From cocktail competitions to pub-crawl treasure hunts, these laid-back, alcohol-infused activities are a good way for groups to bond. Check out these low-key, booze-focused team building events to kick off group bonding:
Suds & Snacks
Parties That Cook offers its two-and-a-half-hour Brews & Bites event in Chicago, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. The activity can be held in an office or at an event venue and caters to groups of 10 to 300. After a tasting of local craft beers and a lively cooking demo, groups divide into teams to prepare appetizers such as fish tacos or sweet-and-sour chicken wings.
Serious Cocktails
SF Mixology hosts group cocktail competitions at popular bars and nightclubs throughout the Bay Area. The events, which are available for a minimum of five guests or a maximum of 500, put teams of participants behind the bar to stir up their own concoctions using liqueurs, handmade bitters, and fresh ingredients. Teams create, innovate, and present competition-level cocktails, and at the conclusion of the event judges pick a winning team based on teamwork.
Retro-Style Sips
SideTour has partnered with mixologist Revae Schneider to offer Mad Men–themed cocktail classes in Chicago. Held at Schneider’s headquarters for six to 16 guests—or larger groups if held at an office or event space in the area—the activity teaches guests how to create classic cocktails inspired by the show’s characters. Learn what goes into Don Draper’s essential Boulevardier, Joan’s ladylike Last Word and Peggy’s classy Martinez. Every experience features favorites tailored to different characters, so choose the theme that suits you best (see the Cocktail Menu), or experience them all for the total “Mad Men” package.
