New ‘cocktail village’ will be centrepiece of Edinburgh Cocktail Week as event taps into festival vibe

A ‘cocktail village’ has been unveiled by organisers of this year’s Edinburgh Cocktail Week as the centrepiece of a new festival-style event.

The seven-day programme, from October 15-20, will feature some of the world’s leading spirits brands with thousands expected to flock to the new marquee venue in Festival Square.

More than 80 bars across the capital are taking in the event, which will also feature a hidden Masterclass Hub, a bravely-titled ‘Pornstar Martini Party’, and distillery tours.

Described as a ‘social hub’, the village will be accessible with a wristband (£6-8) allowing visitors to purchase cocktails from 15 pop-up bars, including Edinburgh Gin, Grey Goose Vodka and St- Germain.

Organiser Gary Anderson said: “We wanted to give the event more of a festival feel this year, so we have introduced a much larger programme of things happening all around the city for wristband-holders to hop between on their cocktail adventure, as well as extending the event to seven days and increasing the number of bars taking part to spread footfall.

“As a city of event-goers we all love a pop-up space to hangout in, so the Cocktail Village is an exciting new development for the event and the city. It has been designed with an outdoor festival theme to make you feel like you are in an autumnal garden while being in the comfort of an enclosed marquee.”

He added: “With this year’s expansion also came a lot of work with brands and distribution to ensure supply meets demand; a challenge some bars faced last year. New partnerships with brands and local distributors will ensure sufficient stock levels are in place with backup stock from local warehouses just a phone call away.”

There is also a programme of events, masterclasses and parties for wristband-holders to attend throughout the week, kicking off with a ‘Pornstar Martini Party’ hosted by Absolut Vodka at 4042, Edinburgh’s newest late-night venue.

Partying continues throughout the week as Altos Tequila host a sleepover themed party at Tonic with a menu of £4 ‘Agave Dream’ inspired cocktails to choose from. Entry to both events are free on a first-come basis and tables can be booked in advance by contacting each venue directly. Thrill-seeking wristband-holders are invited to join Chivas Regal for a whisky themed Escape Room at Nightcap. Designed for both experienced and amateur whisky drinkers, attendees must use their senses to guide themselves through a labyrinth of flavour, collecting whisky along the way to unlock and create their own personalised blend at the end of the challenge, before enjoying a complimentary cocktail in the Nightcap Lounge.

Wristbands are on sale now (£6 for weekday, £8 weekend). Visit www.edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk