Puerto Rico: Casa BACARDÍ Mixology Class & Exclusive Rum

Summary

Puerto Rico mixology class with welcome drink at Casa BACARDÍ

You’ll get your hands sticky with fresh limes and mint during this Casa BACARDÍ mixology class in Puerto Rico. Taste exclusive rums you can’t find anywhere else, laugh with local guides, and start things off with a welcome cocktail right at the Pavilion. If you want to learn real cocktail basics in a place that smells like sugarcane and sea air, this is it.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped off the ferry from Old San Juan and the air felt thicker, sweeter somehow — maybe it was just the idea of rum lingering everywhere. At Casa BACARDÍ, someone handed me a cold glass right away. I didn’t even catch what was in it at first, just citrus and something sharp that made my cheeks tingle. Our guide, Luis, grinned like he’d seen this reaction before. He started telling stories about pirates and sugarcane fields, his voice getting lost sometimes under the ceiling fans.

The mixology class itself was way less intimidating than I thought it’d be. There were little trays of limes and mint leaves set out for each of us — everything smelled so bright and green. Luis showed us how to muddle properly (I definitely overdid it at first), then walked us through two classic cocktails. He joked about how everyone thinks they know how to make a mojito until they try it here. I probably used too much ice but nobody cared; there was a lot of laughing when people tried to shake their own drinks without spilling.

Afterward, we got to taste some rum you can’t buy anywhere else — only here at Casa BACARDÍ. It’s funny, I’m not usually sentimental about spirits, but there’s something about sipping that golden stuff with sunlight slanting through the windows that sticks with me. The whole thing felt easy and friendly — not rushed or touristy at all. I still think about that first sip sometimes when I hear salsa music back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mixology class and cocktail tasting

• Arrive at Casa BACARDÍ Pavilion
• Enjoy welcome cocktail
• Learn cocktail history
• Participate in mixology lesson
• Mix various cocktails
• Access exclusive rum purchase

Top questions

Is transportation from Old San Juan included?

Yes, there’s a ferry plus shuttle service from the Old San Juan ferry terminal to Casa BACARDÍ.

Are minors allowed in the mixology class?

No, minors under 18 are not allowed in these experiences.

Do I need cash for purchases at Casa BACARDÍ?

The store and bar accept Apple/Google Pay and credit cards; cash is only accepted for optional tips.

Is lunch included in the tour?

No, lunch is not included—only cocktails as part of the class.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this tour.

Can pregnant travelers join this experience?

This experience is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

Do I need to bring my own tools for the mixology class?

No, all mixology bar tools are provided for individual use during class.

Is WiFi available during the visit?

Yes, WiFi is available on site at Casa BACARDÍ.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip ferry and shuttle pickup from Old San Juan (if you choose), a welcome cocktail at the Pavilion as soon as you arrive, all bar tools needed for mixing drinks during class, guidance from a local specialist throughout your time at Casa BACARDÍ, access to restrooms and parking if you’re driving yourself, plus WiFi so you can share photos or call home before heading back out into San Juan’s heat.