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Top 10
What’s on in May
From a Greek summer party to a Scotland-based whisky festival, we’ve rounded-up the best spirits-themed events for May.
It’s time to dig out your sunnies, slather on the SPF and keep yourself hydrated with a refreshing cocktail or two. We’ve rounded up some of the best drink-fuelled events on in May around the world, as we hurtle at high speed towards summer.
Dreaming of sitting on a sun-drenched terrace with a Spritz in hand? Or maybe you’re ready to dance on the tables at a Barcelona street party? Whichever it is, make sure you keep scrolling for the best events going down in the world of spirits this May.
European Spring Spritz menus
What: Spring Spritzes from Europe’s best bars
Where: European Hoxton Hotel venues
When: From 27 April
Warmer weather means it’s officially Spritz season, and this summer a collection of the best bars in Europe have teamed up with The Hoxton and The London Essence Company to create a menu of Spring Spritzes that will be served on The Hoxton hotel terraces across Europe.
Crafted using premium spirits from the Bacardi portfolio, acclaimed bars including London-based Coupette and Eve Bar, Paris’ Little Red Door, Amsterdam’s Flying Dutchman Cocktails and the Barcelona-based Paradiso have each created their own limited edition Spritz.
Two Schmucks’ street party
What: Americana Schmuck Street party
Where: Barcelona, Spain
When: Sunday 1 May
There ain’t no party like a Two Schmucks’ party, because a Two Schmucks’ party is a full takeover of one of the buzziest streets in Barcelona in partnership with its mates from The States.
Flying over from the US for the second edition of the Schmuck Street Party series, New York’s NoMad and Double Chicken Please, and LA’s pop-up dive bar, What If, will come together in the bustling Barcelona neighbourhood of El Raval to take over the trifecta of Schmuck venues: Two Schmucks, Fat Schmuck and Lucky Schmuck, for a day of whimsical cocktails, redefining dishes and dive bar levels of debauchery.
Lyaness X Panda & Sons
What: Lyaness takes over Panda & Sons
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: Wednesday 4 May
The Southbank-based Lyaness is travelling north of the border to take over one of Edinburgh’s best bars this May. Panda and Sons will play host to the London bar for one night in collaboration with Pernod Ricard UK
The unique style of Lyaness will be showcased with six bespoke cocktails for the evening, while the very best of Scottish hospitality makes all guests feel welcome. Reservations are highly recommended.
Nōema returns
What: Summer opening party
Where: Mykonos, Greece
When: 6 May
This former open-air cinema turned restaurant, bar and concept store on the Greek island of Mykonos is preparing for a celebratory season of bohemian drinking, dining and dancing.
Nōema will kick off another season of cross-cultural musical experimentation with an opening party, featuring renowned DJs Valeron and Derun who will play in the hidden open courtyard as the night of drinking and dining unfolds.
A celebration of agave spirits
What: La Piñata Tequila & Mezcal Festival
Where: Tobacco Dock, London
When: 7 May
All aboard the agave train. This all day event in London will be a celebration of all things agave and Mexican culture, and the best place to taste and celebrate some of the best Tequilas and mezcals on the market.
La Piñata will be bringing together masterclasses and tasting rooms from 20 exhibitors from across the agave categories, including the likes of The Butterfly Cannon Tequila and The Lost Explorer mezcal, as well as cocktails from bars such as London’s Agaveria, Hacha, which will be serving up the very best Margarita’s, Paloma’s and Michelada’s for when you fancy something longer than a copita.
Scotland’s definitive whisky festival
What: National Whisky festival of Scotland – Glasgow edition
Where: Glasgow, Scotland
When: 7 May
Now in its seventh year, The National Whisky Festival is returning for the first of its two annual events which will see more than 200 whiskies available to sample from some of the most celebrated names in the industry.
Along with an extensive programme of mixology, local food vendors, cutting edge musicians and live artists, the flagship event is the festival to attend if you’re looking for a celebration of the contemporary character and experimental nature of Scotland’s national drink.
Prowein
What: International Trade Fair
Where: Düsseldorf, Germany
When: 15-17 May
Making its return following a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the flagship Prowein fair is set to be bigger than ever. Visitors can expect to see more than 5,500 exhibitors, including more than 150 spirits exhibitors across the three day event.
If you enjoy learning about the latest trends in drinks, the fair’s trend show in Hall 7 will be the area to head to, with the theme ‘same but different’ set for 2022. This is where you will find the pioneers, trendsetters and market leaders in the growth segments of spirits and cider, and you should expect to see a lot of low-and-no drinks presented by the show’s 120 exhibitors.
Properly Improper Society
What: Brand-hosted celebration
Where: Soho, London
When: 19-21 May
This three day celebration of all things ‘improper’, presented by gin brand Brockmans, will see a host of performances, cocktail masterclasses and musical experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Renowned for its daring blend of dark berries and noble traditions, Brockmans will be transforming the space across four rooms into a ‘properly improper’ world, complete with a delicious bar offering of Brockmans’ cocktail creations. Masterclasses will demonstrate the best ways to enjoy the gin at home, with live performances including musicians, DJs, comedians and spoken word artists bringing the entertainment.
Tickets will be priced at £12 (US$15.08) for the performances and at £8 (US$10.06) for the cocktail masterclasses.
Fèis Ìle 2022
What: Islay Whisky Festival
Where: Islay, Scotland
When: 27 May to 4 June
This 10 day event often defines the whisky calendar. A festival which gathers together whisky and Islay fans to celebrate the Scottish island in all her glory.
The festival combines a mix of tastings, tours, beach walks, ceilidhs, sunsets and sunrises, all with the aim of supporting the culture and community of the island. Run by nonprofit Fèis Ìle Committee, the festival is a mostly unticketed event, and will host many open days from some of the island’s best known distilleries, including Lagavulin, Caol Ila, Bruichladdich and Laphroaig.
Islay distillery Ardbeg recently revealed a limited edition single malt called Ardcore to mark this year’s Fèis Ìle festival.
Roma bar show
What: International bar and beverage trade show
Where: Rome, Italy
When: 30-31 May
With thousands of bars and industry players, the Roma Bar Show is the only Italian event dedicated exclusively to the beverage industry and the world of mixology.
The two-day event will feature a Mexico Village where the country and it’s spirit tradition will be celebrated; a Coffee Village, where the role of coffee in bars and beyond will be explored; and Piazza Italia, a large area dedicated specifically to the world of Italian liquor-making and distillery tradition. The show will also host seminars and masterclasses, and beyond the walls of the exhibition centre, cocktail bars, speakeasies and hotel terraces will host events in association with the brands involved with the show, including special menus and exclusive serves.