Get set for Belfast's first cocktail week
Get your shakers at the ready, as Belfast prepares to launch its first-ever cocktail week this October.
Last updated 26th Sep 2017
Wine bars and pubs across the city will take part in the event, which sees specialist mixologists show off their skills with some weird and wonderful creations.
Running from October 16-22, some of the world’s best bartenders are in town for the festival kicking off at the Merchant’s iconic cocktail bar.
We have put together a guide of the venues taking part as Belfast shakes up the city:
The Merchant
London’s award winning Swift Bar will take up a special residency at The Merchant from October 16.
The bar was recently named the Spirit Award’s Best New International Cocktail Bar 2017 and is renowned for innovative cocktails and Irish coffee creations.
Sixty6 at the National
The Luggage Room is taking over this Cathedral Quarter venue transforming it back to the Prohibition age.
Staff will mix up their specialist signature creations such as The Darb (Citadelle gin shaken with apricot brandy, Italian vermouth and lemon juice as well as the Barney Barnato (pisco stirred with Cocchi Americano, Pierre Ferrand dry Curacao and aromatic bitters among others.
They are also hosting an intimate whiskey masterclass on October 19.
Award winning bartender and author Tristan Stephenson hosts a perfect cocktail lesson on October 22.
Tickets cost £10 and include a drink on arrival.
Others taking part include:
Bullitt Hotel introduces its new rooftop cocktail bar on its opening weekend
Bootleggers
Muriel’s Café Bar
The Spaniard
Babel
Bert’s Jazz bar at the Merchant
Most events are free and first come first served.
A full list of venues and ticketed events is available online