Spring Edition set the bar high

May’s inaugural Spring Edition proved that Aberdeen’s cocktail scene is better than ever, with many attendees saying the cocktail line-up was the “best ever”!. More than two dozen venues poured over 70 limited‑edition serves, and festival‑goers crowned Soul’s Kayleigh Forbes’ “Strawbello Spritz” as Cocktail of the Year (Pictured).

New £6 price

In response to rising supply costs and to give bartenders the freedom to work with premium spirits and fresh produce, ABZCW is introducing a £6 mandatory price, replacing the £5 price point we’ve held since starting. Meaning venues will be required to have at least one cocktail priced at £6 or less on their menus.

What to expect this October

• 25+ participating bars, cafés and restaurants – including firm favourites and first‑time collaborators.
• An exclusive festival menu at each venue, only available with your wristband and featuring at least one £6 signature serve.
• In Spring more than half of the cocktails on offer were priced at £6 or less, we expect Autumn to be the same.
• The return of the Golden Jigger competition, where you decide which creation is crowned!

Early‑bird tickets on sale now

Early‑bird wristbands are available today from just £7, once they’re gone, prices rise to £9 advanced and £12 last‑chance. Secure yours here and start planning your route around the Granite City’s best bars.

Grab your friends, grab your wristband and we’ll see you in October!

The decadent drink, featuring Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, Kinder Bueno-infused Revolution Vodka, milk, caramel syrup, and a signature Dough & Co doughnut garnish, proved irresistible to voters.

Inspired by his sweet tooth and a desire to spotlight a local business, Lewis collaborated with neighbouring doughnut shop Dough & Co, blending bold flavours and playful presentation to create a cocktail that’s as fun as it is indulgent.

Lewis Brown at Revolution on Belmont Street

“I’m thrilled to have won, especially considering the incredible drinks that were in the running,” said Lewis, who has worked in hospitality for seven years. “Our team at Revolution has built such a great relationship with Dough & Co, This was a perfect opportunity to support them while creating something delicious that brings joy to our customers.”

Recipe

Re-create Lewis’ “Doughnut Kill My Vibe”

Ingredients

25ml Kahlua Coffee Liqueur
25ml “Kinder Bueno” Hazelnut infused Revolution Vodka
50ml Milk
12.5ml Caramel Syrup
1 Dough and Co Doughnut
Chocolate syrup

Add your Coffee liqueur, Kinder Bueno Vodka, Milk and Caramel Syrup to a shaker with ice. Shake hard to combine.

Method

Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled tumbler, add a scoop of ice and pour over your cocktail mixture.

Garnish with a Dough & Co doughnut.

Other notable mentions have been given to other standout creations, including:

“Pom in the Granite” by Amanda Geddes (Soul)

“Macarthur’s Mai Tai” by Andy Stewart (The Albyn)

“Apple & Pears” by Niamh Kelly (The Esslemont)

“Cinnamon Sour” by Tom Rutherford (Number 10)

Each of these received a high number of nominations and glowing feedback from festival-goers for their bold flavours and imaginative twists.

As the winner, Lewis receives his golden jigger trophy and, of course, priceless bragging rights.

“Bartenders at high-volume venues like Revolution rarely get to showcase their own cocktail ideas to customers. So we’re delighted to provide a platform that allows talented individuals like Lewis to flex their creativity. Aberdeen Cocktail Week gives every bartender, regardless of venue style, the opportunity to showcase their skills and if they are lucky, take home the golden jigger!” shared Charlie Bain, operations manager for Aberdeen Cocktail Week.

For 2025, the awards programme is expanding with new categories and a condensed timeline. The next Aberdeen Cocktail Week takes place May 14-25, 2025. For more information, visit aberdeencocktailweek.com

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 exclusively to wristband holders from just £5, with a selection of £6 local showcase, no-alcohol and signature cocktails also on offer to attendees – something for all tastes. The full line-up of cocktails and participants will be revealed in advance.

“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,” says Gregor Sey, organiser of Aberdeen Cocktail Week. “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.”

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 go on sale today, with a limited quantity of early-bird tickets available from just £7 (no booking fees) 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.

Martin Widerlechner of The McGintys Group who runs Under The Hammer and other hospitality venues in the city centre shared “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.”

The Spring edition of Aberdeen Cocktail Week is backed by Aberdeen Inspired, the city centre’s Business Improvement District.

Chief executive Adrian Watson 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.”

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 aberdeencocktailweek.com to purchase tickets and in due course explore the full lineup of participating venues and cocktails on offer.

Follow @aberdeencocktailweek on social media for the latest updates, sneak peeks of featured cocktails, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content as the city prepares for this exciting Spring edition

The SLTN Awards are a celebration of excellence in Scotland’s hospitality industry, and it’s fantastic to see so many of our participating venues being recognised for their hard work and dedication.

The Craftsman Company is up for the Beer Quality Award. Known for its exceptional craft beer selection and laid-back atmosphere, The Craftsman is also one of the 30+ venues offering exclusive cocktails to wristband holders during Aberdeen Cocktail Week.

The Albyn has been nominated for Best Outdoor Area. With its beautifully designed outdoor space and nice vibes, The Albyn could be a must-visit spot of the weather is on our side.

Both The Ivy Lodge and The Old Workshop have been recognized for their outstanding spirits selection, with both venues shortlisted for Spirits Bar of the Year. Their impressive collections and expert mixology will be on full display during Aberdeen Cocktail Week, with special menus for wristband holders to enjoy.

We’re proud to support these fantastic venues and excited to see them recognised by SLTN. Be sure to visit them during Aberdeen Cocktail Week and experience what makes them stand out.