Opportunities to drink while networking are rife, as June is packed full of international trade shows and bar takeovers – how else should you start the summer?

Get your diaries out – but don’t feel too overwhelmed. This month is one for the networkers, whisky lovers, bar hoppers… essentially, there’s something for everyone in June. Pay a visit to the renowned Fèis Ìle festival on Islay as it sees off its last few days, or start thinking about which industry event would suit you – Tequila and mezcal-based, or a gin-heavy show?

Plus, bar takeovers are aplenty in the coming weeks, from agaveria Hacha’s summer terrace in London with Cazcabel Tequila, to São Paulo’s SubAstor hosting numerous famous industry faces in its hidden venue at Vila Madalena.

Scroll on for the hottest spirits events taking place across the world this month.

Fèis Ìle festival

What: Music and malt festival

When: 26 May-4 June

Where: Islay, Scotland

This nine-day music and whisky event takes place on the island of Islay in Scotland. Remaining days involve events at Kilchoman Distillery, a dram workshop, Elixir Distillers’ bar takeover, and more.

This year, whisky brands bottled special edition whiskies for the event.

Elements of Islay has released 288 bottles of its limited edition Beach Bonfire blended malt, while Bruichladdich Distillery has also unveiled exclusive bottlings to celebrate this year’s Fèis Ìle: Bruichladdich Rock’ndaal 02.1 and Port Charlotte Rock’ndaal 02.2.

Cazcabel x Hacha summer terrace

What: A Tequila takeover with a dedicated Cazcabel cocktail menu

When: 1 June-31 August

Where: London, UK

Taking place at London’s ‘leading agaveria’, Hacha in Brixton, the event will offer consumers a snazzy new menu, plus Tequila flights and Tequila tastings.

The limited-time drinks list includes five serves, ranging between £8.50-£10 (US$10.51-US$12.36), and includes the Coffee Colada (Cazcabel Coconut, Cazcabel Coffee, cold brew slushy and a dollop of coconut cream), and the Chamomile Spritz (Cazcabel Blanco, Cazcabel Honey, chamomile lemon sherbet and a dash of Moet & Chandon Champagne).

Bacardi’s Caribbean Flavour Rooms

What: A rum brand’s multi-sensory experience

Where: London, UK

When: 3-4 June

Celebrating the launch of its Caribbean Spiced rum in the UK, Bacardí has stepped up to host an immersive cocktail experience in June, with the promise of transporting visitors to a tropical paradise. Visitors aged 18 and over can venture across rooms that are specially designed to engage with the sensory system and trigger brain receptors through sight, sound, smell, and taste.

The experience involves walking through clouds of cinnamon and vanilla, a sweet haze of aromas, and entering the Coconut Chamber, which is surrounded by coconut palm trees and an ode to the home of Bacardí.

Finally, the pineapple party portal presents a mirrored infinity room filled with pineapples.

Norse Bar Show

What: Nordic bar show

When: 3-6 June

Where: Oslo, Norway

A must-attend event for those in the Nordic region, Norse Bar Show will see a collaboration of some of the ‘best’ bars and personalities around the world to showcase brands, drinks and venues at the event this year. Seminars, bloody brunches and talks are on the table for this boozy trade fair.

Ecuador bar Juliana is presenting a masterclass, The World’s Best Cocktail Menu, which is also one not to miss.

Cocktail Spirits Paris

What: Bar show featuring the hottest takeovers

When: 4-5 June

Where: Paris, France

This trade show will impress ticket holders with a number of features, including Campari Academy’s creative director Monica Berg gracing the event with an educational platform, called Le Bar Rouge.

Meanwhile, Seychelles-based rum brand Takamaka will host a takeover at Parisian bar Le Syndicat.

Here, guests will have the opportunity to opportunity to nominate industry friends who have gone ‘above and beyond’ in support of their community for a trip to the Seychelles. The takeover, taking place on 4 June at 9pm (CEST) will present a special menu of Takamaka drinks, too.

SubAstor’s three-day stint

What: A South American bar’s takeover

When: 4-6 June

Where: São Paulo, Brazil

Taking place at BCB São Paulo, SubAstor’s takeover, called The Mission, SubAstor Experience, will see ‘incredible guests’ serve drinks for three nights at the hidden cocktail bar in Vila Madalena. The bar will host the team of Chile’s Enigma Bar and Malagueña on 4 June, Nico de Soto and Barcelona’s Paradiso bar on 5 June, and Japanese bartender Shingo Gokan on 6 June.

Th SubAstor team will then take guests on a two-day expedition to the coast to discover Atlantic Forest, and hunt herbs with a local forager.

Ginposium 2023

What: The leading gin industry event

When: 9 June

Where: London, UK

The Gin Guild is hosting some of the ‘world’s most respected personalities and experts’ from the drinks sector this year, as they come together to discuss the state of the gin industry and share their knowledge and expertise on all things gin.

Ginposium is an opportunity for distillers, brand owners and gin industry workers to network and learn about the ‘pressing issues’ facing the industry.

Taking place at RSA House in London, experts from around the world bring their knowledge and experience to share.

Find out more at ginposium.com.

Tequila & mezcal festival

What: La Piñata Tequila & Mezcal Festival

When: 9-10 June

Where: London, UK

Tobacco Dock’s celebration of agave spirits and Mexican culture returns to east London. The event offers up the opportunity to taste ‘some of the best’ Tequila and Mezcal side by side, with more than 20 producers present.

Margaritas, Palomas and Micheladas will also be served for when you fancy something longer, while the masterclass room will host talks and tutored tastings with experts.

Tickets for La Piñata are available from TimeOut from £14.95 (US$18.48) per person.

Bar Convent Brooklyn

What: The biggest Brooklyn bar show yet

When: 13-14 June

Where: New York, US

With 2023’s iteration of the event set to be the ‘largest show yet’ with 55 education seminars planned, Bar Convent Brooklyn is one not to miss if you catch yourself in the big apple this year.

Head to Industry City in Brooklyn to see nearly 200 brands from around the world showcasing their offerings during the show – meaning a completely sold-out floor space.

Exhibitors will include craft spirits brands, non-alcoholic beverages, mixers, bar supplies and more.

Visitors from Italy, Japan, France, Latin America, Ireland and Korea are signed up to attend the show, to name just a few countries and regions. Plus, let your hair down at the event’s closing night party, hosted by Jägermeister at House of Yes on 14 June.

the drinks business‘ 21st party

What: Garden party toasting to db‘s success

When: 14 June

Where: London, UK

The drinks business will be celebrating its 21st anniversary at The Orangery in Holland Park, from 6pm-10pm (BST). Attend the ‘twilight soirée’ in the beautiful English garden for drinks, canapés, dancing, and raise a toast to 21 amazing years at our sister publication, the drinks business.