Bombay Sapphire Distillery: Gin Masterclass & Cocktail Tour

Summary

Mix your own gin cocktails at Bombay Sapphire’s historic distillery

You’ll start by picking your own Bombay gin & tonic at Laverstoke Mill’s Turbine Bar before heading behind the scenes for a guided tour and cocktail masterclass with a local expert. You’ll taste three different Bombay Sapphire cocktails—including one you’ll mix yourself—and leave with new skills (and maybe a few stories).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect the Turbine Bar at Laverstoke Mill to smell so… clean? It’s this odd mix of lemon peel and something herbal—juniper, maybe. Our guide, Sam, handed me a glass and grinned, “Pick your gin.” I panicked and just pointed at the blue bottle everyone else was choosing. The fizz from the tonic hit my nose before I even took a sip. Not bad for 11:30am.

The cinema room was next—dim lights, old brick walls, a short film about Bombay Sapphire’s history looping in the background. I caught myself zoning out on the way they talked about botanicals from Morocco and Java. Then we were off again, Sam leading us through glass corridors that looked out over the river. She kept tossing out facts—like how every drop of their gin gets vapor-infused right here. Someone in our group tried to ask about secret recipes but she just winked.

The actual gin cocktail masterclass started with us standing awkwardly around high tables while our Gin Expert (Li, who had this dry sense of humor) showed us how to shake—not stir—a Leggero Martini. My first attempt tasted more like mouthwash than anything else, but Li said it was “bold.” We laughed a lot, especially when I tried to pronounce ‘vermouth’ with my accent (Li laughed too). Making two more cocktails felt less intimidating after that. The whole place smelled faintly of citrus and wet stone—the kind of detail you don’t notice until you’re wiping condensation off your glass.

I still think about that moment when we all clinked glasses without really knowing each other’s names. There’s something about learning to make cocktails in an actual working distillery that makes you feel like you’re part of some secret club—even if you’ve never muddled anything before in your life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gin cocktail masterclass and tour

• Visit Turbine Bar
• Choose Bombay gin for tonic
• Enjoy complimentary gin and tonic
• Watch Bombay Sapphire cinema presentation
• Join guided Discovery Experience
• Attend cocktail masterclass with expert
• Create two Bombay Sapphire cocktails
• Sample a Leggero Martini

Top questions

Is the Bombay Sapphire gin cocktail masterclass suitable for beginners?

Yes, no prior experience is needed—the Gin Expert guides everyone through each step.

How many cocktails do you get to make during the class?

You’ll create two cocktails yourself and sample a Leggero Martini as part of the experience.

Are children allowed on the Bombay Sapphire Distillery tour?

No, children under 18 are not permitted in the Masterclass area or on this experience.

Is the distillery wheelchair accessible?

Yes, Laverstoke Mill is wheelchair accessible throughout the tour and masterclass areas.

Does this experience include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; guests must arrange their own transport to Laverstoke Mill.

Are dogs or service animals allowed on the tour?

Service animals are allowed; however, dogs are not permitted on the distillery tour.

What should I wear to the Bombay Sapphire Distillery?

Please wear flat, closed-toe shoes; high heels and open-toed shoes aren’t allowed in production areas.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Bombay Sapphire Distillery at Laverstoke Mill, a complimentary gin & tonic on arrival at the Turbine Bar, three expertly crafted Bombay Sapphire cocktails during your guided cocktail masterclass with a local Gin Expert—all within walking distance from public transport options nearby.