Where: Paradise in Augustines (Venue 152)
When: Aug 21-27
Genre: Comedy, storytelling, gin tasting
What: Sporting the best name on this list we highly recommend the ever knowledgeable Katherine O’Neil as she provides four of the finest gins and historical tales of hooch and harlots to celebrate the modern gin renaissance with her slightly risqué one-woman show.
Picture: The Thinking Drinkers
Where: Underbelly Med Quad (Venue 302)
When: August 2nd-15th, 17th-27th
Genre: History, informative, comedy
What: Hosting sell out shows every year at the Festival, the Thinking Drinkers are back with a new show for 2017 in which they'll attempt to prove that alcohol has influenced everything that has ever happened. Ever.
While furnishing their audience with five free drinks, the duo say they will also be taking them on an "intoxicating, time-travelling journey through our drink-drenched past, pouring the entire history of human civilisation into a shot glass".
Definitely a must for drinks fans (and of course, history buffs).
Previous reviews: Comedy review: Thinking Drinker’s Guide to Alcohol
Picture: Edinburgh Gin
Where: 99 Hanover Street (Venue 509)
When: August 4th-6th, 8th-13th, 15th-20th, 22nd-27th
Genre: Science, gin tasting
What: Edinburgh gin giants Edinburgh Gin will take you on an "interactive, full sensory" journey of discovery through the wonderful world of gin using the latest projection mapping technology.
Picture: Arbikie
Where: Merchants Hall, 22 Hanover Street, Edinburgh
When: August 4th – 27th
Genre: Music, food, gin, cocktails
What: The A Club is the brainchild of Arbikie and Mike Fraser of Mackenzie Catering looking to showcase Scotland’s finest food and drink to festivalgoers.
Guests will be able to enjoy a consummate table and dining service at the sophisticated setting of The Merchants’ Hall. There will also be an array of world-class entertainment featuring Hollywood actor, Brian Cox and top names in jazz, folk and rock music such as Ali Affleck, award winning blues and jazz singer, Glasgow funk band Charlotte Marshall and the 45’s, Jazz ensemble Rose Room, award-winning Scottish traditional artist Ryan Young and the burlesque sensation Die Gl’Amouresque.
Picture: Phil Wilkinson
Where: The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (Venue 182), 28 Queen Street, EH2 1JX
When: August 1st-31st
Genre: whisky tasting
What: If you are a fan of whisky then there really are few better places in the capital to visit than the Scotch Malt Whisky Society and during the festival, their Queen Street premises will be hosting a three dram tutored whisky tasting like no other, in the company of one of their knowledgable brand ambassadors.
Where: The Biscuit Factory (Venue 173), 4-6 Anderson Place, EH6 5NP
When: August 5th-27th
Genre: tasting, interactive, cocktails
What: Already famous south of the border for their sell out London pop-ups, Edinburgh duo Paul Ross and Nick Fulton are heading back to their homeland for the Edinburgh Festival; taking over a former Biscuit Factory in Leith throughout the festival.
Taking guests on a journey to a woodland campfire hideaway within the unique setting of a former biscuit factory, this interactive masterclass will tutor you on the ins and outs of creating great cocktails.
With an emphasis on the provenance of Scottish spirits and foraged ingredients, this event even comes with two cocktails included in the ticket price.
Picture: Contini
Where: Cannonball Restaurant & Bar (Venue 169)
When: 9th – 25th August
Genre: Food, drink, whisky
What: Fans of whisky and great food will be wise to head to the Cannonball Restaurant & Bar, the closest restaurant to Edinburgh Castle, as it is set to host a series of Whisky Suppers during August’s Festival season, in association with Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
On selected dates from 9 – 25 August, the award-winning restaurant will welcome whisky lovers to its atmospheric Glengoyne Room for a delicious two-course meal and tutored whisky tasting from Glengoyne’s Ben Kaylor.
After dinner, guests will be able to soak up the atmosphere of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo from Cannonball’s private courtyard: a truly spectacular end to the night.
Where: Lochrin Belle (Venue 508)
When: August 4th, 6th, 8th-13th, 15th-20th, 22nd-25th, 27th
Genre: Whisky, tasting
What: Solid Liquids – who run regular gin cruises on the Union Canal – have teamed up with Dewar’s Whisky and their ‘Scotch Egg Club’ to transform the Lochrin Belle narrow boat into a floating history of whisky.
During a leisurely two-hour meander along the canal you get to sample various whiskies from Dewar’s stable, paired with everything from scotch eggs to cheese to chocolate. A perfect way to unwind after a day full of Fringe frivolity.
