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Top 10
What’s on in August
Fill up your diary (and your cups) with these 10 spirited events happening around the world this August.
As a boujie London venue gets ready to host one of Mexico City’s most-loved cocktail bars, a Oaxacan feast topped up with plenty of mezcal cocktails will be taking place at one of Hawaii’s most luxurious hotels.
Meanwhile, a Scotch whisky distillery is finally giving its fans a peep behind the curtain after 126 years, and over in Ireland, the ‘world’s most-awarded pub’ is taking up residence at one of Dublin’s most iconic whiskey distilleries for one night only.
Keep scrolling for more booze-based events happening throughout August.
Lyaness Riviera
What: A riverside pop-up in situ for the summer
Where: Lyaness, Sea Containers, London
When: 28 June – 3 September
Inspired by Lyaness’ beautiful River Thames backdrop and its proximity to some of London’s finest cultural institutions, this new summer-long pop-up bar at Sea Containers London is serving cocktails that channel all the warmth and fun you need during hot, hazy days and balmy evenings in the city.
The menu includes refreshing thirst quenchers with a contemporary Mr Lyan twist. Expect Frozen Riviera Margaritas (Tequila, bell pepper curaçao, lime, agave) and Mango Sours (Lyaness whisky blend, mango tepache, citrus milk, tropical bitters), all available to enjoy on the go as you’re wandering along the Southbank, or stay a while and soak up the sun from the terrace.
Speyburn opens for visitors
What: The Speyside distillery opens permanently to the public for the first time
Where: Speyburn Distillery, Rothes, Scotland
When: From 1 August
After 126 years making single malt whiskies behind closed doors, Speyburn Distillery in Rothes will open permanently to the public, and booking is now open via Speyburn’s website for the distillery’s three daily tours, which will run every week from Tuesdays through to Saturdays.
The decision to open one of Speyside’s most picturesque distilleries was made following the success of its first public opening at this year’s Spirit of Speyside Festival.
The new visitor experience will give whisky fans the chance to enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience of Speyside distilling life.
Nightjar Appleton Specials
What: A taste of the Caribbean in London
Where: Nightjar Carnaby and Nightjar Shoreditch
When: Throughout August
This month, London’s Nightjar has partnered with Appleton Estate rum to create three limited edition cocktail specials in celebration of carnival season.
The three-serve drinks list features the Mango Jerk, made with Appleton Estate 8 Year Old, Wray & Nephew with barbecued mango seasoned in jerk and peanut butter, coconut water and banana beer; the Jamaican Tai, created with Appleton Estate 15 Year Old, Wray & Nephew, amaretto, tomatillo puree and roasted rice tincture, fresh pineapple, and coconut milk; and Tortuga, a creation formed of Appleton Estate 21 Year Old, Bisquit & Dubouché VSOP, peated whisky, rose bergamot liqueur, schizandra shrub, and fresh lime.
Running for one month only, this exclusive menu offers guests the chance to celebrate carnival season in style at both Nightjar locations.
Licoreria Limantour Bar Residency at Sexy Fish London
What: Mexico City’s acclaimed Licoreria Limantour lands in London
Where: Sexy Fish, London
When: 1-3 August
Sexy Fish London is hosting a three-day residency of Mexico City’s Licorería Limantour, which will take over the private dining room at the Mayfair-based restaurant for three incredible evenings that will showcase a menu of six cocktails created by Licorería Limantour, alongside Mexican-inspired small plates produced by the Sexy Fish team.
Highlights include the Fluffy Paloma made with Patrón silver Tequila, watermelon, grapefruit fluffy juice, pink peppercorn salt; the Margarita Al Pastor featuring a blend of Patrón, Cointreau, taco mix, and lime; and the Vainilla, another Patrón silver Tequila creation made with vanilla syrup, dry vermouth, Strega and cocoa.
Fiesta Weekend with 818 Tequila
What: Four days of Tequila-fuelled festivities
Where: The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara, US
When: 3-6 August
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara is teaming up with 818 Tequila for four days of festivities this month.
Fiesta Old Spanish Days in Santa Barbara is an annual celebration in August dedicated to honouring and preserving Santa Barbara’s history, spirit, culture, heritage, and traditions. Expect specialty cocktails from 818, with plenty of Tequila-fuelled pool-side flamenco dancing.
Roe & Co Whiskey x The Dead Rabbit
What: An epic cocktail celebration
Where: Dublin 8 Distillery, Ireland
When: 15 August
Roe & Co Irish Whiskey will be hosting a-one-night-only cocktail takeover by ‘the world’s most-awarded pub’, The Dead Rabbit, at the brand’s Dublin 8 Distillery this month.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the famous New York pub, the team behind the award-winning establishment will be taking up residency and collaborating with Roe & Co Irish Whiskey to transform the distillery, taking inspiration from key features of their NYC destination.
Expect great food and some exciting surprise entertainment acts, taking place over two sessions on Tuesday 15 August from 5pm-7.30pm and 8.30pm-11pm.
Tickets to the experience will be available on a first-come first-served basis at 12pm on Tuesday 1 August via www.roeandcowhiskey.com.
Cocktails in the City
What: The second instalment of London’s urban cocktail festival
Where: London’s Bedford Square Gardens
When: 17-19 August
Looking for double measures of escapism this summer? This month, the ‘Travel Edition’ of the annual Cocktails in the City festival will provide just that as it welcomes guests to a ‘world of flavour’, with a selection of London’s hottest hotel bars and the continent’s leading bartenders landing in Bloomsbury for the weekend.
Highlighting London’s global outlook, bars in the August line-up include Café Pacifico, Chotto Matte, Laki Kane, Punch Room at London Edition, Kindred and The Aubrey at The Mandarin Oriental.
Exclusive trade tickets are available for £5 including a welcome cocktail, with ticket proceeds being donated to industry charity Equal Measures in partnership with The Drinks Trust. In 2023, all ticket proceeds will be matched by Edrington UK.
Madeira Rum 101
What: A tasting experience of Madeira’s exquisite array of rums
Where: Limin Southbank, London
When: 22 August
Harold & Hansa, distributor and specialist of Madeira Rum, is hosting a number of tasting events at Caribbean restaurant and cocktail bar Limin Southbank, which will take guests on a journey to the beautiful island of Madeira, famed for its production of agricole rums.
With the first event kicking off this month, each ticket to the Madeira Rum Tasting Experience includes five handpicked and exclusive Madeira agricole rums offered alongside a guided talk through the world of Madeira rum production, plus a selection of Caribbean-inspired canapés and the opportunity to purchase bottles at discounted rates post event.
Can’t make this event? Harold & Hansa will be hosting a number of Madeiran rum events at Limin over the coming year.
Dos Hombres Cocina
What: An al fresco pop-up featuring a fusion of Oaxacan cuisine
Where: Four Seasons Resort Maui, Hawaii, US
When: Wednesday-Sunday, 25 August – 2 December
Mezcal brand Dos Hombres, founded by Breaking Bad actors Aaron Paul and Bryan Cranston, has teamed up with the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Maui for an exclusive culinary experience dubbed the ‘Dos Hombres Cocina’.
This al fresco pop-up features a fusion of Oaxacan cuisine with Hawaiian ingredients curated by Oaxacan-born chef Mel Mecinas at Four Seasons Resort Maui. Expect a menu featuring local Hawaiian-grown ingredients effortlessly paired with Dos Hombres cocktails.
The Art of Shaking – Establish Your Worth
What: The bartending community’s online training platform launches its second season
Where: Online
When: All membership plans have a 12-month duration
The Art of Shaking streaming platform for bartenders, founded by industry figures Simone Caporale and Luca Missaglia, is returning for its second season this summer.
The new episodes presented by Caporale look to educate on establishing and knowing your worth as a bartender in the industry, with a selection of innovative digital courses designed to educate and elevate your skills as a professional anywhere across the world.
The courses will cover a variety of topics to establish your worth as a bartender, from Setting Your Daily Rate, Professional Prestige, Substantial Remuneration, Setting Your Travelling Fee, Setting The Rights to Image and Name, Royalties, Staying Independent and Never Saying No, with more to be added throughout the year.
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