Cocktail Class in Congress Street Up

Savannah doesn’t do subtle. It drops you into a 1920s-style speakeasy and hands you a shaker. This Congress Street Up cocktail class (inside the American Prohibition Museum) pairs hands-on mixing with Prohibition-era cocktail know-how, so you’re not just sipping, you’re learning.

I especially like that you make two full-sized cocktails with authentic bar equipment, not just watch. And I love the mix of technique and fun that instructors like Connor, Leah, Daphne, and Val bring to the room.

One thing to consider: the space can run very hot, and on some dates the venue may shift plans due to private events—so arrive a bit early and be ready for a tightly run schedule.

Key things I’d plan around

• Congress Street Up, a speakeasy inside the Prohibition Museum: expect a stage-like, 1920s vibe rather than a regular bar.
• You learn two historic ratios using real tools, so you can recreate drinks later.
• Hands-on starts fast: you create two full-sized cocktails right from the beginning.
• More than your own drinks: you also sample additional cocktails during the class.
• Small group size (max 16) keeps things interactive.
• Comfort heads-up: a couple of people flagged heat and limited water refills during the session.

A Speakeasy Classroom on Congress Street

This is a two-hour cocktail class in Savannah that takes place in a 1920s setting called Congress Street Up. The experience runs at 7:00 pm and starts at 220 W Congress St. From there, you head into the speakeasy area tied to the American Prohibition Museum, where the room feels like a private theater more than a casual pub.

That setting matters. Savannah is full of bars, sure, but this class is designed to feel like you stepped into the Prohibition years. You’ll hear the backstory behind classic drink styles while you’re actively mixing, so the theme never feels like decoration you ignore.

If you’re there for the ambiance, you’ll probably be happy. People describe it as a fun “transport to a speakeasy,” and that tracks with how the class is staged.

Price and Timing: Is $85.60 worth it?

At $85.60 per person for about two hours, this isn’t a bargain-bin activity. But the value is in what’s included and what you do with it.

You get alcoholic beverages, snacks, and a structured session that teaches you mixing technique instead of just letting you order. The class also stays small (up to 16 people), which generally helps you feel involved rather than parked at the edge of a room.

Add in that you’re not only tasting. You’re making two full-sized cocktails yourself, then sampling additional drinks as the night goes on. That combo tends to justify the price for anyone who wants a skill payoff on top of a good time.

Booking tends to happen ahead of time too—on average, it’s booked about 24 days in advance—so if you want a specific date, don’t wait until the last minute.

What You Actually Do: Ratios, Tools, and Your Two Cocktails

The core of this class is learning how to build cocktails using two historic ratios. That’s the difference between a cute tasting and a real learning experience. Instead of memorizing a handful of orders, you get a way to think: balance the strong flavors, scale the ingredients, and understand why a drink tastes the way it does.

The class uses authentic bar equipment, which makes the lesson feel legitimate. You’re not using toy parts or a make-believe setup. You’ll learn with the same kind of gear you’d see behind a proper bar.

Then comes the hands-on part. The structure is clear:

• You create two full-sized cocktails
• You sample three additional cocktails

That means you leave with both skills and variety in your glass. Even if you’re picky about what you like to drink, sampling helps you taste outside your usual lane, and you can decide what you’ll try to repeat at home.

The Prohibition Museum Speakeasy Part: More Than a Theme

This tour is not just about pouring drinks. It’s tied to the American Prohibition Museum setting, and that context shows up in how the class is run.

In practical terms, the museum speakeasy vibe helps the night move quickly. It’s a guided experience in a room designed for storytelling and performance, which is why many people mention the atmosphere as part of what made the class memorable.

You also get a local cultural angle. One of the most common praise points is that people felt they were learning the foundations of cocktail making while also picking up background that makes classic drinks feel less random.

If you’re the type who likes history but hates museum lectures, this is a nicer middle ground. You’re learning while doing something with your hands.

Your Instructor Experience: Names Matter (Connor, Leah, Daphne, Val)

A big part of what people loved was the energy of the bar team. Names that came up include Connor, Leah, Daphne, Jackson, Val, Chandler, and Blake.

Across the feedback, the pattern is that the best instructors blend two things:

1. clear technique and explanation
2. entertainment that keeps the group engaged

So if you’re hoping for more than a dry demonstration, you’ll likely appreciate how the class is paced. People also mention that instructors kept things moving and stayed interactive, which matters in a small group setting.

One small note from the less-loved feedback: a couple of people felt the instruction didn’t flow perfectly in their session (like losing a place during the lesson). That’s not the dominant theme, but it’s worth knowing that your enjoyment will still depend on how smoothly your group’s session runs.

Group Size: Why Max 16 Changes the Feel

This experience caps at 16 participants. That small size affects your night in real ways.

First, you’re more likely to have a chance to mix, ask questions, and stay connected to the guide. Second, the class format (mixing + tasting + explanation) works better when the room isn’t packed.

A few people also reported getting into very small groups. In that situation, the class can feel extra personal—more like a shared workshop than a mass event.

Comfort and Practical Tips: Heat, Water, and Snacks

Here’s the most practical part: plan for comfort in a speakeasy-style room that can run hot. More than one person mentioned it was too warm (with one person noting the thermostat read 78°F). You’ll still want to enjoy the night, so wear breathable layers and bring water awareness into your plans.

Speaking of water, the class includes ice water at the table, which helps. But one review noted that refills weren’t as straightforward and required going to the bar yourself. So I’d treat water as something you monitor early rather than assume you’ll be topped off repeatedly.

Snacks are included for a reason: you’re going to taste and drink, and eating first helps. The guidance recommends you eat prior to class, and it’s smart to follow it. Georgia rules also prohibit serving alcohol to guests who are already intoxicated, and if someone appears overly intoxicated, service can be denied without a refund. That’s not meant to spoil your fun—it’s there to keep everyone safe and legally compliant.

If you want the mocktail option, you’ll need prior notification. That’s especially helpful if you’re not drinking alcohol but still want the full class experience.

What to Expect Before and After the 2 Hours

Start is 7:00 pm at 220 W Congress St. If you arrive early, you might feel good doing it—people like arriving ahead so they’re not rushing. But on at least one occasion, a private event affected how early arrivals were handled. If you’re going during a holiday season or a busy week, I’d keep your timing flexible and assume the schedule can tighten.

During the class, you’ll move through:

• learning the ratios and approach
• using equipment to make the two cocktails
• sampling three more cocktails as the session progresses

Afterward, you may be able to continue enjoying the Prohibition-style speakeasy space in the nearby area. One review specifically mentioned another speakeasy room to enjoy more drinks after the class, so the experience doesn’t have to end at the exact 2-hour mark.

You should also expect a recipe takeaway. One person noted receiving a cocktail recipe booklet with the recipes for what they made. That’s the kind of souvenir you’ll actually use.

Drinks You Might Love (and One Thing to Watch)

This class is built around classic cocktail styles and multiple recipe samples. People praised the drinks as delicious, and many said they learned recipes they wouldn’t normally order.

But not every cocktail will fit every taste. That’s normal. One person said they didn’t like everything they tried, but still enjoyed the drinks they liked and appreciated learning how to make them.

So I’d come with an open mind: your goal isn’t to fall in love with every single pour—it’s to learn technique and tasting logic. Then you can bring home a couple of favorites instead of trying to force yourself to like the whole list.

Who This Class Is Best For

This is a great fit if you want:

• a hands-on activity in Savannah, not just a bar stop
• to learn how to build cocktails with ratios and tools
• a small-group social night with a fun speakeasy setting

It can also work if you’re new to cocktail culture. People described it as fun for both newer drinkers and more experienced spirits folks, because the class format mixes fundamentals with classic references.

If you’re traveling with a friend, this class is also a strong date or group choice since you’ll be working side-by-side and tasting together.

Should You Book Cocktail Class in Congress Street Up?

If you want a Savannah activity that combines real mixing skills with a speakeasy experience, I’d book it. The best reasons are straightforward: you make two full-sized cocktails, you learn historic ratios, and the session includes snacks and plenty of drink sampling in a small group (max 16).

I’d think twice only if you’re very heat-sensitive, or if you prefer very free-form nightlife where you can come and go. This class is structured, and one or two sessions may feel tightly run depending on the instructor and room conditions.

If you like the idea of walking out with recipes you can actually recreate, this is the kind of experience that turns into a useful skill, not just a memory.

FAQ

How long is the cocktail class?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the experience start in Savannah?

The start location is 220 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What is the minimum age and what do I need to bring?

You must be 21 years of age or older and you’ll need a photo ID.

What’s included with the ticket price?

The class includes alcoholic beverages and snacks.

Can I request a mocktail instead of alcohol?

Yes. There is a mocktail option if you notify the provider in advance.

How big is the class?

The experience has a maximum group size of 16 travelers.

Do I need to eat beforehand?

Yes, it’s recommended to eat prior to the class. The experience also follows Georgia rules and can deny service if someone appears intoxicated.