Amsterdam: Bols Cocktail Experience and Cocktail Workshop
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
Lucas Bols, founded in 1575, is the world’s oldest distilled spirits brand, beginning in a small Amsterdam distillery where cumin liqueur was crafted. Genever, the juniper-flavored predecessor to gin, became the city’s signature spirit during the Golden Age.
Over 450 years, Bols perfected liqueur recipes using exotic spices from Dutch trade routes, surviving fires, wars, and prohibition to remain a cornerstone of global mixology.
Highlights
- Self-guided audio tour through 450 years of Bols distillation history
- Sip a signature cocktail in the glamorous Mirror Bar
- Hands-on workshop: shake and stir 2–3 custom cocktails
- Learn pro mixology techniques from a skilled bartender
- Interactive exhibits with scents, flavors, and games
Full Description
Dive into the vibrant world of cocktails at the Bols Experience, opposite the Van Gogh Museum. This 1.5–2-hour adventure combines a self-guided audio tour with an exhilarating mixology workshop for a perfect blend of education and fun.
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Start with the immersive audio tour, exploring 38 rooms filled with historic bottles, distillation secrets, and sensory games. Trace Bols’ journey from 1575 Genever recipes to modern liqueurs that inspire bartenders worldwide.
End in the dazzling Mirror Bar for a complimentary cocktail, then roll up your sleeves in the workshop—shake, stir, and garnish 2 or 3 creations under expert guidance. Take home recipes and confidence to host your own cocktail nights.
Why Choose This Experience?
This isn’t just a museum visit—it’s an interactive journey into mixology that turns history into hands-on fun. The small-group workshop ensures personal attention, while the audio tour lets you explore at your own pace in multiple languages.
Perfect for couples, friends, or solo travelers, it’s a flavorful, wheelchair-accessible escape that leaves you buzzing with new skills and stories—ideal for kicking off an Amsterdam evening.
What’s Included
- Self-guided audio tour in 7 languages
- 1 signature cocktail in the Mirror Bar
- 30-minute or 1-hour cocktail workshop (option selected)
- Professional bartender as instructor
- All ingredients and bar tools for 2–3 cocktails
- Take-home recipe cards
- Interactive sensory exhibits and games
- Free cloakroom for coats and bags
Itinerary
- Arrival at Paulus Potterstraat 14 (Museumplein)
- Self-guided audio tour (45–60 minutes) through history halls
- Complimentary cocktail in Mirror Bar
- Hands-on workshop: learn techniques and craft 2–3 cocktails
- Taste and photograph your creations
- Departure with mixology tips
Pricing
From $40 per person
Meeting Point
Paulus Potterstraat 14, 1071 CZ Amsterdam—directly opposite the Van Gogh Museum on Museumplein. Look for the bold Bols signage.
How to get there
- Tram 2, 5, or 12 to Van Baerlestraat stop (1-minute walk)
- Tram 3 or 24 to Museumplein (2-minute walk)
- Metro 52 to De Pijp, then 10-minute stroll
- Bike racks and paid parking at Q-Park Museumplein
Good to Know
What to bring
- Passport or ID card (age 18+ required)
- Comfortable shoes
- Camera for Mirror Bar selfies
- Light appetite for cocktail tasting
Know before you go
- Must be 18+; ID checked at entrance
- Wheelchair accessible throughout
- No pets (assistance dogs welcome)
- Workshop groups kept intimate for best experience
Reviews
- Great fun with interactive games on the tour; the workshop was hilarious and we left with perfect cocktail skills.
- Lovely cocktails and fantastic value; a relaxed, flavorful afternoon in a stunning bar—highly recommend.
- Immersive museum full of scents and history; the class was packed with pro tips and the staff made everyone feel like a mixologist.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
Do I need prior bartending experience?
No experience is needed—this workshop welcomes complete beginners. The professional bartender starts with basics like measuring, shaking, and muddling. You’ll practice simple techniques before crafting your own drinks. Each step is demonstrated clearly, with hands-on help. By the end, you’ll master 2–3 cocktails confidently. The small group ensures personal guidance. Recipes are provided for home practice. Even seasoned drinkers discover new tricks. It’s designed for fun, not perfection. Everyone leaves smiling and skilled.
Are non-alcoholic options available?
Yes, mocktail versions are offered upon request. The bartender swaps spirits for fresh juices, syrups, and botanicals to create equally delicious zero-proof drinks. All flavors and techniques remain the same. Inform staff at check-in for seamless substitution. The audio tour and Mirror Bar cocktail also have alcohol-free alternatives. Inclusivity is key at Bols. You’ll still shake, stir, and garnish like a pro. Friends with different preferences enjoy together. Taste buds are delighted either way.
How many cocktails do I make?
In the 30-minute workshop you craft 2 cocktails; the 1-hour option allows 3. Each includes different techniques—shaking, stirring, or layering. You’ll taste everything you make, plus the Mirror Bar welcome drink. Portions are generous but paced responsibly. Extra garnishes encourage creativity. The bartender adjusts based on group energy. You’ll photograph your masterpieces. Recipes ensure you recreate them later. It’s a flavorful, memorable progression.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire experience is fully wheelchair accessible. Elevators connect all floors, ramps replace steps, and bar stations are height-adjusted. The audio guide works with mobility devices, and staff assist seamlessly. Restrooms are equipped accordingly. The Mirror Bar and workshop areas offer ample space. Advance notice isn’t required but appreciated for seating. Enjoy every scent, taste, and shake comfortably. Inclusivity has been part of the design.
Can I buy Bols liqueurs onsite?
Absolutely; the gift shop stocks the full range of Bols liqueurs, Genevers, and bar tools. Exclusive flavors and limited editions are available only here. Prices are competitive, with tax-free options for non-EU visitors. Staff recommend bottles based on your workshop creations. Miniature sets make perfect souvenirs. Shipping services handle larger purchases. Take home the exact ingredients for your new recipes. The shop completes the immersive journey.
