Shake Things Up: Why Mixology Classes are the Best Corporate Team Building Activity

As a culture manager or HR professional, you’re always on the lookout for fresh and engaging corporate team-building activities. You need something more than just a team lunch or a dry PowerPoint about communication skills—you want connection, collaboration, and a spark of creativity. That’s where Chopped Cocktails: A Mixology Experience by The Top Shelf Bartenders comes in. This interactive team-building mixology class blends hands-on cocktail making with a little healthy competition and a lot of laughter.

Whether you’re launching a new team, building trust between departments, or rewarding hard work, our team-building mixology class is a fun, inclusive, and effective way to bring people together.

Why Choose a Team-Building Mixology Class for Your Corporate Group?

When planning a corporate event, you want an experience that is engaging, inclusive, and memorable. A group cocktail-making class creates space for every type of team member, from the social butterflies to the quiet collaborators.

Here’s what makes our mixology classes such a hit:

• Collaboration in Action — Your team will work together to brainstorm ingredients, name their drink, and craft a recipe that balances flavor, presentation, and originality.

• A Unique, Hands-On Experience — Unlike passive team-building events, a mixology class gets everyone involved, shaking, stirring, and learning new skills.

• Friendly Competition — Who doesn’t love a little workplace rivalry? Teams present their cocktail to a panel of judges or their peers. Awards like “Most Creative” or “Best Mocktail” keep things lighthearted and inclusive.

• Low Barrier to Entry — There’s no prep work or special skills needed. We bring everything and guide you every step of the way.

• Connection Over Cocktails — The atmosphere is relaxed and social, making it easy to break down silos and build camaraderie.

• Something for Everyone — Even those who don’t drink alcohol can participate in crafting innovative zero-proof cocktails.

What to Expect from Our Team-Building Mixology Classes

Your team doesn’t need to leave the office to enjoy a memorable experience. Our mixology classes can be hosted on-site, at a venue of your choice, or even outdoors. We bring all the ingredients, tools, and expert instruction. Here’s how the event typically flows:

Your team will enjoy a guided, interactive experience led by expert bartenders who bring energy and expertise to your event. Here’s how it works:

1. Welcome & Warm-Up — We start with an engaging icebreaker and a brief intro to mixology—just enough fun trivia and bartender secrets to spark curiosity.

2. Team Breakout & Cocktail Creation — Each team gets a set of ingredients and tools. Their mission? Create a custom cocktail or mocktail using what’s provided. No phones allowed—this is about creativity, not Google.

3. Bartender Coaching — Our professional mixologists teach the art of balancing flavors, mixing techniques, and presentation skills.

4. Pitch & Presentation — Each team presents their drink to the group. They might explain the inspiration behind it, the flavor profile, or even pitch it as the next hit on a cocktail menu.

5. Judging & Awards — Our panel evaluates based on presentation, taste, creativity, and teamwork. Categories vary depending on group size and energy, but the goal is always fun.

6. Cheers & Connect — Once the challenge ends, teams kick back with their drinks (or mocktails), snap photos, and enjoy the atmosphere.

Most experiences run 90 minutes to two hours and can be tailored to fit your schedule, venue, and team size.

Making It Inclusive: Fun for Everyone

Not everyone drinks alcohol—and that’s more than okay. Our mixology classes are built to be inclusive and welcoming, regardless of someone’s relationship with alcohol. Whether someone is sober-curious, in recovery, expecting, or simply abstaining for personal or religious reasons, we’ve designed our event to be just as enjoyable for them.

Here’s how we ensure inclusivity:

• Mocktail Options: Every team will have access to premium non-alcoholic ingredients to create delicious, alcohol-free cocktails, like Seedlip, fresh juices, syrups, and herbs.

• Flexible Participation: Those who prefer not to mix drinks can take on leadership roles in flavor pairing, presentation, or storytelling.

• No Single Role Required: The fun is in the teamwork. Whether someone prefers crafting garnishes, handling the pitch, or designing the drink card, everyone contributes.

• Cultural Sensitivity: We respect dietary restrictions and religious considerations, offering ingredient substitutions as needed.

Why Arizona Companies Love Our Mixology Classes

We’re pros at hosting mixology classes throughout Arizona for startups, law firms, medical offices, and tech teams alike. No two events are the same, but they all share one thing: connection. Our clients often tell us that their team was still talking about the experience weeks later.

• We’re local. That means we know the best venues, we understand the heat, and we’re flexible with indoor and outdoor setups.

• We’re professionals. We have the right licensing so there’s no stress on your end.

• We’re fun. Seriously—our bartenders are trained professionals who know how to keep the energy up and the awkward silences down.

For happy hours to holiday parties, our corporate cocktail-making classes are the new go-to for team building in Arizona.

Frequently Asked Questions About Corporate Mixology Classes

• What is a mixology class for team building?

  A mixology class for team building is an interactive, hands-on experience where employees work in groups to create custom cocktails or mocktails while learning professional bartending techniques. It’s designed to promote collaboration and creativity.

• Are there non-alcoholic options in a corporate mixology class?

  Yes. All classes include zero-proof ingredients, so participants who don’t drink alcohol can fully engage and enjoy the experience.

• How long does a corporate cocktail-making class last?

  Typically 90 minutes to 2 hours, but we can adjust based on your schedule and needs.

• What's included in the mixology class package?

  We provide all bartending tools, ingredients (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), garnishes, glassware, and staffing. We can also bring cocktail tables, a mobile bar setup, and other add-ons depending on the event.

• Is a mixology class a good virtual or hybrid event?

  We do not offer this class virtually.

• Can mixology classes be hosted at our office or a venue of our choice?

  Yes! We offer on-site experiences at your office, event space, or a venue of your choice. We bring all necessary equipment and ingredients.

• How many people can participate in a team-building mixology class?

  We can accommodate groups of various sizes, from small teams of 10 to large corporate gatherings. We’ll scale our staff and support accordingly.

Book Your Team-Building Mixology Class Today

Make your next corporate team-building activity something people talk about (in a good way). Whether you’re welcoming new hires, celebrating a big win, or just ready for something new, our cocktail team-building events are the perfect way to bring your team together.

Ready to shake things up? Let’s plan your event.