Cocktail Experience at Brown Café in Amsterdam with 3 Signature Dutch Cocktails

1 hour and 30 minutes

Easy

Discover Amsterdam's cocktail culture at a historic brown café on Dam Square. Experience local mixology and enjoy 3 expertly crafted signature cocktails.

Step into House of Stapel, an authentic Amsterdam brown café (bruine kroeg) nestled right on Dam Square. This isn't just a bar—it's a living piece of Amsterdam history where wooden interiors, intimate lighting, and centuries of stories create the perfect setting to discover Dutch drinking culture through expert .

What Makes This Special

  • Authentic Brown Café: Experience a traditional Amsterdam bruine kroeg—the heart of local social life
  • Prime Dam Square Location: Historic venue steps from the Royal Palace
  • Expert Bartender: Learn professional cocktail-making techniques from skilled bartenders
  • 3 Signature Cocktails: Handpicked classics showcasing different spirits and flavor profiles
  • Cultural Context: Understand how Dutch drinking culture evolved from Golden Age to modern craft movement
  • Photo-Worthy: Beautiful historic brown café ambiance perfect for memorable moments

Your Experience Journey

Welcome & Introduction (5 minutes)
Your expert host welcomes you into the warm, wood-paneled interior of House of Stapel. Learn about Amsterdam's iconic brown café tradition.


Cocktail 1: The Dutch Mule - Amsterdam's Signature (20 minutes)
Experience House of Stapel's signature Dutch Mule—their take on the classic, made with Ketel 1 vodka (proudly Dutch!), fiery ginger beer, and fresh lime. Learn:

  • Proper muddling and mixing techniques
  • Why copper mugs enhance the experience
  • How to build refreshing highball cocktails at home

Cocktail 2 & 3: Bartender’s Choice - Your Preference (30 minutes)
Based on your taste preferences from the first two cocktails, your expert selects your final drink from House of Stapel's signature menu. Options include:

  • Old Fashioned (for whiskey lovers): Classic American with Dutch hospitality
  • Amaretto Sour (for sweet & sour fans): Silky, balanced, elegant
  • Whiskey Sour (for citrus enthusiasts): Sharp, refreshing, timeless
  • Espresso Martini (for coffee cocktail lovers): Bold Ketel 1 vodka, rich Kahlúa, fresh espresso

Closing & Socializing
Enjoy your final cocktail while asking questions, sharing experiences with fellow participants, and getting personalized Amsterdam recommendations from your host.

The Venue: House of Stapel

House of Stapel embodies everything magical about Amsterdam's brown cafés:

  • Historic Charm: Traditional wooden interior aged to perfection
  • Dam Square Location: The heart of Amsterdam, steps from the Royal Palace
  • Local Atmosphere: Where tourists meet locals in authentic Amsterdam style
  • Warm Ambiance: Intimate lighting, cozy seating, welcoming energy

Brown cafés are Amsterdam's living rooms—they're where locals have gathered for centuries to drink, debate, and connect. House of Stapel carries this tradition forward while serving world-class cocktails.

Perfect For

  • Cocktail enthusiasts seeking authentic Amsterdam experiences
  • Travelers wanting to go beyond typical tourist bars
  • Pre-dinner cultural activity before exploring nightlife
  • Date nights combining history and craft cocktails
  • Small groups celebrating special occasions
  • Anyone curious about Dutch drinking culture and brown café tradition
What's included?
  • Food & drinks

✅ 3 premium craft cocktails from House of Stapel's signature menu:

 ✅ Expert demonstrations 

 ✅ Dutch spirits and brown café culture 

✅ Professional tips for home bartending 

✅ Insider Amsterdam bar recommendations 

✅ Traditional Dutch bar snacks (bitterballen or cheese available to order)

Exclusions
  • Tip or gratuity

Not Included:

❌ Additional drinks (available for purchase at bar prices) 

❌ Transportation to/from venue 

❌ Gratuity (optional, appreciated for exceptional service)

Please note
  • Animals or pets allowed

Important Information ❓

What to Bring:

  • Valid photo ID (passport or European ID card)
  • Camera/phone for photos of the beautiful brown café interior
  • Curiosity and good spirits!

Dress Code:

Smart casual—relaxed but respectful of the historic venue

Accessibility:

  • Ground floor entrance (small step at door)
  • Restrooms available inside
  • Limited wheelchair accessibility (historic building)
  • Please contact us for specific accessibility needs

Weather:

Indoor experience—perfect rain or shine!

Language:

Conducted in English (Dutch available upon request)

What to bring

    What to Bring:

    • Valid photo ID (passport or European ID card)
    • Camera/phone for photos of the beautiful brown café interior
    • Curiosity and good spirits!