Aberdeen Cocktail Week: Cheers to the biggest edition yet for 2023

18/10/2023
Festival director Gregor and mixologist Misha during last year's event

ABERDEEN is primed for a week of mixology mastery and quality hospitality as Aberdeen Cocktail Week returns for its second instalment. 


Taking place from today (Wednesday October 18) to Tuesday October 24, this year’s edition is the biggest to date with more than 30 bars participating. 

Venues from the newly opened Shapeshifters to cocktail hot spots including Orchid, The Spiritualist, Ninety-Nine, The Ivy Lodge, Resident X and The Old Workshop have signed up to take part. 


A line-up of exclusive events will leave cocktail enthusiasts craving more with the VIP opening night taking place at Bartenders Lounge on Wednesday from 6pm.  

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Other events including a boozy barbecue brunch at The Firepit, cocktail mixology atRevolucion de Cuba, a cocktails and canvas evening and a boozy bingo night at Barbelow to name a few. 


A special ‘Drinks Market’ on the Saturday and Sunday at OGV Taproom will see local and national drinks brands such as Aberdeen’s Cabezon Rum and Aberdeenshire’s Lost Loch Spirits and Roehill Spirits in Moray showcase their products. 


It is hoped that the ‘Drinks Market’ will become a permanent fixture to the week and develop alongside the brands that exhibit there. 


The seven-day event is a celebration of the city’s thriving cocktail culture and gives cocktail mixologists the opportunity to craft a variety of exclusive drinks for wristband holders keen to sample something different or try out a new venue. 


Each establishment will showcase their own signature drinks and there will be at least one £5 cocktail on every menu throughout the event. 


A special cocktail ‘The Social Butterfly’ has been created by the team at Resident X to support local social care charity VSA. Its deep violet purpose colour represents the charity’s brand colour and £5 from the £8 drink will go towards raising vital funds to continue to help support the many care services offered by VSA. 


Gregor Sey, Organiser of Aberdeen Cocktail Week, said: “It is great to be back with a packed series of events and a brilliant line-up of unique cocktails for wristband holders to enjoy.  


“All of the venues have once again really got behind the event and there are some outstanding options available for everyone to try.  


“Aberdeen Cocktail Week is about celebrating the brilliant talent we have here in Aberdeen.We’re so lucky to have some of the best bartenders in the UK, so do make sure to pay them a visit.” 


Aberdeen Cocktail Week provides a platform for established bars and newcomers alike to shine, giving residents and visitors the chance to explore the city’s eclectic bar scene. 


Wristbands are priced at £12 or £9 for students and Blue Light Card holders and can be collected from Siberia Bar and Hotel. 


For more information, tickets, and a full list of participating bars and events visit www.aberdeencocktailweek.com 

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