You’ve probably heard of sip ‘n’ paint classes, where you can get together with friends to share a few cheeky vinos and learn how to paint a masterpiece—it’s great fun, you might learn something new, and there’ll be plenty of laughs along the way. Now, this enjoyable concept has entered the baking landscape with more and more bakeries offering classes in baking and decorating in a more casual manner than traditional courses. Drink and decorate, chug and churn or lager and laminate—here are a few businesses in the know.

Cakes and Sh!t, Brisbane, Qld

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Not for the easily-offended! This cheeky little bakery in Fortitude Valley is big on fun, so it’s no surprise they’re in on this trend. Already the go-to for locals wanting R-rated cakes and cookies, they also host classes where you can bake and decorate your own cookies, cupcakes or cakes and create your own foul phrases and designs, all with the bevvy of your choice in hand (BYO).

With free champers on arrival, patrons learn to make a signature Laruche cocktail with one of their “above averagely handsome bartenders”, then drink it while you learn how to whip up “a boujee cupcake” in “the funniest most fantastic cupcake decorating workshop you’ve even seen”. Then you get to decorate two of your own cupcakes—and eat them!

The team at Cakes and Sh!t vouch strongly for their workshops, saying they’re better than “another weekend scrolling through TikTok trying to find a new skin care routine or learning how to make bread.”

It would appear their customers agree, with the bakery saying tickets sell out fast, resulting in more people “hitting up their DMs” for more dates.

Cakes and Sh!t’s ‘Booze & Buttercream’ workshops run every Friday and Saturday night (a certain C-word virus allowing, of course) with options of cupcakes, cookies or cakes to put your own choice C-words on.

The Big Bake, Sydney, NSW

With the catch phrase “it’s time to get baked!” by way of introduction on their website, there’s no doubt you’re in for a good night out at this baking school!

The Big Bake opened at Met Centre, 60 Margaret Street earlier this year, and the classes have a competitive streak, with cakes judged and a winner crowned. The indoor space can accommodate 25 people, with an additional 30 people able to enjoy food and drinks on the outdoor terrace, making it perfect for private functions or corporate events.

Upon entry, students are treated to a glass of bubbles before diving into a 90-minute baking class. Hosted by internationally renowned pastry chef Ridhi Rahman (whose chef pâtissier CV includes an impressive list of Parisian cafes), classes cover the likes of salted caramel brownies and fancy cheesecakes, with the option to step things up and try trickier recipes if you think you’re a step above novice.

The team say, “If you love Cake Wars, MasterChef and Sugar Rush, now is your chance to feature in your own baking competition. Each bake off will be themed so get your baking hats on and get ready for an unforgettable experience and don’t worry there’s a bar on site for all your thirsty needs!

“Whether it’s a date night, family-bonding session or a learning experience for you – enjoy this fun, creative and interactive event. The key ingredients are 0x experience needed, 1x sense of humour, 90x minutes, a dash of competition and a slice of creativity!

“When the time is up, hands off and the winners will be crowned!”

There will be multiple recipes to choose from or bakers can choose a surprise recipe, which they will then have to complete and eat!

Entry costs just $50 per person and includes all ingredients for your baked goods, a glass of bubbly, judging and tips and amazing prizes for the winners!

Lumiere Events and Culinary Studio, Brisbane, Qld

Lumiere Events & Culinary Studio’s cooking and baking classes are definitely a finer occasion—but still come with bubbly to sip and toast your brand-new skills with! A sister venue to the likes of the King Street Bakery, Mica, The Kneadery and Montrachet, you can rest assured you’re in the best hands when it comes to learning how to make sourdough bread or any of the other fancy dishes on offer (they even ran an Easter Egg class in the lead up to Easter!).

To get a taste of what you might be in for, the reviews from thrilled customers on Lumiere’s Facebook speak volumes.

“Our glasses were never empty and the quality of the food was simply outstanding,” one customer who celebrated a birthday with a class at Lumiere wrote.

“Thank you Shannon and team for your passion, skill and for allowing us the opportunity to be part of your world for the night. Highly recommend Lumiere Culinary Studio!”

Another backed this up, saying their class was an “outstanding experience from start to finish. Exceeded our expectations and we all want to come back again. Fun activity for groups of friends. Our teacher, Tara, was so efficient, full of knowledge and helpful. Thank you!”