Barclays Cocktail Masterclass in Canary Wharf

The Brief

Working within Barclays' Canary Wharf offices, we transformed their event space into a professional cocktail venue using seven fully equipped mobile cocktail bars. Our setup allowed guests to work comfortably in small groups, ensuring everyone had plenty of space to shake, stir and create their own drinks without queues or waiting around.

With three experienced Hoochin' mixologists leading the session, guests received plenty of one-to-one guidance throughout the experience.

The Cocktail Menu

With the event taking place during the winter months, we created a menu full of rich, warming flavours alongside a few modern classics.

Guests were welcomed with a refreshing Apple Spritz, providing a light, sparkling start as everyone arrived and settled in.

Once the class began, guests learned to create four cocktails, each introducing different bartending techniques and flavour profiles.

We kicked things off with a Port New York Sour, demonstrating layering techniques and how port can transform a classic whiskey sour into something rich and seasonal.

Next came an Espresso Martini with a touch of Amaretto, adding a subtle almond sweetness to one of the world's most popular cocktails while giving everyone a well-timed caffeine boost for the afternoon ahead.

For something completely different, guests made a Brandy Alexander, introducing cream-based cocktails and showing how a simple combination of brandy, crème de cacao and fresh cream creates an indulgent winter favourite.

Finally, the session finished with a Spiced French 75, combining sparkling wine with warming seasonal spices for a festive twist on the classic champagne cocktail.

Each drink introduced new techniques, from dry shaking and layering to balancing sweetness and acidity, ensuring every cocktail taught something different.

A Little Friendly Competition

No Hoochin' masterclass is complete without our signature cocktail competition.

Using everything they had learned throughout the afternoon, guests competed to recreate one of the cocktails under the watchful eye of our mixologists. Drinks were judged on presentation, technique and flavour, with one lucky colleague taking home the title of Barclays Cocktail Champion.

The competition brought out plenty of laughs, encouragement and just enough friendly rivalry to end the session on a high.

What We Provided

• Three professional mixologists

• Seven fully equipped mobile cocktail bars

• Welcome Apple Spritz for every guest

• Four seasonal cocktail recipes

• Premium spirits, fresh fruit and quality ingredients

• Professional bar tools and equipment

• Glassware for every guest

• Cocktail competition and judging

The Barclays team simply provided the space—we took care of everything else.

The Outcome

The event was another fantastic collaboration with Barclays, delivering exactly what a great corporate team-building experience should: relaxed conversation, genuine interaction and plenty of laughter.

By combining seasonal cocktails with an engaging, hands-on format, colleagues were able to learn new skills, work together and enjoy an experience that continued long after the final cocktail had been poured.

We're proud to have delivered numerous events for Barclays over the years and look forward to creating many more memorable experiences together.

Testimonial.

Iesha - “The boys smashed it out of the park, every detail was spot on, absolutely brilliant fun, they had the team laughing throughout”

Looking for a Corporate Cocktail Masterclass?

Whether you're organising a team social, client entertainment event, Christmas party or company celebration, Hoochin' brings the cocktail bar to you.

From intimate groups to large-scale corporate events, we provide everything needed to deliver an unforgettable experience anywhere in London and across the UK.