In case you’ve had a hectic few months, been globetrotting or just tried to shield yourself from all the recent madness in the world, you may have missed the fact that Edinburgh will be playing host to a huge mixological celebration starting on Monday the 15th.
As well as events across the city, a huge marquee will act as the bustling hub of ECW, housing pop-up bars to suit every taste and showcasing live music, DJs and cocktail and spirit masterclasses.
Pretty much every Edinburgh bar worth the salt with which they rim their margaritas is contributing a signature cocktail just for ECW, with many venues hosting exclusive tasting sessions, tours and parties throughout the week.
Speaking of which…
Edinburgh’s newest late-night venue 4042 will be hosting the Pornstar Martini
Party in collaboration with Absolut.
Tonic will be getting all Mexican with an Altos Tequila sleepover party while Nightcap will have an escape room for experienced and novice whisky-lovers alike.
There’s also a beer and whisky pairing at The Empress of Broughton Street, a Pickering’s gin and food pairing at Brewhemia, exclusive tours of Sweetdram’s brand new distillery and what can only be described as a pop-up cocktail university on Queen’s Street.
Like all good festivals, access to ECW’s revelry can only be achieved with a brightly-coloured strip of material fastened to your wrist.
This magical strap will give you exclusive access to the Cocktail Village and the bar events and, if you waggle your adorned wrist while purchasing a signature cocktail you’ll get it for just £4.
You’ll also receive free entry to several Edinburgh nightspots and even a discount on your taxi ride home with mytaxi.
For obvious reasons, many of the events can only be on a first-come, first-serve basis, though it may be possible to book in advance.
For full details of the bars involved, the events taking place, the venues offering discounts and to buy wristbands, visit www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk
