending experience kept the class both entertaining and informative. Having no experience in the bartending world myself, he made an otherwise overwhelming endeavor much easier to shake (literally- we shook a lot of drinks)! Thanks Denver! read more

We had a great company team event at DrinkMaster. Jason was very flexible and accessible when planning the event and in accommodating our catering options. Their entire team went above and beyond to provide the experience that we were looking for and the communication during the planning process was very smooth. The mixology class was exceptional: good pace, dynamic, informative (including technical information and some history) and very fun with the trivia. The time flew by so fast while we enjoyed some really good cocktails. We will certainly be back. read more

This was my First time ever taking a bartending class Have wanted to for many years. Finally I committed to doing so The experience at DrinkMaster Bartending school was awesome.!!!! I have Learned so much attending this class. Mixology, different spirits, wines, blended drinks Also how to have etiquette in being a fabulous bartender I love the fact that DRinkMaster Bartending school offers tons of choices in-terms of attending their class meaning Weekends, days and evenings . After attending this class I feel DrinkMasters has provided me the skills to be a Confident skilled bartender. Yulia the lead scheduler for signing up for this class and the staff that teaches the class is so incredibly knowledgeable kind and patient . They knows their stuff and they take great pride in wanting each student to be super successful I am very pleased that I have attended this class I so recommend it Gina L read more

Bartending school is one of those things I've always wanted to do, but never got around to actually doing. A few weeks ago, I decided I was bored with my life and broke, and decided to take the jump and sign up for bartending school. I am planning on getting a part-time bartending or catering job. After doing a bit of research online and on Yelp, I decided to go with DrinkMaster. It cost me $295 for a 20-hour course, that met 6-10 Mon-Fri for one week. I was pretty excited but not sure what to expect. The Boston location is right near the Park Street T, which was convenient. It has a full authentic bar that holds about 7 or 8 bartenders, plus bar stools on the other side for 'customers'. The alcohol and mixers consist of water and dyed water- so everything looks like it should, but unfortunately you can't drink your creations. The instructors all had TONS of experience, and were all knowledgeable and fun. I actually looked forward to class every day. The class was a mix of people- some younger people, some older people, students, people who worked full-time (me) and people who wanted bartending to be their next full-time job. The amazing part was how little I actually knew about bartending before this class, even though I go out to bars all the time... and how it is about 500x harder than I expected. We learned speed pouring, liquor brands, liqueurs and their flavors, drink recipes, and a bit about beer and wine. On the last day we had a written test and a practical test. I passed- not everyone in the class did- and now I'm a certified bartender! Super badass. As a graduate, you can take free refresher courses for life, and you can come in and practice any day from 3-6. DrinkMaster will also help you with your bartending resume, and has a database of open bartending jobs. They also offer other courses- I'm planning on taking their Mixology 101 and Catering 101 classes as well. I would definitely recommend DrinkMaster to anyone interested in learning about bartending either for fun or because they want to become a bartender! read more

I'm an event planner and organized a remote cocktail/mocktail class for our team and we LOVED it! One of our best remote events of the year! Personally I had a great time, my manager was thrilled, and we got lots of thankful and praising messages from various teammates about the event. It was really superb, Eric was an awesome teacher not only in the cocktail making itself but in answering any and all alcohol/bar/drink related questions! Whether it's how to best get the bartenders attention in post-pandemic times or high on the shelf you need to go when making a cocktail. Jason was also great to work with the whole time leading up the event, offering to help with any misdeliveries that happened and really open to discussing the tone and vibe of the event to match right with our team. The whole thing was top notch, super professional. read more

Absolutely wonderful experience with this course. The location is easily accessible from the blue, green, and orange mbta lines, and the course is very easy to follow. The instructors are friendly and will stop to answer any questions. The best part of the course is that after paying, you can come back on any day after your week is over and take the classes without paying any additional fee. The owner also lets you come in between classes to practice behind the bar if the space isn't being used. Loved my time taking this course!!! read more

I just finished the bartending course at Drink Master. What a wonderful experience! The instructors were true professionals and very kind. I had no previous experience in bartending but learned so much! The staff were very welcoming and helpful. I highly recommend this program to everyone who wants to learn bartending! read more

Awesome people, super fun class, put in the effort after and you will find a job and know what you're doing.

Mike and Bruce were awesome bartenders and teachers. They taught us to make 4 different cocktails, and they were very knowledgeable about everything alcohol. It was a wonderful evening! read more

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So, in all my years of sitting behind a desk and working in a fast-paced, customer-service-focused environment, I decided that it'd be great to parlay some of my people skills into a nightlife setting. Descending from a long line of bartenders and restaurant managers, I guess you could say it's been in my blood all along. As someone who likes a little formal education before jumping in and trying something new (which is not to say that it's completely necessary - I actually do excel in a completely foreign environment and am a quick study), I decided to try a bartending course. My somewhat sudden decision/moment of clarity/inspiration coincided nicely with a Groupon deal to take the Drinkmaster course for significantly less than it normally costs. All the sweeter. And now, having completed the course successfully, I can say that it was worth every penny and thensome. In fact, it is completely worth the course retail value. I walked into their fantastic replica-bar setup at their Framingham location, a timid wee thing, unable to tell a jigger from jaeger (well, ok, not quite THAT clueless), and I emerged from a 20 hour intensive two-week program really feeling like I know a LOT. I mean, I've really got a spot-on one-ounce pour down, I know from martinis and manhattans, and I feel that I could do pretty well to start behind a bar, given the chance. The instructors are exceedingly nice, patient, and imminently knowledgeable of their craft. Instruction was thorough and absolutely fun (a lot of us remarked on how quickly the time went by, and you know that age-old adage about time flying...). Our handbooks and the meticulous information within them were accompanied by drink drills behind the bar. Working in teams of two, we'd set up our stations, and get to work putting together the drinks we were learning about, making use of a fully-stocked (fake) bar. The bar, you see, is setup exactly like your typical bar; the shelves in the back are stocked with real bottles, filled with colored water (thus the look and feel of the real deal, without the liability). A kind of brilliant way to get people to learn the mechanics, the look and feel of pouring without demolishing a real full bar (imagine the tragedy of spilled maker's mark, jack daniels', etc...). Our sinks, filled with ice, and our glasses ready to fill, we were walked through drink making from highballs/one-liquor drinks, to two-liquors, multi-liquors, martinis, shots (including layered), etc. Wines and beer, customer service, lingo, and tips of the trade were all covered as well. For someone completely green (i.e. me), this was really invaluable. While some places may not really blink at mention of bartending school, I at least feel instilled with a good measure of confidence. The instructors also share so many resources about getting jobs in the business and are willing to take the time to help you with resumes/hear about your progress. Plus, after graduating, the door is always open to us; if I ever want to drop by and refresh some of my skills, I'm welcome to at no extra cost. That is really amazing and shows just how dedicated the organizers of the school are to the students. Check out their website! I was more than impressed by the entire experience! (And mad props especially to Dr. Fitz and his barside manner, as well as his DJing skills). Full marks, DrinkMaster. read more

Just got my certificate in bartending. I already have my PhD in boozing, so why not turn it around eh? Since my company is prolly gonna lay all us fools off, I figured I should go get some vocational training. Drinkmasters does a great job in a relatively short amount of time (5 nights straight of 4 hour classes) and they offer lots of class times so anyone can fit it into their schedule. It's set up like a real bar only you're pouring water (died water if applicable). Will you be ready to tend bar on a busy Friday at some hooch hall downtown after completing the course? No, but at least you'll know what you're talking about at an interview and if nothing else can impress your friends by pouring a quality manhattan. The real value in signing up is that after you complete the class, you have unlimited access to the facility so you can come in and practice during off times, as well as their network of faculty to help you with your resume and interview skills. Now sit down, friend, take a load off and let me make you an Old Fashioned. read more

I loved all the instructors. They were uber knowledgable and fun at the the same time. I did the course over my spring break when I really got to come in and practice every single day. They were very welcoming and now that I'm so swarmed with stuff. I wish I could just find time to come back and practice a few times a week though. I completed the course because I'm genuinely interested in the mixology art but I know they're really into helping you out with finding jobs too. The setup was real and I learned so much about alcohol types and life as a bartender. Wouldn't trade it for any other experience. read more

I don't know how this school compares to others in Boston but I choose Drinkmasters because of the promises to help you get a job. Their database of jobs is pretty much the same as craigslist and after taking the catering class I still have not heard back from them about "applying" for a job. I graduated a few months ago and I am still not working. They talk a great talk but if you think they are going to get you a job they won't. The class is hands on and it was a lot of fun and I feel like I learned a lot but I still don't know because noone will hire with out previous experience. Don't go here if you are thinking they are going to get you a job. read more

DrinkMaster has given me the tools to become successful in this industry. The staff assures support throughout the entire process and welcomes students with no prior experience. An awesome time and with as little as a week, I'm a certified bartender! TIP: Come in early and take advantage of practicing even after graduating the program. You will definitely get what you put in. They want to see you improve and commit to the craft and of course, they will still be there to walk you through it. I bartended a superbowl party this past weekend and learned what I needed to work on, but with the guidance of Jason, the owner, I was able to work through my first bartending gig with ease and I had a lot of fun! It reminded me why I wanted to become a bartender in the first place and how I made the right gut decision to invest in the school and most importantly, myself. Thanks DrinkMaster! read more

This is a review for the 2.5 hour mixology class a friend and I took one weekend (not the full week long training). "I took the mixology class for fun - and to be honest I didn't learn that much! We practiced free pouring and we each got to go behind the counter as a bartender about 3-4x in the 2.5 hours (there were 3 groups that rotated). But I didn't feel like I learned any fun tricks or got to learn too much new things that I couldn't have googled. The only thing is we got to practice pouring and counting, but even that we didn't have enough time to really get good at, since we quickly moved onto making drinks where he taught us in what proportion each drink should be. The instructors are nice and people were in a good mood, so that made it fun. We also learned what kind of things garnish what and what needs to be shaken or not, but overall I feel like I could have learned this on my own just as well. Sounds like the official bartending classes are much better!" read more

Thanks Groupon for your coercion.. How can I resist 75% off PLUS learning how to make drinks? Can't. And that's how I met DrinkMaster. This place is pretty cool, fast-paced, and informative. I have a steady job so I actually came here for the fun and the life-skills. I mean, what better life skill is there than having the ability to get people drunk (or.. not drunk, depending on whether you're listening to your own conscious or your NEW BARTENDING KNOW-HOW.) 5 day intensive course, and now i feel pretty good about getting behind a bar and making drinks. One thing I will say is it prepares you to WORK AT A BAR, it does not prepare you to make cocktails at home with any relative speed. This is because of the methods that they throw into the class - Speed pouring, wells, calls, top shelf, etc. Upselling. These are all things you probably will not have in your home kitchen, but something you would have if you worked at the lounge down the road. They're great with helping you find jobs afterwards, which is always a huge plus. And all the different instructors (I had 3) have their own specialties, so it was a very dynamic class. So if you're looking for a Mixology class, this isn't spot on. But if you want to learn the basics of bartending in 20 hours, here you go. Best of luck! read more

I'm a recent graduate and surprised at how confident I feel behind the bar. The instructors are very thorough and professional in their approach. They made sure everyone in the class was on the same level. All of the staff members are extremely hospitable and they all made me feel at ease as soon as I walked through the door. You can take the course again for free after completion, which is an excellent perk, and you're able to go in and practice anytime classes aren't in session. DrinkMaster provides the skill set, you just have to be willing to do the footwork to find a bartending job after graduation. I wish the class size was a little bit smaller, and I wish the course was perhaps a day longer. I'm definitely going to be recommending DrinkMaster. read more

I planned a corporate event here for a cocktail-making class. Everyone had a blast and learned a lot! The setup was real and we ended the class with some tasty (real) mixed drinks. We were well taken care of and I would definitely recommend this to anyone thinking of a fun group activity! read more

I just organized a private mixology class for myself and my 6 meeting planner colleagues. We had a ball with Jeff learning about making cocktails and gaining a whole new appreciation for the bartenders we work with at our many corporate events. This class is for the absolute beginner, so be sure to discuss what you want to do with Jeff prior to your private event if you are bringing along more experienced attendees. We also got to share a cheese display that we washed down with samples of more eclectic cocktails along the way. I would recommend this event for smaller groups due to the size of the space, but fun was had by all, even the non-drinkers in the group. read more

4.5 stars. Really I'm being stingy and docking them 0.5 points for not having actual booze, but then if they did, I wouldn't have paid less than $200 for a 20 hour course! Let me begin by saying that I went in very apprehensive and no idea what to expect. Granted I'd done my research, but with only 4 other yelp reviews and most people not knowing this particular bartending course, i was a little skeptical. Was I in for a surprise!! 20 hours jam packed in a week Mon-Fri seems daunting, especially after a full day's worth of work. But the instructors and ambiance make it worth it all! I looked forward to coming to class and felt incredibly at ease from the get go as the people there have a way of making you feel like you belong there. I can't say enough about the instructors - they're fun, incredibly knowledgable about the business, and provide a viewpoint about bartending you just cannot get no matter how many bars you may go to in your lifetime. For them alone, the course is worth it. Moving on to the course material - there's a book they provide with all the information needed to learn about liquor laws, the top 40 drinks, how to pour, etiquette, yada yada yada. Very helpful. The emphasis is on getting comfortable behind the bar, pouring, and learning the top few drinks while making them fast, well, and efficiently. They give you ample time to practice before class, during class, and should you want, after class as well. And the best part is that you can come back any time and practice all you want. This seemed odd to me first, but it made complete sense afterwards because it's relatively easy to learn this stuff in a fairly condensed period of time, but when it comes to mastering it and getting better at it, one needs to practice over and over again and that is the real key to bartending. On a more personal note, I took this class because I always wanted to learn bartending. I could not, for the life of me, even make a rum and coke (proportions were never right). Now I can make that with my eyes closed and much MUCH more. I can ramble on and on about different types of liquors and liquers, wines, and beers (the latter I could before as well). And I pay attention to the bartenders making my drink even more, studying them, and understanding what they do and how they do it - its an art form folks and this course and establishment makes you appreciate it even more. I didn't think I would want to do this as a job, but I am very tempted to apply just because I enjoyed it so much! They help you with your resume and provide an online job board that you can search through. Pretty awesome. Love the place. Big shout outs to Doug, Tony, Christa & Jeff. They are all great and incredibly fun-loving people to be around and learn from. Everybody and anybody who has ever thought of taking/learning bartending should take this course IMMEDIATELY! read more

So I originally bought this groupon in 2010. (It is now March 2014) I had bad experience in that I could not get in touch with anyone at the time after calling and leaving messages for some time. 3 years later and I realized I haven't logged into yelp in a while and noticed a few messages trying to get in touch about a refund from someone but noticed the most recent was one this February about still taking the course from a nice woman named Maggie. (I believe they changed organization a bit since 2010). She was enthusiastic to get in touch with me and get into a course and also threw in a bar kit for all my trouble. Luckily I had just moved back to the area for a little while and was on a bit of down time, I also had already been working in bars for a little while at this point but never got a formal training, so I said 'What the heck'. The class was great. Every instructor I had was pretty knowledgeable and passionate. The classes are also very flexible in that you could take them any cycle. Say I wanted to only come one weekend for the first half of classes and wait a couple weeks to come the second. You can also come in after you graduate to take a any refresher course and even practice during the week on your own if you want to. The classes are broken down into weekdays or weekends. I believe both options offer day and night classes within themselves. You also do learn alot of useful information about pretty much everything at a bar and pretty much get all those burning questions you ever had at a bar answered from someone who knows all there is. The class was a lot of fun. However if you are thinking this is a fast track to bar tending without any experience that really doesn't happen anywhere unless your 'faking til your making' which is tough to pull off in the Boston area. I already have some experience so I am really layering on just icing on my cake. Don't get me wrong this class is a great asset to have and worth the taking but I would set your sights on serving/waiting first as to kind of get your feet wet. Sometimes that can even be a little tough at first so try maybe food running or hosting or bar backing as those positions allow you to observe so that you can learn how to do those jobs with finesse and then work your way up with your experience. (I went from host to server to bartender within a year and a half) Just some general advice for those hopefuls out there. PS. A great tip I gave to a lot of classmates coming on the weekends. The Boston Common Garage located in the center of Boston Common in between the 2 parks. (It's an underground lot) is only $12 ALL day on the weekends. (helps to avoid paying $30 to $40+ anywhere else and its also the CLOSEST garage) Good Luck! :) read more

Took this class with a friend on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 4:00 for 2 weekends. It was a lot of fun, and even if you're not looking to bartend to make money, I'd suggest taking it just for a little extra life knowledge. The classes will teach you basic skills. No bartending tricks. You'll learn drink counts and practice pouring and mixing. You learn how to make anything from a martini to a margarita to a Long Island Iced Tea. The instructors know what they're talking about. They're all experienced and at one point or another, were paid to make drinks. About 16 people to a class. There is a bar set up and groups of 8 will take turns behind the bar. You use water instead of actual alcohol so don't get too excited. The drawback after taking this course? Now when I go out, I start critiquing bartenders who don't know how to make a real drink. read more

Learning how to bartend has been on my bucket list for a while, so when I saw a Groupon for this class, I immediately jumped on it. I had a fairly limited knowledge of mixed drinks going into the class. Coming out, I feel like I can now confidently order a martini at a classy bar (or make myself one at home). Instructors are super nice and knowledgeable, and they offer a lot of support for those who are looking to become bartenders after they are done with the class. They also sell industry standard bar kits so you can impress the likes of McKayla Maloney and your friends at home. read more

I have to say, this is a well run business. I rarely if ever post about anything but I had to because of my great experience there. I signed up and showed up for one class and then had to stop going because I was too busy with grad school and my day job. I never let them know and assumed it was a loss. Instead, they actually called me too see what happened and without hesitation asked when would be good for me to come back if I wanted to finish. How many places would do that? Also, I have bartended for 7 years before but got out of it because I was burned out. I took this class to remind me of all those things you quickly forget. So I can say from experience they are dead on with what it is like to bartend and the essential things you really need to know to get started. If you want to get behind the bar, this is without a doubt the best way to start. I have seen so many completely inexperienced people get jobs bartending because they knew the manager and it was always a total disaster. read more

I decided to go to DrinkMaster because I wanted to get into the bartending field to supplement my income, even though I haven't worked in the service industry before. I was a little unsure about whether I would fit the right profile to be a bartender or whether I would feel accepted at this school. Thankfully, the instructors and everyone that works at DrinkMaster are really accepting and do not judge you or your reasons for wanting to become a bartender. In fact, they already see you as a bartender, and that really boosted my confidence. I learned a lot about liquor, speed pouring and mixing drinks, and after taking the week-long course, I definitely feel knowledgable enough and confident enough to walk into any bar or restaurant and say I'm qualified to have a bartending job. The best part of taking this course is the instructors. We had two instructors over the week, and they were both super funny and fun, as well as very knowledgeable; you could tell they both had a lot of experience in the field. I enjoyed coming to class every day, and the four-hour sessions flew by. At the end of the week, you have a written and oral "exam," but the instructors are very chill about it, and you'll be surprised by how much you've learned without really having to study or prepare that much. In any case, you get your certificate of taking the course, and they encourage you to come back and practice, or take the course again for FREE (after you've paid for the original week, of course). Also, they offer to help you with your resume and with finding a job. I really couldn't recommend this experience anymore. In the words of one of my instructors, I know now I'm no longer a pretender, I'm a bartender! :) read more

Don't get me wrong, this was a good class and I learned a great deal about bartending. I would highly recommend the course to anyone aspiring to start a new career or change into one...that being said, don't think for one second that you're going to find a job with any assistance from the staff. You're on your own, and you may be rudely awakened to the lack of responses you'll receive because you have no experience. Their listing of available jobs is seriously outdated; you'll have better luck using Craigslist. I think this school would be better served by telling you straight about how tough it is to find a job. One last thing: the catering course is a waste of money and provides no proof of attendance... read more

I honestly do not even know where to start....this company is so unbelievably fantastic! Not only do the instructors know their stuff, but the staff is so incredibly, incredibly helpful. When I signed up for bartending classes I had no idea what to expect-and now I know SO much about making drinks, interacting with customers, and being efficient. Not only was this course a blast but everyone who works at DrinkMaster is so friendly and helpful that it truly feels as if they care about you and your success just as much as they care about their own. They offer resume and job interviewing help at NO EXTRA COST. This is only one of the things that makes this company so wonderful, the list goes on and on to include their knowledgeable and helpful teachers as well as the fun environment. Also-their classes are held in a REAL bar environment-it actually feels like you're in a legit bar!! Anyway from their great teachers like Doug and RIch to their EXTREMELY great staff like Jason, Angie, and Jeff-this company takes excellence to the next level. Not only are they a great bartending school, they are a fabulous company truly dedicated to helping their students. I would recommend this place to anybody. read more