Brands including Chambord, Macallan, Tanqueray, and Wray & Nephew are heading to the city next month as part of the fourth annual Birmingham Cocktail Weekend (13-15 July 2018). In addition to the 40 venues taking part, some of the world’s leading drinks brands have signed up to be part of the action to host events across the weekend exclusively for wristband holders.
This year’s Birmingham Cocktail Weekend is set to be the biggest yet, with venues across the city taking part in the three-day cocktail trail. The events schedule, which showcases some of the world’s leading drinks brands and brings BCW revellers closer to the experts, includes everything from rum and chocolate tastings, and afternoon teas, to bourbon masterclasses and a history of Mother’s Ruin. Added to that, the weekend features a host of live music, as well as the chance to party late into the night at some venues.
Kicking things off on Friday night, Macallan will be heading to Birmingham Whisky Club for a masterclass in single malt whiskies; just £10 for BCW wristband holders. Led by specialist Joe Ellis, you’ll be guided through the importance of the oak when it comes to whisky, Joe will impart his wisdom as he guides you through the iconic brand’s story. If live music is more your thing, Elegant Entertainment will be performing live at Harvey Nichols, as you kick back and enjoy the venue’s signature serve; and if you want to continue the party, entry into Nuvo’s Late Lounge will also be free for wristband holders.
Saturday is jam-packed with events; with some already sold out, including the Atlantico Rum and chocolate masterclass at Hotel du Vin, the Chambord afternoon tea at Marco Pierre White, Tanqueray tasting and infusion session at the Jekyll & Hyde, and Bols Genever masterclass at The Distillery. You can still register for the waiting list for these events, but fear not, there are some fantastic events still on offer.
Head to Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery for the Drambuie Takeover at the Edwardian Tea Rooms. The perfect way to spend a night at the museum, you’ll get to go into the gallery when doors have closed to the public to sip on their signature serve whilst enjoying live music and meeting the Drambuie brand ambassador. Shake things up on Saturday evening at the New Alexandra Theatre, as it hosts a cocktail masterclass for wristband wearers, giving you the chance to learn how to make their signature cocktail and try your hand at making your own. What’s more, if you impress them enough, they might choose your cocktail creation to feature permanently on their drinks menu!
If you were hoping to go to the sold out New Malt Order whisky masterclass at the Victoria, worry not; head to Buffalo & Rye for its Taste of Kentucky. Taste your way through the wonderful expressions of Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, for a true taste of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.
The fun continues on Sunday, with more events to finish off your weekend of cocktail discovery. Last year’s ‘Best Cocktail’ winner, Be At One is hosting a Wray & Nephew masterclass, and lucky ticket holders will be treated to a masterclass in this delicious rum that has been distilled in Jamaica for over 190 years. In need of a sweet treat to complete your BCW2018 experience? Due to popular demand an additional Chambord Afternoon Tea will now taking place at Marco Pierre White! Just £20 per person, head to the skies for Chambord inspired and infused cakes and other surprise treats.
Don’t forget, wristband wearers will all start their cocktail journey with Edinburgh Gin, this year’s headline sponsor, who will be based at the Mailbox throughout the weekend. The team will be serving up tasters at The Hub, the wristband collection point, on Friday and Saturday.
Whether you choose to indulge in the events or not, Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2018 is set to be the biggest and best so far. With 40 venues across the city centre and Jewellery Quarter, taking part, an expected 4,000 wristband wearers will descend on the city to enjoy signature cocktails served up at each venue for just £4.
This year’s participating venues are: AC Hotel, Amantia, Bar Opus, Be At One, The Birmingham Whisky Club, Bodega, The Botanist, Buffalo & Rye, The Bull’s Head, The Canal House, Chung Ying Central, Churchills, The Costy Club, Dirty Martini, The Distillery, Edwardian Tea Rooms at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Gas Street Social, Gaucho, Gusto, Harvey Nichols Bar, Hotel du Vin, Island Bar, The Jekyll & Hyde, The Lost & Found, Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill, Malmaison, New Alexandra Theatre, Nuvo, Pennyblacks, Pitcher & Piano, Pushkar, Radisson Blu, Recess at Hilton Garden Inn, Revolucion de Cuba, The Rose Villa Tavern, Rub Smokehouse, Sabai Sabai, The Victoria, Tom’s Kitchen, and The Vanguard at 1000 Trades.
To book onto an event, register for a waiting list, and buy your £10 wristbands to Birmingham Cocktail Weekend, visit birminghamcocktailweekend.co.uk.