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Top 10
What’s on in May 2023
From Teremana Tequila’s campaign relaunch to celebrations for World Margarita Day, we’ve uncovered the industry highlights for the month of May.
Bar pop-ups are taking over the world this May, with some seeing makeovers and roll-outs of special deals for World Margarita Day, and others hosting cocktail festivals and bar takeovers.
Find out what events are happening near you next month – May is certainly jam-packed with exciting experiences in the cocktail world.
For all the best industry events happening around the world, scroll on.
Rotunda’s Tulum Terrace
What: A restaurant transforms into a tropical Tulum terrace
Where: London, UK
When: Throughout May
Experience the bohemian vibes of Tulum in London at King’s Cross-based canal-side restaurant Rotunda. The pop-up launched on 27 April, and will transport visitors to Riviera Maya ‘all summer long’.
On 11 May, a Margarita masterclass will be hosted for World Margarita Day (13 May).
For the rest of the time, a portfolio of Tequilas is available (including Kah Tequila and Rooster Rojo Tequila), accompanied by a programme of events from yoga and wellness to botanical workshops and weekly sundown sessions with a line-up of DJs, plus mezcal and Tequila master classes.
1923 Prohibition Bar’s events
What: A roster of events hosted at Mandalay Bay
Where: Las Vegas, US
When: Throughout May
Three events are being launched at 1923 Prohibition Bar at Mandalay Bay this May. Nola Nights will take place on Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month, from 9pm to 12am PDT.
The evenings will feature live music with Troy Romzek, and seductive burlesque performances by Teri London, Lola Legs and The Kendra.
Plus World Whisky Day (20 May) will see the venue offer masterfully curated Bourbon whiskey flights and classic whiskey cocktails from 11am to 2am. Finally, on 30 May – also known as National Mint Julep Day – the venue will offer the drinks for US$18 each.
Don Julio’s vouchers drop
What: The opportunity to win Tequila vouchers
Where: Online
When: 1-7 May
Celebrating Cinco de Mayo (5 May) in style, Tequila brand Don Julio is releasing 10,000 vouchers (Don Julio Cincos) worth US$50,000.
Designed by Mexican Artist Claudio Limon and inspired by the brand’s Mexican heritage, Don Julio Cincos are digital and physical paper vouchers that each unlock US$5 for people to spend at a local bar or restaurant of their choice in celebration of the spirited holiday.
To obtain a voucher, consumers can visit the brand’s Instagram page between 1-7 May, where vouchers will be available via its stories. Alternatively, New Yorkers can swing by Don Julio’s ‘ATM’ at 182 Lafayette Street, New York, NY on Cinco de Mayo, where they can win up to 10 Don Julio Cincos (worth $50). A limited amount of Don Julio Cincos will be available.
Teremana and Dwayne Johnson’s Guac on the Rock returns
What: Buy a cocktail with guac for a US$10 return
Where: US bars and restaurants serving Teremana
When: 1-7 May
Actor Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson and Teremana Tequila initially launched the Guac on the Rock campaign in 2021, where consumers that visited bars and restaurants and ordered guacamole with any Teremana Tequila cocktail were reimbursed for their avocado-based dip by Johnson.
The Guac on The Rock campaign was created to encourage patrons to drink and dine out however they feel most comfortable – indoors or outdoors, or ordering food and drinks to-go – to help support the on-trade following the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, it is being relaunched for one week in May to simply encourage guests to continue to order from their local restaurants.
Teremana was founded by Johnson, Dany Garcia, Jenna Fagnan and Ken Austin, and launched in March 2020.
Singapore Cocktail Festival
What: Asia’s most anticipated cocktail party
Where: Bayfront Event Space, Singapore
When: 5-21 May, with various take over dates
Marking its ninth consecutive year, 2023’s Singapore Cocktail Festival will see 45 cocktail bars take part across the Lion City.
The theme this year is ‘Shaking Up New Possibilities’, and iconic bar Smoke & Mirrors is just one venue hosting some impressive takeovers, from the likes of Sora Bar, The House Collective, and Wishbone Bar.
Distilled Spirits conference
What: Distillers, scientists and researchers converse
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
When: 9-11 May
The eighth Worldwide Distilled Spirits Conference (WDSC) presents the theme of ‘Sustaining Future Reality: Delivering Distilling Excellence and Developments’ this year.
Distillers, research scientists and suppliers to the spirits sector will come together to discuss current challenges, find ground-breaking solutions and learn from and connect with each other.
Organised by the Scottish section of the Institute of Brewing & Distilling and taking place at Edinburgh International Conference Centre, the event will deliver a mix of academic research and industry presentations.
Nightjar marks the coronation
What: Specially-made serves to celebrate the King’s coronation
Where: Nightjar, London, UK
When: Throughout May
Shoreditch bar Nightjar, known for its funky glassware and innovative cocktails, is offering up two cocktails for the King’s big day.
The bar’s English Royal Punch and El Rey serves will be on offer, with the former made up of Hennesy VS, Emminente YO, orange liquor, hedgerow and Port jelly, cumberland sauce, apple and rhubarb juice, and cream Earl Grey tea. Meanwhile, the El Rey is a blend of Volcan Tequila, Montelobos mezcal, blandis rich madeira, quaglia chinotto liqueur, Mozzart dark chocolate, and lime juice.
For a round-up of how spirits brands are marking the coronation, click here.
Lecce Cocktail Week
What: A week showcasing the Puglian city’s ‘vibrant’ bar scene
Where: Puglia, Italy
When: 15-21 May
In a bid to showcase the Puglian city’s ‘vibrant’ bar scene, Lecce Cocktail Week (LCW) has been established with 32 participating bars. The week-long celebration will include cocktails at discounted prices ranging from €5-€8 (US$5.45-$8.72).
Bars confirmed for the celebrations include Laurus, Quanta Basta, 300 Mila, Al Baffo, Al Ventuno, and Palazzo BN.
For more information, click here.
Vinexpo Asia
What: A trade fair to explore a range of spirits
Where: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
When: 23-25 May
One thousand exhibitors and up to 8,000 trade visitors will come together for three days of engagement and business in Singapore.
Vinexpo Asia aims to play an ‘influential role’ in the international arena, renewing its commitment to Asia-Pacific to secure its position as a ‘key business platform’ for professionals, in a region where wine and spirits imports are increasing.
Paradiso X The Donovan
What: The Donovan Bar hosts Paradiso for a one-night-only takeover
Where: London, UK
When: 24 May
Mayfair-based bar The Donovan will host Barcelona’s acclaimed Paradiso for a one-night-only takeover.
Paradiso’s Giacomo Giannotti will be joining Salvatore Calabrese, aka ‘The Maestro’, and The Donovan Bar team for the evening, bringing their experimental cocktails from Barcelona.