IT’S hard to believe that Manchester Loves Cocktails is the city’s first ever cocktail festival proper but, pass the shaker and let’s get on with it for seven whole days (August 8-14).
Like the recent Manchester Beer Week it’s a multi-venue drinkathon, this time with all kind of brand ambassadors fuelling the mixological mayhem at top creative venues such as Hawksmoor, Tariff and Dale (pictured below), The Alchemist, El Gato Negro, Cane & Grain, The Pen and Pencil, Mojo, Gorilla and Cottonopolis.
Expect a host of one-off events, tasting dinners, masterclass sessions, competitions and parties to celebrate the art of mixing drinks and Manchester’s vibrant cocktail scene.
In addition to the packed event programme each of the venues will collaborate on a one-off exclusive cocktail menu with one of world’s best spirit brands – the likes of El Jimador, Bacardi, Ketel One, Portobello Road, Tanqueray, Hudson, Montelobos Mezcl and Licor 43.
Each cocktail is just £4.50 and available exclusively for wristband holders during the seven days of festival.
There is also a series of events, tastings and masterclasses designed for bartenders and those that work in the drinks industry, including a ‘War of Roses’ cocktail competition against counterparts in Leeds where Leeds Loves Cocktails has been running for four years.
To gain access to festival events and the discounted cocktails attendees have to buy Manchester Loves Cocktails wristbands for £10. Trade wristbands are available for those that work in the bar industry at a discounted price of £5 – proof of employment must be shown upon collection. Wristbands can be bought from this link or the festival hub, Crazy Pedro’s. Follow @MCRCocktails for updates.
There are 40 events in all. Here are five of the best:Tuesday, August 9, 7pm-9:30pm. The Fitzgerald Presents Lawless Cinema A private screening of Lawless – the true story of the infamous Bondurant Brothers,bootlegging siblings who made a run for the American Dream in Prohibition-era Virginia. A welcome drink from Hudson Whiskey and free popcorn. See The Fitzgerald’s Facebook page page for details.
Thursday, August 11, 7pm-10pm. Woodford Reserve: 'The Art of the Old Fashioned' Dinner at Tariff & Dale Taste through the history of one of the world’s most popular cocktails – a gallery of three whiskeys and three cocktails paired with five courses of fantastic food, including Woodford cured salmon tartare and bourbon-gazed beef short rib. It’s hosted by Woodford brand ambassador Nate Booker. £35 with your wristband, £50 without. To book ring 0161 710 2233.
Thursday, August 11, 7pm-2am. A night of American Gin & Swing at Cane & Grain A night of experimental and interactive Deaths Door cocktails and live American swing. Take a look behind the scenes at the Science and Industry ‘cocktail lab’ and join informal Deaths Door spirits masterclasses. Expect saxophones, lab coats and gin.
Friday, August 12, 2pm-4pm. Dancing with Daiquiris – Bacardi at Liquor Store Dance the afternoon away, get a crash hip-swinging lesson whilst enjoying a daquiri of your choice.
Friday, August 12 4pm-11pm. Blackwell’s presents Jamaican Me Hungry at Liars Club Blackwell’s rum and Liars Club are pairing up to throw the best Jamaican inspired BBQ party this side of the world.! Caribbean Flavours, reggae vibes and rum punches. Jamaican sunshine guaranteed!