“Shake things up at a masterclass with a top London mixologist and you'll never muddle your margaritas with your martinis again.”

If you're in a habit of resorting to the same pub/bar/café option for an after-work catch-up, try mixing things up with a cocktail masterclass. Next Tuesday evening, Sam Galsworthy of Sipsmith distillery will host a Martini Masterclass at The Mount Street Deli where attendees will be taken through the intricacies of mixing the perfect martini. Another after-work alternative is the monthly cocktail masterclass at Skylon – an interactive session held in the bar that introduces the audience to the fine art of mixology.

For client entertaining with a twist, Prism offer four tiers of cocktail masterclasses that cater for groups of up to 24 with variations in the cocktails created, canapés consumed and duration of the course. And for an out-of-office activity to lift your team's spirits, OXO Tower Brasserie also offer masterclasses during the day from Monday to Friday.

Although the spate of hen weekends are mostly now behind us for the year, cocktail masterclasses are worth keeping in mind for when the next girly occasion might arise. A perfect (yet dangerous) start to a shopping expedition, Fifth Floor at Harvey Nichols hold such classes as The Fashionista, The Perfect and Naughty but Nice on a Saturday morning (£60 per person including lunch). You could inject some spice into your outing at Moti Mahal's Indian Canapés and Cocktails class on 24th September (£80 per person including lunch) where guests will learn to prepare Indian inspired drinks and colourful canapés. Or for a more intimate affair, head to the discreet (so much so that it doesn't have a name...) speakeasy at 69 Colebrook Row in Angel. Notorious for blending some of the best cocktails in London, private cocktail masterclasses can be arranged upon request.

And to add something different to a birthday dinner, you could begin with a lesson in mixing your own pre-dinner drinks at Mint Leaf. Or to kick off a big night out, slip behind the bar at Kosmopol where Fred will let you in on the secret to a few of his most creative (and potent) concoctions.

For more information about any of the cocktail masterclasses above, please see individual venue listings for full contact details.