With two successful years under its belt, Edinburgh Cocktail Week (ECW) returns for a third instalment – and according to the organisers, 2019 promises to be the best yet.
The week-long programme will see participation from around 70 of the city’s bars, with new additions as well as old favourites all offering £4 signature cocktails. New bars taking part this year include Cold Town House, Cask Smugglers and Smoke & Mirrors, while repeat performances come from the likes of Tigerlily, Tonic, Copper Blossom, and The Voodoo Rooms.
The festivities kick off on Monday 14 October and runs until Sunday 20 October.
This year, the trade session takes place on Monday 14 at The Cocktail Village (see below) and you can apply for a pass via hello@edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk.
As usual, the schedule is packed, so buckle up for a busy week and check out these pop-ups, parties and experiences.
The Cocktail Village
When? 14-20 October
Where? Festival Square, Lothian Rd
What? This year, the social epicentre for ECW will feature 19 pop-up bars as well as masterclasses and live music. Expect £4 cocktails from the likes of Edinburgh Gin, Poco Prosecco and Highland Park. 2019 also sees a forest-themed extension to the village, complete with a wigwam and giant toadstools. Far out.
Cocktail Domes
When? 14-20 October
Where? The rooftop garden at The Glasshouse Hotel, 2 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA
What? New for this year, these fully transparent domes are set to attract Instagrammers as they sip £4 cocktails from Diageo brands including Johnnie Walker, Ketel One and Belsazar Vermouth. Each dome seats eight people and while entry to the rooftop garden is free with an ECW wristband, exclusive use of the domes is £25/two hours.
Cocktails Aboard Fingal
When? Thursday 17 October, 7pm-9pm, £22.50 per person
Where? Fingal, Alexandra Dock, EH6 7DX
What? Sip cocktails aboard Scotland’s luxury floating hotel and enjoy an evening of libations and superyacht glamour.
Classic Movie and Cocktails Night
When? Wednesday 16 October, 6.15pm-8.45pm, £22 per person
Where? Scotsman Picturehouse, Scotsman Hotel, 20 North Bridge, EH1 1TR
What? Sit back and enjoy a classic cocktail while Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone strut their stuff in La La Land, on the big screen.
Morning Yoga with Seedlip
When? Saturday 19 October, 11am-12.30pm, £15 per person
Where? Apex Grassmarket Hotel, 31-35 Grassmarket, EH1 2HS
What? Spend the morning enjoying yoga, overlooking Edinburgh Castle.The session will also include three non-alcoholic Seedlip cocktails and a Seedlip tote. We’ll see you on the mats.
ECW After Party with Highland Park
When? Sunday 20 October, 7pm-10pm, £5
Where? Cold Town House, 4 Grassmarket, EH1 2JU
What? It’s an after party... Time to unwind with your crew and the ECW team over a few Highland Park cocktails.The event takes place on the venue’s rooftop, so be sure to take a jumper.
