Edinburgh Cocktail Week, supported by Essential Edinburgh, returns for 2024 with its most exciting lineup to date, featuring a 10-day programme of new experiences and festival features that promises to raise the bar for cocktail enthusiasts and fun-seeking festival goers across the country. Running from Friday, 11th October to Sunday 20th October, over 25,000 visitors are expected to attend what is now the UK’s biggest cocktail festival.
This year’s Cocktail Village, located on Festival Square, will host a record-breaking 24 pop-up bars, complemented by standout street food trucks and a live music programme of local musicians, tribute nights and headline bands. Open daily from 12 noon to 11pm daily, the Cocktail Village will showcase bespoke cocktail creations by renowned brands such as El Jimador Tequila and Malibu Rum alongside international and local newcomers like 1800 Tequila, Au Vodka, Edinburgh Gin, Bumbu Rum, Funkin, the Secret Garden Distillery, Schweppes, Pomology, BrewDog and Wonderland Cocktails. Wristband holders can enjoy cocktails from £5 across all bars in the Cocktail Village throughout the festival.
Exciting New Additions for 2024
In response to the growing demand for non-alcoholic options, Edinburgh Cocktail Week is thrilled to introduce its first-ever No & Low bar to the Cocktail Village this year. This new addition reflects the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation, catering to a broader audience of cocktail lovers. In partnership with Everleaf, Seedlip, Tanqueray 0% and Captain Morgan 0%, the bar shall serve a menu of cocktails that taste just as good as the alcoholic serves available. This initiative also extends to the 100 bars taking, with 50 bars offering a £5 non-alcoholic alternative.
Adding to the allure of this year’s event, the festival will also debut a Bridgerton-inspired Champagne Lounge within the Cocktail Village, serving PIAFF Champagne by the glass and bottle. This luxurious space invites guests to immerse themselves in Regency-era elegance and indulge in some people-watching in true high-society style. Scones with cream and jam will also be served for an elevated cream tea experience.
Beyond the Cocktail Village, 100 of Edinburgh’s trendiest bars and speakeasies will be part of the 2024 celebrations, each serving a £5 Signature Cocktail that has been created exclusively for the festival. This year’s roster includes 14 venues set to make their Edinburgh Cocktail Week debut including Tattu, Encore Edinburgh, Flight Club, Freddy’s, Downstairs at Betty’s, Ruma, Kaleidoscope at The Scotch Malt Whisky Society and many more. On the back of the sellout success of last year, many firm favourites are set to mark their return including Duck & Waffle, The Alchemist, The Botanist, The Dome, Eve, Tigerlily, Tonic, Harvey Nichols, House of Gods, Copper Blossom and more.
That’s not all, wristband holders will also gain exclusive access to the ‘Prestige Cocktails’ category where they can each enjoy an elevated cocktail experience expertly curated by some of the city’s top mixologists and award-winning bartenders. Prestige Cocktails (£9) will be served in Panda & Sons, The Bon Vivant, Hawksmoor, Harrods H Beauty, The Devil’s Advocate, Nightcap, Commons Club and The Register Club, to name but a few.
Edinburgh Cocktail Week is shaking things up by adding some interactive activities to the lineup for the first time. SKYbar Edinburgh is set to host its first ‘Shimmy & Sip’ rooftop dance class on Friday, 18th October with a range of non-alcoholic cocktails on hand for festival goers to replenish after their rumba. For those looking for a hands-on experience, the Eden Mill Experience will be hosting a series of gin and whisky masterclasses for the duration of the festival.
Gary Anderson, Managing Director of Edinburgh Cocktail Week said: We’re excited to be back next month for the sixth edition of Edinburgh Cocktail Week. Our wee festival, which started in a shop window, has grown to become a much-loved staple in the calendar for locals, which is a reflection of the incredible hospitality sector and abundance of talented mixologists we have here in Edinburgh. This year’s programme of bars, brands and experiences is our strongest yet and we’re proud to be making a step in the right direction with a new focus on non-alcoholic serves. Research shows that ⅓ of people are looking to reduce their alcohol consumption, so we’re committed to supporting this growing demand from customers by offering non-alcoholic serves across all elements of the festival.
“With just over a month to go, we’re delighted to see wristband sales going from strength to strength - we look forward to welcoming everyone in October - Cheers!”
Roddy Smith, Director and CEO of Essential Edinburgh said: “Essential Edinburgh's continued investment has played a crucial role in the festival's growth each year. It's fantastic to see so many bars within the city participating in ECW 2024. We're proud to call Edinburgh home to the UK's largest cocktail festival, and we're excited about all that this year's programme has to offer."
A full list of the brands and bars taking part can be found on the Edinburgh Cocktail Week website and in notes to editors below. Wristbands are on sale now at www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk.
Wristband options for 2024 are (prices inclusive of booking fees):
● Weekend 1 - £11 (valid Friday 11th – Sunday 13th Oct)
● Weekday - £9 (valid Monday 14th – Thursday 17th Oct)
● Weekend 2- £11 (valid Friday 18th – Sunday 20th Oct)
● Ten Day - £16 (valid Friday 11th – Sunday 20th Oct)
All wristbands are valid at all 100 participating bars for the full 10-day duration of the festival. Wristbands are valid at the Cocktail Village for the dates detailed above.