What's On At Manchester Loves Cocktails

Confidentials 29 July 2016

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THERE'S so much happening at Manchester Loves Cocktails that even just selecting the highlights is tricky. Running from 8-14 August, it's a seven-day festival of tastings, competitions, parties, masterclasses and discounted cocktails, and every day has a packed schedule.

You're guaranteed a fantastic week of socialising, sipping, and exploring how to drink well.

The good news is, you have access to almost everything in the festival if you buy a £10 wristband (just £5 for bar industry staff). So even if you only have time to go to two or three events, you'll get your money's worth. And you're guaranteed a fantastic week of socialising, sipping, mixing, and learning how to drink well.

Here's our pick of the events. There's lots more happening each day - get the full line-up.

Buy your wristband here

Monday 8 August

Gin Safari Whitley Neill

Tusk, 6-8pm

Join us at Tusk for a gin safari with African-inspired gin, Whitley Neill.

You’ll learn all about the history of Whitley Neill, its African inspiration and get some expert tuition on gin, botanicals and tonics. You’ll also enjoy a selection of delicious cocktails and G&Ts made with along the way.

Discover Auchentoshan

The Whiskey Jar, 6pm-8pm

Take a tour through the Auchentoshan range of single malt whiskies and create your own Auchy and Ale Cocktail. This will be an interactive session including a tutored tasting.

Manchester Loves Cocktails Opening Party

Crazy Pedro's, 9pm-4am

Celebrate the opening of Manchester Loves Cocktails 2016. Music, food, great company and, of course, cocktails.

Tuesday 9 August

A Toast to Paris with Courvoisier

Arcane, 12.30pm-2.30pm / 6pm – 7.30pm

Take part in a sensory masterclass exploring one of the most aromatic cognacs, Courvoisier. Global Brand Ambassador Rebecca Asseline will lead a tutored tasting to bring this famous cognac to life. The session will feature the new Courvoisier range (VS, VSOP and XO).

The Fitzgerald Presents Lawless Cinema

The Fitzgerald, 7pm-9.30pm

A private screening of Lawless – the true story of the infamous Bondurant Brothers: bootlegging siblings who made their mark in Prohibition-era Virginia. The event includes a welcome drink from Hudson and free popcorn.

Ketel One Vodka Kitchen

Epernay, 8pm – 9.30pm

Join four industry luminaries to guide you through the 325 history and heritage of ketel 1, and the art of mixing your own Martini and Bloody Mary.

Wednesday 10 August

Understanding Sake with Akashi Tai

Cottonopolis, 6pm-8pm

There's nothing more on trend right now than Sake and sushi. Join Craig Macdonald from Akashi Tai Sake Brewery to understand the process and culture behind the traditional, handcrafted approach to creating the finest Japanese sake.

Gringo Bingo in association with el Jimador

Blackdog NQ, 6.30-8.30pm

This Mexican take on bingo (commonly known as lotteria) has to be experienced. Go along to indulge in some delicious tequila treats courtesy of el Jimador and see what prizes you could win. A selection of tequila cocktails will be on offer, and host Gabriel will teach people the proper way to play.

Big Fat Quiz Of The Week

Crazy Pedros, 9.30pm – 11pm

Much like our beloved beer pong this will be one not to miss. Teams of 5, all in matching ‘uniform’. Great prizes and crazy prizes, including one for best dressed team. Test your booze knowledge with a never before seen picture round. 2 Hosts. 1 from Pedro’s vs 1 from Liars. Teams vote for their favourite host.

Thursday 11 August

The Ginnaisance hosted by The American Bar at The Savoy

El Gato Negro, 7pm-10pm

Head to El Gato Negro for this evening hosted by The American Bar at The Savoy and Portobello Road Gin. World-class bartenders will teach you tricks and feed you facts about all your favourite gin cocktails, while you sup Manchester-themed libations and new creations inspired by the famous Savoy Cocktail Book.

Quack & Forth - A History of Vodka Cocktails Aylesbury

Pen and Pencil, 7-9pm

A brief history of time, through the eyes of vodka. A journey through the development of the vodka based cocktail and where it fits in modern cocktail culture.

A Night of American Gin & Swing

Cane & Grain, 7pm-10pm

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 an informal Deaths Door spirits masterclass. Expect saxophones, lab coats and gin.

Friday 12 August

Dancing with Daiquiris

Liquor Store, 2pm-4pm

Come dance the afternoon away with Bacardi. Get a crash dance lesson while enjoying a daquiri of your choice. A party for your hips and lips.

Gin Cocktails that changed the World with Tanqueray

Red Door, 7-9pm

As we enter a new age of Gin cocktails, join our Tanqueray Ambassador for a fascinating look back at the drinks that changed the way we enjoy the beautiful spirit. With a chance to create your own classic Gin cocktail and win a £50 Red Door gift card!

Blackwell’s presents...Jamaican Me Hungry

Liars Club, 4pm-11pm

Liars Club and Blackwell’s rum are pairing up to throw the best Jamaican-inspired BBQ party this side of the Atlantic. Caribbean flavours, reggae vibes and rum punches – a little bit of Jamaican sunshine in Manchester.

Saturday 13 August

The Aviation All-American Gin Party

Gorilla, 7pm-2am

Fly in the face of tradition with Aviation Gin at Gorilla with their All-American Gin Party. Expect informal tastings & great American vibes.

A Brockmans’s Gin-tervention, Gin tasting Desert pairing

Allotment, 6-8pm

Travel the world of Brockmans with us, from Italy all the way to china. Learn about Brockmans from the botanicals up whilst enjoying some delicious desserts prepared by our chef.

DJ Bar Wars: Liars vs Pedros

9pm-4am at The Liars Club

Crazy Pedro’s battle against The Liars Club in an epic sound clash. Witness a dance-off between staff from each bar and end Manchester Loves Cocktails with a bang.