Explore Ohio and Cocktails During These Unique Experiences

Curious about how cocktails have changed over history? Sip on mixed drinks from decades past during Pleasures of the Cup at the Ohio History Center in Columbus, where guests can sip on a period-themed cocktail while learning about that time period. Want to learn the craft of mixology? Head to Marietta for Major/Riviera’s Mixology Cruise. While you coast along the Ohio River, learn to make three cocktails step by step and sample menu items to pair with your concoctions.

See Cuyahoga Valley National Park near Akron from a new perspective on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. Opt for the Cocktails on Rails ride for a two-hour train ride through the park complete with drinks and light appetizers. Take home a special commemorative 6 oz. glass to remember your trip. 

J&M Cruises Lines in Toledo offers many public cruises — which are all BYOB — to enjoy the sights of the city with a cocktail in hand. On the Glass City Pearl, start your weekend right with your spirit of choice while cruising along the Maumee River on the Friday Night Booze Cruise. Make it a game night on The Sandpiper by bringing your friends and favorite libations for the Trivia Night Cruise.

Take flight at the After Dark event series at the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton. Each quarter, these events, usually themed around special exhibits, provide fun activities like dancing with the Ohio Ballroom Dancers and opportunities to explore rare planes and other historic aviation artifacts — all while enjoying cocktails and appetizers.

The Cincinnati Art Museum stays open late for Art After Dark on the last Friday of the month. Along with cocktails, enjoy food, live entertainment and exclusive access to special exhibitions. BAM (Bar, Art and Music) Thursdays, weekly from the end of May through September, at the Columbus Museum of Art features local artists, live music, cocktails and more. Take advantage of the extended hours to see the museum’s vast collection and stop by the atrium to shop for local handmade goods. Savor themed food and drinks and listen to live entertainment at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s MIX events. Held monthly, patrons can peruse special exhibits and art around the museum.

Stop to smell the flowers during Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens’ Cocktails at the Conservatory. This monthly event includes food trucks and live entertainment. Check out one of the many museums at the Cincinnati Museum Center during an Off the Rails event. Held quarterly, Off the Rails lets visitors experience the museum with cocktails, food and themed programming. 

Explore one of the best science museums in the country in Columbus at COSI’s COSI After Dark themed nights when guests are encouraged to enjoy the exhibits with drinks and small bites. Bring out your inner child at the Buckeye Imagination Museum in Newark during one of their Nights at the Museum events. Sip on cocktails while you test your luck in the museum’s arcade or play for a prize at one of the games. 

Proof Magazine is for Ohio spirit lovers and is produced by Great Lakes Studios. Don’t miss an issue by subscribing to Ohio Magazine. View a digital version of the Proof Magazine Winter 2024 edition here.