Edinburgh Cocktail Week 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.

Article Source: Edinburgh Cocktail Week
Last Updated: 4 September 2024 8:50

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.

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

United Airlines Celebrates Girls in Aviation Day at Edinburgh Airport

United Airlines inspires girls to pursue careers in aviation by opening the doors to their operation at Edinburgh Airport.

Christmas arrives at The Palace of Holyroodhouse

Visitors to the Palace of Holyroodhouse will see the State Apartments decked with glistening Christmas trees, garlands, and a magnificent table display to celebrate the festive season.

First Look at the Magical Festival Transformation at Duck & Waffle

This festive season, Duck & Waffle Edinburgh invites guests to leave the ordinary behind and step into the 'Chamber of Magic' - a world where wonder, mischief, and wizardry collide.

Celebrate the Festive Season with Caorunn Gin at the St James Quarter

Caorunn, the award-winning small batch gin from the Scottish Highlands, has unveiled an exclusive festive pop-up stand at St James Quarter Edinburgh, running until 31st December 2025.

BBC Cbeebies starts the Panto Season at Edinburgh Cinemas

Now a festive family tradition, the CBeebies panto Cinderella is coming to the big screen in Edinburgh from Friday 21st November.

Scottish rugby stars to ignite Edinburgh Castle this Friday at Castle of Light: Fire & Ice

Edinburgh Castle is set to shine this Friday (21 November) as Scotland rugby stars Matt Currie and Adelle Ferrie officially switch on the spectacular Castle of Light: Fire & Ice.

Celebrate The Autumn Internationals at The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh

As the Rugby Autumn Internationals take centre stage across the UK and Ireland, The Ivy on The Square, Edinburgh is serving up a winning special worthy of champions.

Spotlight shines on the first shows announced for redeveloped Kings Theatre

The King’s Theatre takes a major step forward on the path to reopening following its landmark redevelopment, unveiling some of the first shows set to appear on the iconic Edinburgh stage.

Four Major International Performances Go on Sale for Edinburgh International Festival 2026

Following a record number of sold-out performances in 2025, audiences can book early for what promise to be must-see performances in 2026!

Christmas in Edinburgh and Glasgow: Celebrate the festive season with Candlelight Concerts

Featuring classic Christmas carols, this live, multi-sensory musical experience will light up St Mary's Episcopal Cathedral and Merchants House and The Trades Hall for an unforgettable evening.

Find a Festive Backdrop in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife

From frosty gardens to candlelit palaces, National Trust for Scotland places in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Fife are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.

The Leddie Hotel in Aberlady announced its Christmas 2025 programme

The award-winnng Leddie Hotel in Aberlady has announced its Christmas 2025 programme, bringing together creative workshops, family experiences, live music and seasonal dining.

Charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes

Edinburgh locals are being encouraged to walk more as charity calls for urgent path funding to invest in safe, local routes.

Edinburgh Open Workshop Unveils An Exciting New Course Line Up for 2026

Edinburgh Open Workshop unveils an expanded range of hands-on workshops in woodworking, welding, DIY, mixed media, and two newly developed laser-cutting workshops.

Edinburgh locals encouraged to embrace the season of giving

Edinburgh locals are encouraged to embrace the season of giving with the launch of The Leith Collective’s Re-Gifting Tree and Christmas Tree Exchange projects.

Edinburgh International Film Festival announces dates and submission details for 2026

The revitalised Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) has announced today that its 79th edition will run from 13 - 19 August 2026.

The Doddie Weir match ball delivery is voted Greatest Murrayfield Moment

Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.

Forth Awards celebrates Amy Macdonald and Wet Wet Wet alongside local heroes

The Forth Awards, presented by Livingston Designer Outlet, crowned the very best of Edinburgh and the East last night at a star-studded award ceremony.

King Pins, state of the art bowling and activity venue, is set to open its second Scottish site in Edinburgh

King Pins is announcing a new bowling and activity venue opening in Waverley Bridge in Edinburgh in early 2026.

Edinburgh locals get discount at Hard Rock Cafe this November

This November, locals with an EH postcode can enjoy 25% off food and drinks until 5pm, Sunday to Friday, plus 25% off in retail at Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh.

Highlight paintings from Buckingham Palace go on display in Scotland

Portraits by Frans Hals, Titian and Parmigianino are among eight of the finest paintings from Buckingham Palace to go on display at the Palace of Holyroodhouse from today.

Roti King crowns Edinburgh with its first Scottish restaurant

Roti King is making its first move outside England, heading north to the foodie capital of Edinburgh.

Luxury kitchen brand unveils fully refurbished Edinburgh showroom

Harvey Jones, specialists in hand-crafted beautifully designed kitchens and luxury furniture for the home, has opened its doors to its newly refurbed Edinburgh showroom.

Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026

The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.

Medea to tour Scotland in 2026

Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).

Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation

Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.

18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening

Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.

The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025

From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.