Cocktail making class stag do

Albufeira's classes run either at beachfront bars or in bars on and just off the Strip. Expect a welcome glass of prosecco and two cocktails each over one to two hours, depending on group size, with afternoon start times between about midday and 7.30pm. Larger groups of 12 to 30 can run up to two and a half hours in a reserved VIP area. One Old Town venue only runs classes from mid March to the end of November. It is 18+. A late-afternoon beach slot leads straight into dinner.

Amsterdam has two versions, both 90 minutes and run by professional bartenders. The cocktail class has the group making two or three drinks each at a working bar, with the venue address confirmed once booked. The shot-making class takes over a private bar area and teaches layering and mixing across five shots each, starting with a welcome beer, wine or soft drink. Minimum numbers are usually eight to ten, and the shots version caps at around 20, so a big group may need two sessions. Bring ID, as both are 18-plus, and book it for the early evening before dinner.

Classes run in bars on Broad Street, Temple Street, the Piccadilly Arcade by New Street and the waterside at Brindleyplace, plus one out in Harborne. Most last 90 minutes to two hours: a welcome drink, two cocktails each and a round of shots to finish. Bring photo ID, because several venues check it. Saturday slots run from around midday into the evening, with Friday afternoon and evening sessions at some bars. One venue makes the whole group choose the same two cocktails, so agree the order before you arrive.

Bournemouth's classes sit in the compact town centre: on Old Christchurch Road, around Richmond Hill by the Square, and in the leisure complex on Exeter Crescent. Ninety minutes is standard, two hours at the games-bar version, and packages with a two-course meal can run to three and a half hours. One Old Christchurch Road venue runs fixed slots at 4pm, 6pm and 8pm on Fridays and every two hours from 1pm on Saturdays. It is 18+ and ID may be asked for. Some venues ask the group to pick the same two cocktails, and a mobile bartender can come to you within 15 miles.

Brighton's classes centre on West Street, the party strip just back from the seafront, with others on Middle Street and Castle Square, a few minutes' walk from the pier. Ninety minutes is standard, and some West Street sessions are paired with a buffet, pizza or burgers, with start times from late morning to early evening. Every venue is 18+, and several insist on ID for every guest. One speakeasy-style bar holds your slot for only 15 minutes, so do not run late. A mobile bartender can also come to your accommodation within about 15 miles of the centre.

Cardiff's classes are almost all within a few streets of each other: St Mary Street, Mill Lane, Womanby Street and Caroline Street. Most run 90 minutes to two hours with a welcome drink and two or three cocktails each, often finishing with a round of shots. Friday sessions usually start between mid-afternoon and early evening, and Saturday ones from about midday. ID is checked, and one speakeasy-style bar holds your slot for only 15 minutes, so do not run late from lunch. It makes an easy first stop before St Mary Street.

Most Dublin cocktail classes run in Temple Bar or on Harcourt Street, so they lead straight into the night. Sessions last 60 to 90 minutes, start with a glass of bubbly and cover two cocktails each, and one version runs on into a three-course meal over about two hours. The class often takes place in a reserved area of a working bar rather than a private room. Smart casual applies, with no trainers, sportswear or ripped jeans at some bars, and 18+ ID is checked. A whiskey-based workshop is also on offer for groups who prefer it.

Most of Edinburgh's group classes are on George Street in the New Town or in the leisure complex at the top of Leith Walk. Classes run about 90 minutes, or up to three and a half hours with a two-course meal, and cover two cocktails each. Several ask the whole group to make the same two drinks. Some city-centre slots are Fridays and Saturdays only, at midday, 3pm or 6pm. One New Town hotel bar just off Princes Street adds guestlist club entry before 11.30pm. It is 18+, so bring ID.

Lisbon's cocktail classes run in central bars, either as an afternoon session between about 3pm and 6pm or an evening one at 7pm from Tuesday to Saturday. Expect 90 minutes to two hours behind the bar with a professional bartender, a welcome drink, and between two and four cocktails each depending on the format. Group sizes range from about 4 to 25, so check the cap for a larger stag party. ID is needed, as it is 18-plus. The 7pm slot leads straight into dinner and the late start that Lisbon's nightlife expects.

Seel Street in the Ropewalks is the centre of it, with several speakeasy-style bars running classes, and more options on the Albert Dock and North John Street. Expect 90 minutes to two hours, a welcome drink and two or three cocktails each. Saturday sessions at the Seel Street bars usually start from 3pm, and a shorter one-hour whisky-cocktail class runs on Friday and Saturday afternoons. ID is checked. One themed bar needs at least eight, and groups over 20 may be split across two sessions. Book a dock venue if you want food included.

London's group classes cluster in the City around Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate and St Mary Axe, in Shoreditch and Soho, and at King's Cross and Canary Wharf, so pick the one nearest your evening. Most run 90 minutes to two hours, longer with a meal, and cover two or three cocktails each. Many ask the whole group to make the same two drinks. Smart casual applies at several bars, with no sportswear, hoodies or hats. Arrive 15 minutes early with photo ID. Some City bars only run classes in the daytime, Monday to Saturday.

Most Newcastle classes run on Collingwood Street on the Diamond Strip, around the Cloth Market or down on the Quayside, with a couple a short walk from Central Station, so you finish where the evening starts. Ninety minutes is the standard, and many venues bundle a two-course meal, pizza or a buffet. It is 18+ and ID may be asked for. Some venues will not run a class for fewer than six, and a few ask the whole group to pick the same cocktails. If you have rented a house, a mobile bartender can come to you within about 15 miles of the centre.