Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience Entry Ticket

Discover the World’s Oldest Spirit Brand in Amsterdam

The Bols Cocktail Experience in Amsterdam offers a lively, interactive look into the world of spirits, liqueurs, and cocktails. Priced at $22 per person, this ticket provides access to an engaging, self-guided journey through Lucas Bols’s history—the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand with over 450 years of tradition. Located in the vibrant North Holland region, across from the Van Gogh Museum, the experience is perfect for adults aged 18 and over who enjoy learning about spirits while savoring expertly crafted cocktails.

This experience is designed to entertain and inform, combining visual displays, sensory activities, and tastings. As a one-day ticket, it fits well into a day of exploring Amsterdam’s cultural sites, especially for those curious about the rich heritage of Dutch spirits like Genever and liqueurs. Visitors can expect a balanced mix of educational content, fun activities, and tasty drinks, making it a popular choice with an overall rating of 4.5 from 676 reviews.

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Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $22 per person, with a validity of 1 day to choose your start time
• Location: Starts across from the Van Gogh Museum at Paulus Potterstraat 14
• Includes: An audio guide, 1 perfect serve cocktail (alcoholic or alcohol-free), and access to the Mirror Bar
• Interactive Elements: Learn to make a cocktail in six simple steps and participate in a shaking contest
• Highlights: Discover the story of Lucas Bols, explore the Bols Shop, and enjoy delicious cocktails at the end
• Accessibility and Flexibility: The tour is self-guided, wheelchair accessible, and offers free cancellation if booked in advance

The House of Bols: A Gateway to Spirit History

The House of Bols stands as the starting point of this experience, offering an engaging look into Genever, liqueurs, and spirits. The location itself is beautifully designed, with interactive exhibits that invite visitors to touch, smell, and taste. Visitors learn about Lucas Bols, the oldest spirit brand still in production, with stories that stretch back over four and a half centuries.

The self-guided audio tour is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Dutch, French, German, Chinese, and Italian, allowing for a personalized experience. It’s a relaxed pace, giving the option to go slow and truly absorb the fascinating details behind the spirits’ craftsmanship and history. Reviewers highlight the visual appeal of the displays and the informative narration as significant strengths.

Creating Cocktails in the Innovative Cocktail Room

The highlight of the experience is the brand-new Cocktail Experience Room, where visitors are guided through the art of cocktail making. The process involves six simple steps to craft the perfect drink, with an opportunity to compete in a fun shaking challenge. This setup provides not only entertainment but also insights into bartending techniques.

Although the main tour is self-guided, the experience culminates in a visit to the Mirror Bar, a mesmerizing setting where professional bartenders prepare a delicious cocktail for each visitor. Sample options include both alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks, catering to different preferences. The cocktail quality receives high praise, with many reviewers stating they received “proper cocktails” that are full of flavor.

Aperitif at the Mirror Bar: Flavors That Impress

The Mirror Bar serves as the final stop of the tour, offering a stunning environment where visitors can enjoy their perfect serve cocktail. The bar’s design is captivating, and the professional bartenders craft drinks with skill and flair. Reviewers mention the deliciousness of the cocktails, often highlighting their strength and flavor.

Guests also have the option to purchase additional cocktails at EUR 8.00 each, providing the chance to extend the tasting experience. The friendly staff at the bar are known for their knowledge and approachability, making this a relaxing and enjoyable conclusion to the visit.

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The Bols Shop: Bringing the Spirit Home

After sampling the cocktails, visitors can explore the Bols Shop, a retail space packed with spirits, liqueurs, and souvenirs. This shop is an excellent place to buy gifts, bottles, or bartending tools. Many reviews recommend taking advantage of this opportunity, especially since the shop offers everything needed for home bartending.

The shop’s variety and quality make it a standout feature, with some visitors noting they left with extra bottles and professional-grade tools. This shopping component adds lasting value to the experience, especially for those looking to recreate their favorite Bols cocktails at home.

Logistics: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Timing

The tour begins at House of Bols located at Paulus Potterstraat 14, right across from the Van Gogh Museum. The activity is self-guided, meaning visitors can start at their preferred time within the validity of their ticket. The audio guide and interactive exhibits are designed to accommodate a relaxed pace, making it suitable for most visitors, including those with wheelchair access.

The experience typically lasts around an hour, but visitors can spend more time at the shop or at the bar. Cancellation is simple, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for changing plans.

The Value and Overall Experience

At $22, the Bols Cocktail Experience offers excellent value for money. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the cocktails, the informative content, and the friendly staff. The free audio guide and the included cocktail are standout inclusions, with many noting the cocktail at the end exceeds expectations.

While the self-guided format means it’s a relaxed, unhurried tour, some may find the duration to be a bit short, around 30-40 minutes before reaching the bar. However, this is often balanced by the quality of the interactive elements and the delicious drinks.

Who Should Visit the Bols Cocktail Experience

This tour is ideal for adults who enjoy learning about spirits and experimenting with cocktails. It suits those looking for a fun, educational activity that combines history, tasting, and hands-on bartending. The friendly atmosphere and delicious drinks make it a great choice for couples, groups, or solo travelers interested in Dutch spirit heritage.

It is not suitable for children under 18 years old and pets are not permitted. Visitors seeking a more extensive cocktail-making class might consider additional options or workshops, but the base experience offers a comprehensive taste of Bols’ heritage.

The Sum Up: A Tasty, Educational Amsterdam Experience

The Amsterdam Bols Cocktail Experience provides a well-rounded introduction to Dutch spirits and creative cocktail crafting. With a reasonable price point, engaging exhibits, and delicious cocktails, it appeals to anyone curious about bartending or spirits history. The self-guided format allows flexibility, and the friendly staff enhance the visit.

While it may not be a long or in-depth class, it delivers on fun, flavor, and learning. The Bols Shop adds a chance to bring home a piece of the experience, making it a complete package for spirits enthusiasts. This experience scores high in reviews and is recommended for those wanting to explore Amsterdam’s cocktail culture in an accessible, engaging way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age restriction for this tour?
Yes, the minimum age is 18 years due to the alcohol tastings and bar environment.

How long does the experience take?
The tour typically lasts about 30-40 minutes, but you can spend more time exploring the Bols Shop or enjoying cocktails at the Mirror Bar.

Can I visit the Bols Cocktail Experience without making a cocktail?
Yes, the self-guided tour allows you to explore exhibits, learn about spirits, and enjoy a cocktail without participating in a hands-on making session.

Are alcohol-free cocktails available?
Absolutely, delicious alcohol-free cocktails are served, catering to non-drinkers or those who prefer not to consume alcohol.

Is the experience accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits and bar area.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby