Glasgow Cocktail Festival has hailed the roaring success of its debut event, which saw more than 9,000 attendees and over 55 top cocktail venues offering a selection of more than 150 limited edition cocktails and mocktails crafted exclusively for festival goers. Following this remarkable launch, the team has confirmed the festival will return in 2026, with dates officially set for 25 April to 3 May.
This year’s festival ran from 29 August to 7 September, featuring a vibrant 10-day celebration of Glasgow’s renowned cocktail scene, with Diageo as headline sponsor. Focused on supporting the hospitality sector, the event quickly earned a reputation as one of Glasgow’s most ambitious drinks showcases. Wristbands costing from just £5 gave visitors discounted access to premium cocktails across the city.
“We are absolutely blown away by the response for Glasgow Cocktail Festival,” shared Alice Christison, organiser and Director of M.ad Agency. “This event is all about supporting the trade and our partnership with Diageo allowed us to make the festival free for businesses to take part in, as well as providing them with the tools to make the week a success, from free menu printing to a focus on bartender advocacy. Glasgow has such a close place in my heart, and it’s been incredible to shine a spotlight on its world-class bar scene, and we’re already looking forward to coming back in 2026, bigger and better than ever!”
More than 50 of Glasgow’s leading bars, restaurants, and venues participated, welcoming guests to an unmatched array of signature drinks. Venues reported record sales, stronger mid-week footfall, and exposure to new customers.
Stand-out cocktails included:
- Trumans: Cranberry Blush – Smirnoff Red Label Vodka, cranberry, and vanilla
- Parlour: Cucumber Cooler – revived zesty favourite with Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Browns: Garden Party – Tanqueray London Dry Gin, citrus, apple, and soda
- The Social: Peachy Piña – peach twist on the piña colada with Smirnoff Miami Peach
- Kongs: Berry Bloom – Ciroc Vodka, fruity and floral
- Guinness Cocktails from Malo and Malones – bold and inventive creations
Every venue offered alcohol-free cocktails alongside their classic serves, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. Dedicated mocktail partners helped to champion responsible enjoyment, with Drink Aware messaging central to the festival’s ethos.
Kyle Martin, Key Account Manager at Diageo, said: “Diageo are delighted to have supported the first Glasgow Cocktail Festival, which has been an outstanding success for the city’s hospitality sector. With over 9,000 wristbands sold and many of Glasgow’s best bars on board, it’s been fantastic to see venues report incredible sales and benefit from the additional training opportunities we’re proud to provide.
“This festival has truly highlighted the strength and creativity of Glasgow’s bar scene, and we’re thrilled to have showcased sensational cocktails made with a range of spirits, our luxury range and our alcohol-free alternatives – with mocktails proving to be every bit as exciting and important as cocktails.
“Our collaboration with M.ad Agency continues to demonstrate the powerful economic and cultural impact their events deliver, and we’re proud to play a part in giving the industry a real boost. This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership, and we look forward to building on this incredible momentum together across Scotland for their series of events. We are also thrilled the event will be coming back in 2026 to support and drive footfall to the sector.”
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David Gibson, Area Manager at The R Group, also commented: “Glasgow Cocktail Festival 2025 has been hugely beneficial for our restaurants and bars, giving us a fantastic platform to showcase our drinks and hospitality to both loyal regulars and first-time guests. Events like this are essential for showcasing our offering to new and returning guests alike, helping us build awareness, strengthen our brand, and welcome more people through our doors. We have felt the benefit across all four of our participating venues.”
Kane Dinmore at Revolution Bars added: “Glasgow Cocktail Festival really benefited all three of our venues. It allowed our team’s hard work, dedication and creativity to shine through with their exclusive cocktails, and helped drive footfall – especially in off-peak sessions. At Revs, we’re proud to champion cocktails, music, and unforgettable experiences – and this festival gave us the perfect platform to do that.”
With nearly 10,000 attendees, a social media reach exceeding 5 million, and participating venues reporting new records, Glasgow Cocktail Festival has firmly cemented itself as a fixture on the UK’s cocktail calendar.
