Modern Bartending & Specialty Coffee Drinks

A course about Contemporary Mixology, cold brew recipes and Coffee Shop Mocktails

Are you thinking of opening a trendy café but you need an innovative beverage menu to stand out? Are you thinking of enhancing your barista skills with contemporary cocktails and high-end alcohol-free drinks?

The Coffee Mixology Course will provide you with a deep full immersion, allowing you to master premium coffee shop mocktails, creative cold brew recipes, and modern signature drinks.

This course, blending the Italian café tradition with modern liquid design, will be your unforgettable coffee and bartending experience in Italy!

.

  Courses are held in English

Installment payments

You can pay our courses in three installments with Stripe, making it easier to manage your budget and enjoy flexibility.
*This option depends on approval by the payment provider, inform us in advance.

Course combination

This course can be combined with our Coffee Week, a 7-day training program covering everything from roasting to barista skills. The Coffee Mixology Course is always scheduled right before or right after the Coffee Week.

Are you interested in this course?

 
 

During this coffee mixology course in Italy you will learn:

  • Master the fundamentals of liquid design, understanding how to balance flavors, syrups, and textures in modern drinks.
  • Learn how to create premium coffee shop mocktails and high-end non-alcoholic beverages for international menus.
  • Learn advanced cold brew recipes and alternative extraction methods to build trendy summer drinks.
  • Understand the concept of modern bartending, blending specialty coffee techniques with contemporary cocktail mixology.

Why Espresso Academy?

  • 1500+ students from all over the world at our Italian headquarters
  • All courses taught in English by certified trainers
  • 30+ branches around the world 

 

  • #1 school in the world on Tripadvisor and Google 
  • The highest number of SCA, LAGS and IBC certified students
  • And… we are in Florence, a city worth  visiting

Course Program

  • 1. Liquid Design Fundamentals The science of beverage creation: balancing sweetness, acidity, bitterness, and texture through sensory analysis.
  • 2. Homemade Syrups & Cordials Crafting artisanal syrups, cordials, and botanical infusions to give signature drinks a unique flavor profile.
  • 3. Tea, Cascara & Botanical Bases Using alternative extractions like Cascara (coffee cherry), premium teas, and herbs as complex bases for zero-proof drinks.
  • 4. Advanced Non-Alcoholic Mixology Designing sophisticated, high-end coffee shop mocktails with deep flavor complexity, perfect for international and Halal-friendly menus.
  • 5. Zero-Proof Cocktail Classics Reimagining iconic, world-famous cocktails into alcohol-free masterpieces using modern texturizers and blends.
  • 6. The Next-Gen Espresso "No-Tini" Mastering Espresso-based coffee mixology, reinventing the classic shakerato with homemade spices and advanced techniques.
  • 7. Advanced Cold Brew Recipes Crafting trendy cold brew recipes, exploring dilution techniques, nitro-style effects, and pairings with citrus or berries.
  • 8. Next-Gen Textures & Natural Frappes Creating gourmet, plant-based frappes and cool coffee shop beverages from scratch, completely free of chemical bases.
  • 9. Superfoods Enhancing drink presentation using functional superfoods to create clean, elegant, and modern layered effects.
  • 10. Trendy Coffee Shop Beverages An overview of the most popular, contemporary liquid trends served in the world's coolest specialty coffee shops.
  • 11. Signature Drink Creation & Final Practice Hands-on workshop where you will apply your Coffee Mixology Course skills to design and prepare your own original signature drink.

Are you interested in this course?

 
 

The Future of the Beverage Industry

The global beverage scene is undergoing a massive transformation. Modern consumers are no longer just looking for a standard espresso or a traditional cocktail; they demand an experience. Today, the boundaries between the café and the cocktail bar have dissolved, giving rise to an exciting new discipline: coffee mixology.

This Coffee Mixology Course is specifically designed to bridge this gap, covering the most profitable and innovative liquid trends in the industry. During the training, you will explore the booming world of non-alcoholic premium drinks, mastering the creation of sophisticated coffee shop mocktails that leverage botanicals, homemade shrubs, and superfoods.

Furthermore, you will dive deep into advanced cold brew recipes, learning how to turn cold extractions into complex, refreshing signature drinks perfect for any summer menu or home bar setup. Whether you want to upgrade your professional skills, design a cutting-edge menu for an international clientele, or master modern bartending techniques to impress your guests, this course offers the ultimate hands-on experience in Italy. Stay ahead of the market and turn coffee into an art form.

Student says...

Espresso Academy place picture
4.9
Based on 139 reviews
Dolma Sherpa profile picture
Dolma Sherpa
5 months ago
Elcio Morelli profile picture
Elcio Morelli
1 year ago
I really liked the course. Extremely practical. Experienced instructor. Interesting environment to interact with other students and instructor. I recommend it!
Mili profile picture
Mili
1 year ago
If you are looking for kindness, quality and wisdom, this is the place for you. Espresso Academy does not disappoint, every minute of the classes is worth gold and I would recommend it to anyone who needs to learn about coffee, both basic and advanced.
I left there very happy.
Melanie H profile picture
Melanie H
1 year ago
I had some great days there learning about coffee, coffee preparation, coffe tasting and more. The instructors have excellent knowledge and were very kind and helpful in every situation. Easy to reach by tram. I would totally recommend it if you're interested in coffee.
Nina O'Connell profile picture
Nina O'Connell
1 year ago
Excellent course for coffee professionals but also enjoyable for those like me who just drink coffee
It was an amazing experience to take the technician course at the espresso academy of Florence. The instructor was patient, made sure we were all on the same level of understanding and had the best clearest explanations. The staff as a whole is so nice and kind! So were my ‘classmates’. Thank you everyone!
Tj Fittis profile picture
Tj Fittis
2 years ago
We had a fantastic time with Robert learning about espresso machine repair and maintenance. Cannot recommend enough. Looking forward to taking other courses through espresso academy in the future.
Stefano Ambrogi profile picture
Stefano Ambrogi
2 years ago
Well done course especially for people new to this industry
V Ivan profile picture
V Ivan
2 years ago
I attended it in November this year..just a fantastic experience..Roberto ,the lecturer, is an amazing guy ,delivering lessons in asuch easy manners.He also takes you for a lunch break to experience real Italian cuisine for little money.
Overall, I cam only recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn about coffee machines and have fun along the way.
Highly,highly, highly recommend.
Basic barman course meets expectations
Sarah profile picture
Sarah
2 years ago
It was a great experience with very nice teachers who spoke English very well. We received a warm welcome and learned a lot about coffee.
Ryan Levy profile picture
Ryan Levy
2 years ago
Traveled to Florence and thought it was a great area to learn more about espresso. The Espresso Academy class was fun, informative and the instructor was very knowledgeable. Would recommend!
Not only is it a great school full of great coffee enthusiasts and professionals, they also make you live a unique experience in a beautiful city. The combination between theory and practice is perfectly balanced for any level. I recommend it 100% to all those who have a passion for coffee and want to delve deeper into this world. Thank you!
Ollie de Savigny profile picture
Ollie de Savigny
2 years ago
I found Espresso Academy after doing some research into espresso machine maintenance courses; after reading the reviews, and not finding anything suitable based in the UK, I reached out to ask some questions about the course...

From the very first email, Cristina was so friendly, knowledgable and welcoming that she put my mind at rest and showed me that Espresso Academy know exactly what they are doing.

I booked my flights, my accommodation, and told the team I was coming for the course!

I could not recommend these guys enough - they are knowledgable, friendly and absolutely professional. I learned so much in such an engaging, interesting and thorough way that I have come home and been able to apply my knowledge immediately - starting my own small business in the UK.

The course leader - Robert - is so kind, welcoming and full of knwoledge - but most importantly he is an excellent teacher, delivering the information in an easy to understand way to a mix of abilities in the class.

I met some fantastic people and have made some friendships for life - and for even more joy, you get to stay in Florence when you're visiting for a course and what a beautiful city to stay in!

Thank you for such a wonderful experience, and I hope to come back and visit again in the future :)
Stephen profile picture
Stephen
2 years ago
Fantastic course on coffee machine maintenance, learned a lot in the short amount of time the course runs. Robert is a great teacher, easy going, explains things well and answers all questions. All other staff members we met during the course were also incredibly polite and welcoming. Well worth the travel.
Andrew Henley profile picture
Andrew Henley
2 years ago
The course at the academy was very good. very friendly team and professional teaching.
Daniel Aguado profile picture
Daniel Aguado
2 years ago
I would like to thank the academy for providing a qualitative formation in a time where such things are difficult to find and sadly underrated.
I would also like to particularly commend Robert, our teacher, who has managed to show me in a very short amount of time a wealth of accessible and comprehensible information on a difficult subject. He is awesome, poised, didactic, knowledgeable, approachable and generally very pleasant to be around.
Amit Biswas profile picture
Amit Biswas
3 years ago
It was fantastic 3 days of learning. It was one of the important learning experiences I had. Trainer was very professional, calm, respectful and friendly. If you are in coffee business, you must do one of their course depending on what you need. Highly recommend.
Excellent experience, recommended to all those who want to expand their knowledge of the world of coffee. I was followed by Professor Michele Cantarella at the Castorino roasting company and here I had the opportunity to see the roasting, to taste many types of coffee, to learn the basics of
Milk art.
Tobias Engel profile picture
Tobias Engel
3 years ago
If you want to learn everything about Coffee, the way how to do your own tasty Espresso, Latte Art this is the place to go. Enthusiatic trainers, very good mix of theory and practice. I wish the team of Espresso Academy all the best and a big thank you for the 2 day's of introduction of italian coffee philosophy 🙂
Maha Hamdan profile picture
Maha Hamdan
3 years ago
I’ve been planning to follow my passion for coffee with a professional training course and I found what I was looking for at The Espresso Academy. From the start Cristiana was very helpful for planning and booking this course for me, responding promptly and making it easier for my needs. During the course Gabriele was doing his best for me to get the most of this course, he was very kind, helpful and attentive. He went above and beyond to give the best experience. It was obviously about the coffee and the passion of coffee rather than just another commercial training course. , I really enjoyed every moment and learned a lot. I also gained confidence in my knowledge and skills. Thank you Espresso Academy.
Sherly C profile picture
Sherly C
3 years ago
High quality classes offered by friendly, serious and very experienced teachers??? i loved it- i can only recommend!
Yuanshi Ni profile picture
Yuanshi Ni
3 years ago
Super recommended!!! Instructor was super nice, the content was engaging , I made my first espresso & cappuccino, it was an absolutely fun experience ?
Martyna Pakosz profile picture
Martyna Pakosz
4 years ago
An excellent experience, highly recommend to someone just getting into coffee. Very calm, patient and knowledgeable teachers with whom it was only pleasure to work with. :) 10/10
Pinja Eriksson profile picture
Pinja Eriksson
5 years ago
Took the two day advanced barista course and it exceeded my expectations. Great teachers, great content, and even though it was a short course we got plenty of time to practice actual coffee making without sparing milk. And a bonus is the opportunity to meet coffee students from all over the world, that most likely share similar goals to yours. Highly recommend for anyone getting into coffee business.
Arianna Bär profile picture
Arianna Bär
5 years ago
I've attended many courses at Espresso Academy Firenze and I loved it! The staff is incredibly friendly and the courses very nice structured. Theory and lots of practice and we could even visit the roastery! The whole place smells of coffee :) During the pandemic I've also attended a couple Online Courses which were great and the teacher answered all the questions. I totally recommend going there to learn about coffee and become friends with the most amazing teachers :) Hope to see you soon guys!!

Our Trainers

Gabriele Cortopassi

Gabriele Cortopassi

After many years of experience he´s assisted and done consultancies for many bars and restaurants in Italy and abroad. Gabriele is also the founder of aprireunbar.com, which is one of the most followed blogs for bars and restaurants and the the title of his book (Hoepli editions). He´s an official SCA Trainer and also teaches the Bar Management course.
federica gennai

Federica Gennai

A musician working in the fields of jazz, electronic, and contemporary music, as well as a conservatory teacher, she brings to mixology the same rigor, research, creativity, and experimentation that define her artistic work. She focuses on the study of classic cocktails, modern techniques, and advanced product knowledge, with particular attention to aromatic design, homemade preparations, and experimental approaches related to contemporary mixology and flavor construction. Her approach combines sensory awareness, history, technical analysis, and aesthetic care in cocktail creation — from the glass to the garnish — blending theory, tasting, and creativity throughout her courses.

Sign up for this course

Form generico inglese