Charleston: Outdoor Cocktail Class & Prohibition Stories Downtown

Summary

Charleston cocktail class outside mixing history stories with every pour

You’ll shake up three cocktails under Charleston’s sun at the Frontier Lounge, learning prohibition-era secrets from local hosts as you go. Expect easy laughs, salty snacks, and a few sticky fingers while you muddle and mix outdoors — plus stories that linger longer than your last sip.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway through our first drink before I realized how much I was grinning. The Frontier Lounge in downtown Charleston is kind of tucked away but not really — you just have to know what you’re looking for. Logan Lucky had set out the bar tools under these yellow umbrellas, and there was this warm late-afternoon light glinting off the shakers. Someone nearby was peeling an orange, so the air had that bright citrus smell mixed with something herbal from the bar. I kept fidgeting with my muddler because honestly, I never use one at home.

Spirit Youngblood (that’s his real name) started telling us about Prohibition in Charleston — apparently, some of the old bars around here still have secret doors from back then. He showed us how to make this gin thing with rosemary (I forgot the name, sorry), and when I tried to say “cheers” in Gullah, Li next to me cracked up. The snacks came out just as we finished shaking our second round — nothing fancy, but salty enough to keep you sipping water too. People were chatting about their favorite cocktails; one couple was arguing over which speakeasy had better jazz.

By the time we got to the third drink, my hands were sticky from lime juice and I’d stopped worrying about getting it perfect. The sun dipped a little lower behind the cabana roof and everything felt sort of golden — maybe that was just the whiskey talking. Our guide said something about “alchemy” and I remember thinking it actually did feel a bit like magic, mixing stories with spirits like that. Still think about that last sip sometimes when I’m home making a sad gin & tonic.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cocktail class with history and snacks

• Arrive at Frontier Lounge outdoor bar
• Join cocktail class with Spirit Youngblood and Logan Lucky
• Learn prohibition history through cocktails
• Make and taste 3 cocktails
• Enjoy basic bar snacks and water
• Use bar tools provided

Top questions

Where does the Charleston cocktail class take place?

The class is held outdoors at Frontier Lounge in downtown Charleston.

How many cocktails do you make during this experience?

You’ll make three different cocktails during the class.

Are snacks included in this Charleston cocktail class?

Yes, basic bar snacks are included along with water.

Is this cocktail class wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to bring anything for the cocktail class?

No, all bar tools are provided for use during the experience.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Frontier Lounge.

Can pregnant travelers join this activity?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to alcohol service.

Do I need ID for this Charleston cocktail experience?

Yes, you must have a valid ID to participate in making or drinking cocktails.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes three craft cocktails you’ll mix yourself with guidance from local hosts at Frontier Lounge in downtown Charleston; basic salty bar snacks; water; all necessary bar tools for use on site; plus outdoor seating under cabanas where you can relax between rounds before heading out again.