Cocktails or life drawing? It’s the question hen organisers ask us most. Short answer: choose cocktails for a lively, social night, and life drawing for a laugh-out-loud start that suits a mixed group. Can’t decide? Our Artistic package does both.
Both bring the fun to your venue, both work for any group size, and neither needs any skill. Here’s how they compare, so you can pick the one the bride will love.
At a glance
| Cocktail masterclass | Life drawing class | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | From £25pp | From £17.50pp |
| How long | Two hours | About 90 minutes |
| What’s included | Glassware, shakers and every ingredient, alcohol included | All the drawing materials |
| What you’ll do | Make three or four cocktails each, with games along the way | Draw a professional life model, with games between poses |
| Who runs it | A butler in the buff, included in the price, or a smartly dressed mixologist if you’d prefer | A professional life model, who poses nude, as cheeky or classic as the group likes |
| Best for | Lively groups who love a drink and a dance | Mixed ages, creative types and a more relaxed start |
What happens at a cocktail masterclass
Your butler in the buff arrives with a full bar: glassware, shakers, spirits, mixers and garnishes. Over two hours, he teaches the group the technique behind three or four cocktails, and everyone drinks what they make. Games like Never Have I Ever and Who’s Most Likely To keep things moving between rounds.
You choose the drinks from our menu, which includes the Pornstar Martini, Espresso Martini, Mojito, Margarita and Piña Colada, or ask for something off-menu. Once you’ve booked, you can send us the group’s picks online.
It costs about the same as a night of bar rounds, without the queues or the taxis, and your butler in the buff is included in the price. If the group would rather keep it classy, we can send a smartly dressed mixologist instead, at no extra cost. See our cocktail lessons.
What happens at a life drawing class
Your life model brings everything you need, sets up and runs the class, so all anyone has to do is pick up a pencil. The poses start classic and go as daring as the group wants, and there are games between poses to keep the room laughing.
At the end, your model judges the drawings, playfully, and is happy to pose for photos. It’s a brilliant way to break the ice when the group doesn’t all know each other, and a gentle choice after a big first night. Drinks aren’t included, so have the fizz ready. Book a life model.
Which should you choose?
Choose the cocktail masterclass if:
- the bride loves a cocktail and a party
- you want the drinks sorted, with everything supplied
- it’s the main event of the evening
Choose life drawing if:
- the group spans a wide range of ages
- the bride has a creative streak or a cheeky sense of humour
- you want something lighter before a night out, or the morning after one
Can’t decide? Book both
That’s exactly why we created the Artistic package: 90 minutes of life drawing, then a two-hour cocktail masterclass. Your butler in the buff runs it all and models for the drawing, so it’s one host for the whole afternoon. It starts from £38 per person and runs for about three and a half hours, with all the equipment, ingredients and alcohol included.
Compare our hen party packages, or browse more hen party ideas for 2027.
Cocktail masterclass and life drawing FAQs
Do we need to be able to draw?
Not at all. The worse the drawings, the bigger the laughs.
Is the alcohol included?
In a cocktail masterclass, yes: every ingredient, including the alcohol, comes with us. Life drawing doesn’t include drinks.
Can you come to a holiday let or Airbnb?
Yes. We just need a table and a bit of worktop. Do check your booking’s house rules first.
Is there a minimum group size?
No. We’ll come out to a group of any size.
Book your hen with Butler Direct
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