Aberdeen Inspired has said cheers to a special Spring Edition of Aberdeen Cocktail Week, running from May 14 to 25.
Now in its fourth iteration, the festival expands beyond its usual October slot to the brighter days of May, promising a curated lineup of exclusive cocktails at top established and brand-new bars across Aberdeen.
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, said the city centre Business Improvement District is pleased to be backing this new venture for the popular cocktail week.
He said: "It is a real delight to see Aberdeen Cocktail Week spring into action for this special outing in May, adding its special recipe of fun and colour to the lighter days which are on their way.
“The week is bound to draw people into the city centre to enjoy up to 100 exciting special cocktails at some of the best bars the Granite City has to offer. More footfall, a boost for the hospitality sector and a lift for the city centre economy – that's something worth raising a glass to."
Gregor Sey, organiser of Aberdeen Cocktail Week, said: "Every October we wish we didn't have to wait another year for cocktail week to return so we're excited to bring the festival back in May.
"Our regulars told us they wanted more time to explore the city's cocktail scene and a more focused selection of must-try drinks. This feedback inspired us to extend the festival's duration and present a handpicked collection of standout drinks - allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship behind each creation.
“We're also thrilled to be working alongside Aberdeen Inspired and the Ultimate Masterclass Festival to add our part to the city's lineup. With Louis Theroux and James Corden in town, it's the perfect opportunity to experience Aberdeen's cocktail culture."
Light nights go with tasty cocktails. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Popular venues including Dusk, The Firepit, Soul, Revolucion de Cuba and Under The Hammer are among those participating in the 12-day celebration of Aberdeen's cocktail scene.
Each venue will present between one and four signature creations, crafted by local bartenders. Most bars will offer one or more cocktails to wristband holders for just £5, while venues featuring an Aberdeen producer will price their signature cocktail at £6.
In addition to sampling unique drinks, wristband-holders receive a printed guidebook to browse the menus and keep score of each cocktail sampled ahead of nominating Aberdeen's Cocktail of the Year.
Wristbands are now on sale priced at £12, with a limited quantity of early-bird tickets available from just £7 and offer exclusive access to all festival menus and events for the entire duration of the event.
Since its inception in 2022, Aberdeen Cocktail Week has driven tens of thousands of paying customers to local bars and attractions, boosting city-centre foot traffic and contributing significantly to the local economy while shining a spotlight on the city's evolving hospitality and tourism scene.
Organisers are committed to showcasing the best of the city and supporting Scotland's resilient hospitality venues during challenging times. With recent high-profile closures in the sector, the festival aims to rally support for the establishments that remain, helping to ensure Aberdeen's hospitality scene continues to punch above its weight despite current economic pressures.
Spring into action with Aberdeen Cocktail Week this May. Image - Aberdeen Inspired.
Martin Widerlechner of The McGintys Group who runs Under The Hammer and other hospitality venues in the city centre said: “Aberdeen Cocktail Week is now a well-established event in the calendar. It allows the venues to try new things, organise special events and hopefully welcome many new customers. Hospitality, like many other industries, faces many challenges these days so it's always great to see new faces coming through our doors.”
Additionally, the festival dates have been selected to coincide with the Ultimate Masterclass Festival, creating a citywide celebration that aims to transform Aberdeen into a cocktail hotspot this May.
Ryan Crighton, host of the Ultimate Masterclass Festival, said: "Aberdeen is in for a spectacular week, with the city centre buzzing like never before. The Ultimate Masterclass Festival is bringing world-class talent like Louis Theroux and James Corden to the Music Hall, and with Aberdeen Cocktail Week moving its dates to align with these events, it's set to be an unforgettable celebration of culture, conversation, and cocktails.
“This is exactly the kind of energy and collaboration that will help make Aberdeen a true destination city."
Cocktail enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their wristbands early, as discounted early-bird tickets will sell out quickly. Wristbands grant access to all exclusive festival menus and special events throughout the 12-day celebration.
Visit Aberdeen Cocktail Week website to purchase tickets and in due course explore the full lineup of participating venues and cocktails on offer.
Follow Aberdeen Cocktail Week on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates, sneak peeks of featured cocktails, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as the city prepares for this exciting Spring edition.