Industry Update: From coffee and cake sessions to margarita masterclasses – Glasgow Cocktail Week unveils its cocktail extravaganza
With only three weeks to go until Glasgow Cocktail Week (GCW) takes over the city, the festival has announced an eclectic mix of masterclasses, unique events, and tasting sessions set to delight cocktail lovers.
Pairing up Haircuts and Highballs for a pop-up barber shop like no other, Coffee and Cake sessions tailor-made for a BFF day out, a makeup and cocktail masterclass with the ‘Darling’ of makeup brands Charlotte Tilbury, or Master the Margarita as a unique way to kick off a Friday night in town – GCW 2024 has brand new experiences to suit every taste.
Taking place from Friday 19th April – Sunday 28th April 202, in their beautiful new Courtyard bar and events space in the stunning surroundings of Princes Square, GCW welcomes in a new era of interactive mixology classes where guests can roll up their sleeves and learn more about how to make their favourite serves at home, at the city’s biggest cocktail festival. And what’s more, to get you in the mood for the festival, you can enjoy a special 25% spring discount off wristbands this weekend. Buy yours now priced at £7.50 (normally £10) with a masterclass and cocktail included. Use promo code PAYDAY here until midnight on Sunday, 7th April.
Whisky fans can indulge in the world of whisky blending with Woven Whisky or partake in Islay’s Smokehead Whisky masterclass, whilst gin fans will learn how to pair the perfect Brockmans Gin serve with luxurious chocolate, or walk on the wild side with Buck and Birch’s exotic Scottish flavours. Or enter the world of Sugarlandia with Don Papa rum in an interactive session. Guests will enjoy a cocktail before the 30 – 45 minute classes, and can indulge in post-class cocktails at the GCW Courtyard Bar in Princes Square to round off this unique cocktail experience.
The hands-on sessions will take place on the ground floor of Princes Square at GCW’s Courtyard Bar. Your choice of masterclass plus one cocktail is included with the purchase of a GCW wristband, or book your masterclasses here: www.eventcreate.com/e/gcw-masterclasses-2024
What’s more , the festival has also announced a special festival warm-up with Pavilion Festival as its secret DJ set on Saturday night in their Princes Sq popup bar. With DJ sets from STREETrave residents Casey Boyne and Stevie Green. It’s the perfect way to get warmed up for the big event and if you’re lucky you might get your hands on a pair of VIP tickets, as they give away surprises on the night.
A first for GCW, the new Princes Sq bar will ensure cocktail aficionados can pop in for the very best beverages Glasgow has to offer running Thursdays – Sundays during the festival. The bar will welcome cocktail lovers to beautiful booths where they can enjoy a tipple or two from pop-up brands, plus expect live sets from buskers and an exciting secret DJ takeover on Saturday 20th April, in addition to the huge range of masterclasses.
The festival features a city wide takeover including some of Glasgow’s favourite venues for a late night cocktail from the decadent Alchemist, the luxe interiors of The Citizen, West End fav The Locale to East End hotspot The Gate, Malo’s intimate negroni and wine bar setting, views of the city at VEGA and more. This year, a GCW ticket includes a cocktail masterclass, plus ticket holders will once again access exclusive discounted cocktails and unlock Glasgow Cocktail Week menus with their wristbands at a host of top venues across the city.
Glasgow Cocktail Week organiser, Nicola Gemmell Moir said:
“Now more than ever, you want to seek out new experiences with your friends. That’s why we’ve created brand new interesting events, and our first ever line-up of GCW masterclasses that combine premium brands and beautiful cocktails in our stunning popup bar and events space in Princes Sq. We’ll be bringing some of the UK’s most exciting drinks brands to the city centre, to invite cocktail lovers to learn more about classic serves, and potentially discover their new favourite cocktail.
“These fun, interactive classes are the perfect way to mix things up for a totally unique day out in Glasgow, with limited spaces available. Plus, after the classes, guests can sit back and relax in the popup Courtyard Bar, enjoy our immersive setup, and get some great cocktails and pictures for the ‘gram.Don’t miss out – book your tickets now!”
Glasgow Cocktail Week is a cocktail experience like no other. A chance to sample the best cocktails across the city with a programme packed with parties, delicious drinks and an exploration of mixology.
The 2024 festival partners include Belvedere Vodka, Glenmorangie Whisky, Brockmans Gin, Smokehead Whisky, Edinburgh Gin, Eminente Rum, Buck and Birch, Don Papa Rum, Woven whisky, Cross Brew, Langs Rum, Highland Park whisky and Brugal rum. We’ll also be showcasing No and Lo with Crossip drinks, and Fevertree.
Tickets for Glasgow Cocktail Week are now on sale. Tickets are £7.50 until Sunday 7th April with special promo code ‘PAYDAY’ and include one masterclass and cocktail at Princes Sq as part of the ticket price – www.glasgowcocktailweek.com
