Aberdeen Cocktail Week is an incredible opportunity to explore some of the city’s many bars, sample exclusive drinks, and become a judge for the annual cocktail of the year awards. If it’s your first time, here’s a breakdown of what to expect and some tips to make the most of your experience.
1. Overview of the Festival
Aberdeen Cocktail Week is on a mission to showcase city’s bars, bartenders and overall hospitality scene. We believe Aberdeen punches well above its weight for a night out with options for every taste and occasion, we want to show this to as many people as possible both locally and beyond. With a wristband, you gain access to exclusive cocktails – with many priced at just £5 each – across multiple venues.
It’s not just about the drinks – it’s about re-discovering Aberdeen, visiting bars you may have never visited and seeing what has changed in others. Expect vibrant atmospheres, friendly crowds, and a chance to discover hidden gems among Aberdeen’s best bars.
2. What to Bring
- Your Wristband: This is your golden ticket to all the exclusive cocktails. Without it, you won’t be able to access the special menus, so keep it on you at all times.
- Guidebook: Use this to navigate the venues, discover the drink offerings and keep score of those you try. The two-page map helps you to plan your route, and ensure you don’t miss any must-try spots.
- ID and Essentials: Some venues may require you to show ID, especially if you’re on the younger side or are lucky enough to look under 25. We recommend that you bring cash and a card, as some locations may be card-only.
3. Pace Yourself
Don’t feel the need to rush through the line-up. Aberdeen Cocktail Week runs from Wednesday, October 16th until Wednesday, October 23rd, so you have 8 full days to explore the city.
Make a point to drink water in between cocktails to stay hydrated. All bars offer free tap water.
Give yourself time to soak in each venue’s atmosphere and grab a bite to eat at the venues that serve food.
4. Meeting Other Attendees
Past attendees often tell us how it’s great to be out in the city with so many like-minded people and share their recommendations.
5. Exploring the Venues
Aberdeen Cocktail Week features a variety of venues, from cosy pubs to upscale lounges. And some venues have more to offer than just cocktails, check out Arcadia where you get £5 gaming credit with every cocktail and Codonas who are offering £3 bowling every day between 6pm and 10pm.
6. Final Tips for First-Timers
- Document the Experience: Take photos, jot down scores for your cocktails, and if you share your journey on social media please tag us so we can see and re-share.
- Give Feedback: At the end of the week, take a moment to give us feedback on what you loved and didn’t like, plus your nomination for the Cocktail of the Year awards. A link to the survey will be emailed to all attendees when live.
Enjoy the experience, savour the flavours, and explore Aberdeen!
Cheers! 🍸