Glasgow Cocktail Week has officially launched its 2026 festival in striking fashion, unveiling a new visual identity aboard a powerboat on the River Clyde.
Flying the festival flag, the Glasgow Cocktail Week team were joined by local creators Bemz, Mark Thorburn and Sonya Walos of Scotland Edit for a high-energy tour of the city with Seaforce. Set against one of Glasgow’s most iconic backdrops, the launch signalled the return of the city’s largest cocktail celebration in suitably bold style.
Running from Thursday 24th September to Sunday 4th October 2026, tickets are now on sale via the official Glasgow Cocktail Week website. Now in its ninth year, the festival returns under its original name after operating as Cocktail Fortnight in 2025, alongside a refreshed brand identity created by acclaimed East End signwriter Amy Mojo. The new look pays tribute to the event’s proudly female-founded roots while capturing the vibrancy of Glasgow’s hospitality scene.
With almost 70 venues already confirmed, organisers are preparing for another standout year. The 2025 edition showcased more than 300 exclusive cocktails across the city’s bars, restaurants and hotels, and 2026 promises an even broader programme of experiences.
Returning brand partners include Loch Lomond Malts, Brugal 1888 rum, Patrón Tequila, St‑Germain liqueur, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder, Belvedere Vodka, and Singleton and Johnnie Walker whisky. Festival wristbands unlock access to exclusive signature cocktail menus across participating venues, as well as £2 off premium cocktails on selected three-drink menus, encouraging visitors to explore new spots while supporting Glasgow’s hospitality sector.
A major addition for 2026 is the introduction of city-wide cocktail trails, designed to spotlight the creativity of Glasgow’s bartenders and guide festival-goers through different neighbourhoods. Full details of the themed trails will be announced closer to the event, while the much-loved Glasgow Cocktail Week maps will also return to help visitors plan their routes.
Masterclasses will once again take place at VEGA across both festival Saturdays, following their sell-out success last year. The programme includes Champagne and popcorn tastings with Scottish PIAFF Champagne, a Spicy Margarita masterclass with Patrón Tequila, spritz-making sessions with St‑Germain, an Old Fashioned workshop with Monkey Shoulder, Ben Lomond Scottish Gin experiences, a Rum Espresso Martini session with Brugal 1888, and a Hendrick’s Gin cocktail experience. Each session includes two drinks and expert guidance from leading brand ambassadors.
Nicola Gemmell-Moir, organiser of Glasgow Cocktail Week, said: “It’s hard to believe we’re now in our ninth year. Glasgow Cocktail Week has always been about celebrating the incredible people who make this city’s bar scene one of the best in the world, and every year we look for new ways to spotlight them.
“After the success of Cocktail Fortnight last year, we’re really excited to return as Glasgow Cocktail Week with a fresh new look that reflects where the festival is today. As a proudly female-founded business, it felt important to work with another brilliant local female creative, and Amy Mac has created a visual identity that perfectly captures the energy, colour and personality of both the festival and the city.
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“With almost 70 venues already confirmed, brand-new cocktail trails, returning masterclasses and hundreds of exclusive cocktails to discover, we can’t wait to welcome everyone back this September.”
Wristbands are priced at £5, with masterclasses available from £10 including two cocktails. Tickets can be purchased via the Glasgow Cocktail Week website, and visitors are encouraged to book in advance with participating venues.
