Cocktail lovers are in for a treat this May as Aberdeen Cocktail Week is getting a spring makeover.
Collaborating with some of the city’s best venues festivalgoers can chose from around 70 different drinks to try during the event which takes place from Wednesday, May 14 until Sunday, May 25.
The 12-day celebration highlights the bartending and hospitality scene and showcases the creativity and innovation that can be found in venues across the city.
Pouring everything from a Spiced Banana Daiquiri and a take on a classic Bramble, to a cocktail inspired by Thai dessert, sticky rice, not to mention a cocktail version of the viral Dubai chocolate, there’s something to suit all tastes while exploring Aberdeen’s city centre.
Four new venues have signed up for the spring edition taking the total number of venues to 27. New additions include Fierce Bar on Exchequer Row, West End wine bar and cafe, Moosh, Union Street’s Amarone and Spanish tapas restaurant, Cafe Andaluz.
The other participating venues include: Arcadia Bar and Games, Bar One Eighty by Legends, Codona’s, College Bar, Common Sense Coffee House and Bar, Dusk, Malmaison, McGinty’s Meal an Ale, Monty’s Wine Shop and Bar, No.10 Bar & Restaurant, OGV Taproom, Paramount Bar, Revolution, Revolucion de Cuba, Soul, Tarragon On The Terrace, The Albyn, The Braided Fig, The Firepit By Smoke & Soul, The Noose and Monkey, The Spiritualist Aberdeen, The Tilted Wig, and Under The Hammer.
Aberdeen Cocktail Week offers a variety of perks for wristband holders including specially curated menus, fixed-price options of a signature cocktails priced at £5-£6 at every venue, additional specials and exclusive events.
Around 50,000 cocktails have been poured as part of Aberdeen Cocktail Week to date and events including cocktail bar quizzes, masterclasses, themed meals and craft events are set to take place, too, with more information being released in the coming weeks.
While most of the venues, which include bars, pubs, clubs, restaurant and cafes, will be focusing on their signature drinks for cocktail lovers, some will also serve food ensuring those out for the event can grab a bite to eat. Each venue taking part will feature one to four cocktails on their special festival menus.
As well as expertly crafted drinks, non-alcoholic options will also be available and establishments have been encouraged to support local drinks producers where possible.
Attendees can purchase discounted early bird wristbands online for £7 from AberdeenCocktailWeek.com which will unlock exclusive access and discounts throughout the event.
Monty’s Wine Shop and Bar is the collection point for wristbands and those out and about on May 14/15 can also pop into the Music Hall and collect their wristbands at the Ultimate Masterclass Festival events.
Aberdeen Cocktail Week was launched in 2022 and is organised by local entrepreneurs, Gregor Sey and Charlie Bain. It usually runs in October and will return later in the year, too.
Speaking of his delight seeing the event grow to be part of Aberdeen’s annual event calendar, Gregor said: “Our city’s bar scene is one of the best in Scotland, if not the UK. The level of talent is incredible and we’re delighted to be working with so many brilliant venues for our first spring festival.
“It’ll be another bumper edition packed with creative and innovative drinks, and we can’t wait for everyone to enjoy them while ticking off their favourites in their Cocktail Week guidebooks. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to sip and savor the best cocktails Aberdeen has to offer.”
For more information and to purchasen wristbands visit AberdeenCocktailWeek.com
