The CBA School of Mixology has been training bartenders since 1965, and in that time our graduates have gone on to find great success in every level of the business. From bars to clubs to private staffing and catering, you can be sure that a CBA School of Mixology graduate has worked there.
We are one of the few bartending schools in New York to teach with real alcohol. Great bartenders do not simply memorize ingredients, they know what flavors mix well together. We will teach you the most popular new and classic drinks and also give you a chance to develop your own palate, giving you an opportunity to mix and receive feedback from our amazing instructors.
Early in the course, you’ll practice counting pours and get comfortable handling bottles and tools. Once you’ve built a core recipe repertoire and solid technique, you’ll have the opportunity to mix drinks with real spirits and receive feedback from your instructors.
Our teachers are all graduates of our own program and professional bartenders. They have gone through the test, done the drink mixing, and worked in bars and restaurants across New York City. They provide feedback with insight, humor, and real-world expertise.
Even though our classes are taught by professional bartenders and use real alcohol, we offer comprehensive instruction starting at just $350. Other schools charge upwards of $800 to train with colored water. We give you all the skills you need at a fraction of the price.
All of our instructors are certified under the nationally recognized TIPS program and pass that expertise along to students.
Taught by Columbia University students, our classes are engaging, social, and fun. Whether you’re pursuing bartending professionally or just want a great evening activity, our classes deliver.
Non-graduating Columbia and Barnard students who earn a 95% or higher on the final exam may interview to join the Columbia Bartending Agency as independent contractors. Admission is selective and based on both exam performance and interviews.