Sip Antics Distill School: Edinburgh's Bespoke Micro Distillery Experience

Create your own bespoke gin, rum, or agave spirit in Edinburgh’s intimate micro distillery experience at Sip Antics.

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Sip Antics is a unique micro distillery and distill school located in Edinburgh's Newtown, offering immersive hands-on workshops where visitors create their own bottle of gin, rum, or agave spirit. Set within the intimate Cumberland Bar, this experience combines expert guidance with a personal touch, allowing enthusiasts to explore distillation, select botanicals, and bottle their bespoke spirit to take home.

A brief summary to Sip Antics

The Cumberland Bar, 2 Cumberland St, Edinburgh, EH3 6RT, GB
Visit website
Duration: 3 to 3 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Monday 4:30 pm-7:30 pm
Tuesday 4:30 pm-7:30 pm
Thursday 12 pm-6 pm
Friday 12 pm-6 pm
Saturday 12 pm-6 pm
Sunday 12 pm-6 pm

Local tips

Book your workshop in advance as sessions are intimate and fill quickly.
Arrive on time to enjoy the welcome gin and tonic and full workshop experience.
Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared for a hands-on distilling process.
Consider gifting a workshop experience for a unique present.

Getting There

Bus

Take Lothian Buses routes 23 or 27 from Edinburgh city centre, with a journey time of approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently, but check schedules for evening services. The nearest stop is Cumberland Street, a short walk to the venue.
Tram and Walk

Use the Edinburgh Trams from the airport or city centre to St Andrew Square, then take a 15-minute walk through Newtown to Cumberland Street. The tram service runs every 7-10 minutes, with tickets costing around £6 from the airport.
Taxi or Rideshare

A taxi or rideshare from Edinburgh city centre takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic. This option offers door-to-door convenience but can be more costly, typically £6-£10.
Walking

From Princes Street or the Old Town, walking to Cumberland Street takes 20-30 minutes over mostly flat terrain. The route passes through Edinburgh’s Newtown, offering scenic urban views and access to cafes and shops.

Sip Antics location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Sip Antics

An Intimate Micro Distillery in the Heart of Edinburgh

Nestled within the historic Cumberland Bar on Cumberland Street, Sip Antics offers a distinctive micro distillery experience unlike traditional large-scale operations. This small-scale venue provides a cozy and personal setting where visitors engage directly with the distillation process. The location’s central Edinburgh Newtown position makes it an accessible yet tucked-away gem for locals and travelers seeking a unique spirits experience.

Hands-On Spirit Creation Workshops

At the core of Sip Antics is its acclaimed distill school, where participants spend around three hours crafting their own spirit. After a warm welcome featuring a classic gin and tonic, guests choose from over 60 botanicals to design a personalized gin recipe or opt to create rum or agave-based spirits. Using small copper stills, they distill, bottle, label, and wax a 70cl bottle to take home, making the experience both educational and memorable.

Expert Guidance and Personal Touch

The workshops are led by knowledgeable hosts who combine deep expertise with friendly, engaging instruction. This approachable atmosphere demystifies the distillation process and encourages creativity. The small group sizes ensure individual attention and a bespoke experience, ideal for spirit lovers wanting to deepen their understanding or create a special gift.

Edinburgh’s Growing Craft Distilling Scene

Sip Antics is part of Edinburgh’s vibrant craft distilling renaissance, complementing other local distilleries with its focus on interactive education rather than mass production. Its location in a historic bar adds to the charm, linking the city’s rich drinking culture with modern artisanal spirit-making. Visitors gain insight into the heritage and innovation that define Scotland’s contemporary distilling landscape.

Atmosphere and Visitor Experience

The ambiance is warm and convivial, blending the rustic charm of the Cumberland Bar with the excitement of crafting bespoke spirits. The sensory experience—from selecting botanicals to the aromas of distillation—immerses visitors fully. The finished product, sealed and labeled by the participant, offers a tangible memento of the day’s creativity and learning.

Beyond the Workshop: A Hub for Spirit Enthusiasts

Beyond private workshops, Sip Antics fosters a community of spirit enthusiasts through occasional events and collaborations. The venue’s central location also makes it a convenient stop for those exploring Edinburgh’s broader cultural and culinary offerings, providing a distinctive and enriching addition to any itinerary.