What is the minimum age to attend?

Participants must be 21 years or older and present a valid government ID at check-in.

How long is the event?

The class runs roughly two to two and a half hours—doors open at 6:00pm and dinner begins at 6:30pm.

What does the ticket include?

Registration includes three cocktail samples, step-by-step class notes and recipes, a mini distillery tour, and a BBQ brisket dinner with fixings.

Is there an option for dietary restrictions?

If you have dietary restrictions, contact the organizer ahead of time to discuss accommodations for the dinner.

Can I buy bottles at the distillery?

Yes—shop and save options are available through the online store with pickup at the distillery after the event.

What is the cancellation policy?

Specific cancellation details are provided at booking—check your confirmation for the event’s refund or transfer terms.

Waconia Cocktail Class and BBQ Dinner at J. Carver Distillery | Distillery | Workshop

“Last Call” Cocktail Class and Dinner with Buddy Boy Fine BBQ brings together smoke and spirits in a way that feels both relaxed and deliberate. Held at J. Carver Distillery - 1320 Mill Lane, Waconia MN, this evening class pairs hands-on mixology with a hearty BBQ brisket dinner, and it’s a practical, sensory primer in how cocktails meet backyard cookouts.

Arrival starts at 6:00pm; doors open early so you can settle at the bar before Gina Holman, one of the Twin Cities’ premier mixologists, leads a demonstration of three signature drinks. You’ll taste each sample, follow step-by-step class notes, and take home recipes so you can recreate the techniques at home. Alongside the cocktail work, the event includes a mini distillery tour and pours from J. Carver’s award-winning spirits, so the lesson moves from shaker to source.

Chef Joe Cox of Buddy Boy Fine BBQ anchors the dinner with smoked brisket and classic fixings—an unapologetically honest plate meant to pair with bourbon-forward, citrusy, and smoked cocktails. The effect is educational and convivial: you learn why a certain spirit brightens a sauce or how char and smoke reshape sweetness in a cocktail. It’s the kind of meal that turns experimental sips into repeatable recipes for your own summer gatherings.

This isn’t a theatrical tasting; it’s a working class where technique matters. Expect tips on balance, measurements, and ice handling, plus a few surprises the hosts promise. The event’s format—three guided cocktails, a plated BBQ dinner, and a short tour—fits neatly into an evening out, about two and a half hours from start to finish. Plan on being 21 or older and bring a valid ID.

Beyond the immediate pleasures, the class highlights why J. Carver is an essential part of Waconia’s weekend scene. The distillery operates on a small-batch scale and showcases grain-to-glass craftsmanship that rewards curiosity. For locals and visitors staying in town, this is an efficient way to taste the region: learn technique, savor high-quality distillates, and leave with recipes and recommendations for bottles to buy at the onsite shop.

Whether you’re a home bartender chasing better Old Fashioneds, a barbecue fan curious about pairing, or a visitor seeking a lively, educational evening, this collaboration between J. Carver and Buddy Boy Fine BBQ offers a clear, flavorful reason to book. Bring your appetite, your questions, and a willingness to try something slightly smoky with your cocktail. After the class, use the online store to shop and save on favorite J. Carver bottles and pick up at the distillery; confirmations include a link to savings. If you’re staying nearby, plan a short walk to explore downtown Waconia or catch sunset light along Lake Waconia’s shoreline before you head home tonight.