The festival, which celebrates the best mixologists the city has to offer, stated that it will expand from four days to a full week in an exciting partnership with the World Class Bartender of the Year competition run by Diageo Reserve.
Last year, attendees enjoyed 13 experiential masterclasses, bar takeovers and events hosted by the city’s top bartenders during the four-day cocktail event.
Following last year’s success, this year’s Glasgow Cocktail Week will be bigger and better than before, spanning across the city for a full week of events, bar takeovers, innovative cocktails and a celebration of mixology.
Launching on Monday 23th September it will run until Sunday 29th in conjunction with the Global Finals of the World Class Bartender of the Year competition.
Cocktail lovers will be able to sample over 150 World Class drinks during Glasgow Cocktail Week, with some of the world’s best bartenders and brands taking centre stage in bars across the city.
Setting the scene for Glasgow Cocktail Week, the World Class Bartender of the Year competition will bring its Global Finals to the drinks trade in Glasgow on Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th September.
Previously held in Cape Town, Miami, Mexico City and most recently Berlin, this year 55 top bartenders from around the world will descend on the city to battle it out for the ultimate bartending accolade.
Jack Sotti, GB World Class ambassador at Diageo Reserve said: “2019 marks our 11th annual World Class competition, and where better for our bartenders to battle it out than the vibrant city of Glasgow and it’s impressive bar scene. Our partnership with Glasgow Cocktail Week adds an exciting new dimension to the event, allowing us to bring the excitement of the competition to consumers across the city.”
For those interested in getting in on the cocktail action, a large number of bar takeovers will open to the public throughout the week. Highlights include a week long Ketel One Kitchen Disco at Kru, above The Finnieston, from Wednesday 25th September, where guests can enjoy sustainable and locally inspired cocktails.
City centre venue Gamba will host a five-course whisky and seafood ‘Made by the Sea’ tasting dinner with Talisker Single Malt Whisky on Sunday 22 September. Cocktails and drams will pair with exquisite seafood, from peat-smoked fish pâté to Isle of Gigha halibut.
Ticket holders will also unlock exclusive Glasgow Cocktail Week menus featuring discounted £5 cocktails at a host of top venues across the city. These include bar scene favourites such as Kelvingrove Café, Dakota, newly opened The Gate and Hutchesons.
The festival culminates at the must-see ‘Cocktail World’ in renowned city centre venue, The Arches on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September.
Housing 10 premium pop-up bars including a Casamigo’s beach bar, complete with frozen margaritas and a plush Tanqueray 10 tasting station, ‘Cocktail World’ will be the ultimate weekend cocktail experience. Visitors will also gain access to street food by Platform and enjoy music from live DJs.
Speaking of the new partnership, Glasgow Cocktail Week organiser, Nicola Moir, said: “Glasgow Cocktail Week is set to be our biggest cocktail celebration to date and with our new Cocktail World we’re giving guests even more ways to try new serves across the city.
“By collaborating with the world’s largest cocktail competition - World Class, we’ve curated a week-long event that will showcase the competition and give both consumers and trade the opportunity to experience the best cocktails in the world, right here in Glasgow.”
Tickets for Glasgow Cocktail Week in partnership with World Class range from £5 to £30 and can be purchased from www.glasgowcocktailweekend.co.uk.
• Guests unlock menus and gain access to events by flashing their Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband in any official venue. Full listings can be found on their website and on social media.
