Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop

The Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop offers a lively peek into the world of spirits, combining a self-guided audio tour with a hands-on cocktail-making class. Priced at $39 per person, this experience lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it a perfect quick yet engaging activity in the vibrant heart of North Holland. Located opposite the Van Gogh Museum on Paulus Potterstraat 14, the tour is accessible and easy to find, with a friendly, professional bartender guiding you through each step.

What makes this experience stand out is its perfect mix of history, tasting, and skill-building. Visitors get to learn about Lucas Bols, the world’s oldest distilled spirit brand, and its 450-year-old tradition of producing Genever and liqueurs. After exploring this rich history through an audio-guided tour, you’re rewarded with a delicious cocktail in the elegant Mirror Bar, a highlight that many reviews praise for its quality and variety. The cocktail workshop then allows you to recreate 2 or 3 drinks, experimenting with different flavors and aromas under the guidance of a professional bartender.

While this experience does not include food or hotel transfers, it is a great value for those curious about spirits, mixology, or looking for a fun social activity. The inclusion of an audio guide in multiple languages and wheelchair accessibility makes it welcoming for a wide range of visitors. However, it is not suitable for children under 18 and requires passport or ID for entry.

Key Points

• Affordable price point of $39 offers a full experience of history, tasting, and cocktail-making.
• Self-guided audio tour explores the 450-year-old history of Genever and Bols spirits.
• Enjoy a cocktail at the Mirror Bar included with your ticket, with many reviews highlighting the quality and variety.
• Hands-on cocktail workshop teaches techniques to craft 2 or 3 drinks with a professional bartender.
• Accessible for wheelchair users and available in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, and Chinese.
• Duration of 1.5 to 2 hours makes it a flexible activity in your Amsterdam itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Bols Cocktail Experience in Amsterdam

The Self-Guided Audio Tour at Bols

The experience begins at Paulus Potterstraat 14, where visitors embark on a self-guided audio tour. This tour explores the history of Genever and Bols spirits, detailing the 450-year-old distillation techniques perfected by Lucas Bols. The audio guide is offered in multiple languages, including English, Dutch, and Chinese, ensuring accessibility for international visitors.

The guided narration covers the art of distillation, the legacy of Bols, and the evolution of liqueurs. Visitors appreciate how the interactive presentation makes learning fun, with many noting the engaging explanations provided by the tour. While the museum itself is interactive, some mention that it could be more entertaining, but the cocktail workshop compensates through practical fun.

The Mirror Bar Tasting Experience

After completing the audio tour, visitors arrive at the Mirror Bar to enjoy a complimentary cocktail. The bar is praised for its delicious drinks and elegant setting, making it an ideal spot to relax after the tour. Many reviews recommend trying the Blue Hawaiian, noting its great flavor.

The variety of cocktails available in the Mirror Bar impresses visitors, with many describing the drinks as super tasty. The presentation and quality of these beverages are highlighted as a core strength of this experience.

The Cocktail Workshop with a Professional Bartender

Following the tasting, the cocktail-making workshop begins. With a professional bartender instructor, participants learn to mix 2 or 3 cocktails, exploring flavors and aroma combinations. The workshop can last 30 minutes or 1 hour, depending on the option chosen.

Many reviews emphasize how educational and fun the workshop is. The guidance is described as polite, informative, and entertaining, making it suitable for beginners and more experienced home bartenders alike. Visitors appreciate the techniques they learn, such as pairing flavors and using different types of ice. The skills gained are noted as recreatable at home, adding value to the experience.

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The Location and Accessibility

Situated opposite the Van Gogh Museum on Museum Square, the tour is easy to find and access. The meeting point at Paulus Potterstraat 14 is convenient for those exploring the city’s cultural highlights. The activity ends back at the starting point, with no transit involved.

The tour is wheelchair accessible, and visitors are advised to bring passport or ID card. Pets are not allowed, except for assistance dogs.

Timing, Pacing, and Group Size

Typical duration is 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing for a relaxed pace. The audio-guided tour takes about 30-60 minutes, followed by the cocktail tasting and workshop. The experience is generally considered well-paced, with plenty of time for questions, tasting, and hands-on activity.

The small group setting and professional instruction foster an intimate, engaging atmosphere. The flexibility to choose a shorter or longer workshop gives visitors control over their experience.

Value for Money and Overall Satisfaction

Rated at 4.9 out of 5 based on 494 reviews, the Bols Cocktail Experience is among the most highly rated activities of its kind. Guests frequently mention great value, especially considering the cocktails, tour, and workshop included in the price.

Numerous reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, delicious drinks, and interactive nature of the workshop. The informative narration ensures that even those unfamiliar with spirits leave with new insights.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those interested in spirits, mixology, and Amsterdam’s local culture. It suits adults of all ages, especially groups, couples, or solo travelers looking for a fun, educational activity.

It is not suitable for children under 18, and those with mobility issues should confirm accessibility. The price point and variety of activities make it a valuable addition to any Amsterdam itinerary focused on food, drink, or history.

Bols Cocktail Experience in Amsterdam: The Clear Choice for Cocktail Enthusiasts

This experience offers a perfect blend of history, taste, and hands-on fun. The self-guided tour educates visitors about the 450 years of Bols tradition, while the Mirror Bar and cocktail workshop deliver quality drinks and skills.

Many reviews praise the entertaining guides and delicious cocktails, making it a worthwhile activity for first-time visitors and repeat travelers alike. Its affordability and accessibility add to its appeal, especially for those looking for a memorable yet relaxed experience.

Even if you’re not a seasoned mixologist, the techniques and tips learned here are easy to replicate at home, giving this tour a practical edge. The friendly atmosphere and professional staff ensure that everyone leaves with new knowledge and a smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, the tour is not suitable for children under 18 years.

How long does the experience last?
The activity lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the selected workshop duration.

Are food or hotel transfers included?
No, the tour does not include food or hotel pickup and drop-off.

What languages are available for the audio guide?
The audio guide is available in English, Dutch, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

Is the activity accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring anything?
Visitors are advised to bring a passport or ID card for check-in.

Can I cancel the reservation?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the ticket?
The ticket includes an audio-guided tour, one cocktail at the Mirror Bar, and a cocktail workshop of either 30 minutes or 1 hour with a professional bartender.

Is the experience good value?
Absolutely, many reviews emphasize great value for money, especially considering the number of cocktails, educational content, and hands-on activity.

How many cocktails can I make during the workshop?
Participants typically make 2 or 3 cocktails, learning how to mix different flavors and aromas.

Is there an age restriction?
Yes, participants must be 18 or older to enjoy the activities.

Can I book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.

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