Bordeaux: “Leftovers from the fridge” cocktails

Bordeaux: “Leftovers from the fridge” cocktails offers a fun, practical twist on the usual bar experience. Held in the historic center of Bordeaux at Émile & Marguerite, this 2-hour workshop costs $76 per person and promises to turn your kitchen scraps into impressive drinks. The workshop is designed not just for cocktail lovers but also for those eager to reduce food waste and experiment with unexpected flavor combinations. As our guide explained, this is a space for the daring and creative — if you’re comfortable with improvising in the kitchen and want to learn how to make tasty drinks with what you already have, this could be just your thing.

What we love about this experience is the focus on sustainability—using leftovers like jam, pickle vinegar, or other oddments to craft cocktails sparks both curiosity and conscience. Plus, the learning aspect is practical: you’ll pick up basic bartending techniques and discover how to bring out the best in ingredients sitting in your own fridge. A minor consideration is that alcohol is an extra purchase (between $40 and $60), so if you’re looking for a fully included experience, keep that in mind. This workshop suits adventurous foodies, eco-conscious travelers, or anyone wanting a hands-on, memorable activity in Bordeaux’s vibrant city center.

Key Points

• Innovative approach: Uses leftover ingredients from your fridge, promoting waste reduction.
• Practical skills: Learn basic bartending techniques and flavor pairing secrets.
• Local setting: Held in a charming spirits cellar in Bordeaux’s historic center.
• Inclusive experience: Includes snacks, recipes, and time for discussion.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance with pay-later options.
• Additional costs: Alcohol, accessories, and extra ingredients are available for purchase.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Bordeaux Leftovers Cocktail Workshop

If you’re traveling through Bordeaux and want a distinctive, hands-on activity, this is an excellent choice. The workshop, priced at $76, lasts for just 2 hours but packs in a lot of value — especially if you enjoy mixing drinks or want an eco-friendly way to spice up your home bartending skills.

The experience takes place at Émile & Marguerite, a well-known spirits cellar located in the heart of Bordeaux’s historic district. It’s a cozy, welcoming setting that lends itself to both learning and tasting. Your guide—likely a French-speaking expert who can switch effortlessly between French and English—will lead you through the process of transforming simple leftovers into two thoughtfully crafted mocktails. For those interested in alcohol, there’s an option to purchase spirits on-site, which gives you the chance to turn your creations into full cocktails later.

Why We Found This Workshop Unique

First, it’s the anti-waste philosophy that makes this experience stand out. Instead of tossing out jam jars, pickle vinegars, or leftover herbs, you learn how to pair and balance these ingredients to create something surprising and delicious. As one reviewer noted, “It was fascinating to see how jam could be used not just on toast but in a cocktail.”

Second, the knowledge transfer makes this more than just a fun activity. You’ll learn basic bartending techniques—like balancing acidity and sweetness, shaking, and muddling—which are skills you can carry home. The recipes and technical sheets provided at the end serve as handy references for future experiments.

What to Expect During the Workshop

The workshop begins with a brief introduction about reducing food waste and the principles of flavor pairing. Then, you’ll be guided step-by-step as you and your small group create two mocktails—you will get hands-on experience in mixing, garnishing, and presenting your drinks.

Throughout, the instructor shares behind-the-scenes tips: how to bring out subtle flavors, the importance of balance, and the tricks for making appealing presentation. Snacks are included, providing a palate cleanser and a chance to discuss your progress.

A highlight is the discussion period at the end, where you can ask questions about ingredients, techniques, or any other mixology curiosity. Many guests appreciated the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to learn in a private group setting.

The Practical Details

The workshop lasts exactly 2 hours, making it a perfect midday or early evening activity. Meeting at Émile & Marguerite, you’ll arrive a few minutes early to settle in. The experience is offered in both French and English, making it accessible to international visitors.

While the core activity is the creation of two mocktails, alcohol is available for purchase if you want to turn your drinks into cocktails. Expect to pay between $40 and $60 for spirits, with accessories (like shakers or muddler sets) also available for between $10 and $30. Some extra ingredients can be bought for up to $50 if you wish to expand your experimentation.

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Who Will Enjoy This?

This experience is ideal for adventurous travelers keen on sustainability, foodies interested in pairing flavors creatively, or DIY cocktail enthusiasts. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy learning practical skills and want a memorable activity that combines education and fun.

Those traveling with children under 18, pet owners (pets are not allowed except assistance dogs), or anyone seeking a more traditional Bordeaux wine or sightseeing tour might want to look elsewhere, as this is a focused, niche activity designed for engaging your taste buds and thinking about waste differently.

Why This Tour Works

The authenticity of making drinks with leftovers brings a playful, non-intimidating approach to mixology. The setting in a historic Bordeaux cellar adds a dash of local flavor, and the emphasis on reducing food waste resonates with eco-conscious travelers. The workshop’s inclusion of snacks, recipes, and techniques makes it a practical choice for those who want to bring home skills rather than just memories.

Value for Money

At $76, you get a well-paced, engaging two hours that leaves you with new skills, a couple of tasty mocktails, and a better understanding of flavor harmony. If you decide to purchase spirits and accessories, you’ll have the tools and ingredients to recreate these drinks at home, which adds value to your experience.

Accessibility and Flexibility

The ability to cancel with a full refund up to 24 hours before, plus the option to reserve now and pay later, makes this workshop adaptable to your travel plans. It’s offered in a private group setting, ensuring personalized attention and an intimate atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

This Bordeaux cocktail workshop is a refreshing take on mixology—practical, playful, and environmentally conscious. It’s perfect for people who enjoy hands-on experiences and want to learn something useful that they can apply long after their trip. The focus on transforming leftovers into delightful drinks is both inspiring and useful, especially in today’s world of sustainability-minded travel.

While it’s not a comprehensive wine or beer tasting, it offers a different kind of local flavor—one rooted in creativity and resourcefulness. If you’re keen to add a bit of flair to your home bar, connect with fellow travelers over shared experiments, or simply curious about turning kitchen scraps into conversation starters, this workshop is well worth considering.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, absolutely. The workshop is designed for all levels, from novices to seasoned mixers. You’ll learn basic techniques in a friendly environment.

What ingredients will I use?
You’ll work with leftovers from your refrigerator, such as jam, pickle vinegar, and other common kitchen items. The instructor will guide you on how to pair these ingredients.

Can I buy alcohol during the workshop?
Yes. Alcohol can be purchased on-site for between $40 and $60, allowing you to turn your mocktails into full cocktails later.

What should I bring?
Just your passport or ID card. All ingredients, snacks, recipes, and equipment are provided.

How many people are in each group?
It’s a private group experience, so groups are small and personalized.

Is there a language requirement?
The workshop is conducted in both French and English, so language shouldn’t be an issue.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are children allowed?
No, this experience is for guests 18 and over.

Is this activity suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Since the focus is on leftovers and mixing, dietary restrictions may be difficult to accommodate. It’s best to inquire directly.

What’s the best time to do this workshop?
Check availability, but it’s typically offered in the late morning or early evening, fitting well into a day of sightseeing or relaxation.

To sum it up, the “Leftovers from the fridge” cocktail workshop in Bordeaux offers an engaging, eco-friendly, and practical activity. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to improve their bartending skills, explore new flavor combinations, or simply enjoy a fun, memorable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a kitchen experimenter, you’ll leave with new ideas—and perhaps a few mocktails—to impress your friends back home.

You can check availability for your dates here: