What’s on in July 2023
From cocktail festivals to eye-catching mixology takeovers, this summer is packed with key events in the spirits industry that you won’t want to miss.
July is a cocktail-heavy month – we all know it. Embrace the best events that the industry has to offer this month by perusing through our guide – from Tales of the Cocktail festival to a bar’s live music and burlesque night, we have you covered.
For all the best industry events happening around the world, scroll on.
House of US Spirits pop-up
What: Whiskey and Bourbon masterclasses
Where: TT Liquor, London
When: Today (4 July), 6pm-9pm BST
Taking place at TT Liquor in London, this pop-up event features masterclasses and tastings with some of the ‘world’s most exciting spirits brands’. While the event takes place today (the schedule kicks off from 6:30pm), there’s still plenty of time to head over to the masterclasses.
The schedule includes: American Whiskey 101: a guide to whiskey styles made in the US (6:30pm-7pm); Maker’s Mark (7pm-7:30pm); Uncle Nearest (7:30pm-8pm); Wild Turkey (8pm-8:30pm); Bourbon diversity by Luxco (8:30pm-9pm); and Spirits Cartel (Four Roses & Westward) (8:30pm-9pm).
For attendees of drinks event Imbibe, a bus will be organised for transfer to TT Liquor.
Caribbean rum festival
What: Rum-themed festival
Where: Old-Port of Montreal, Canada
When: 6-9 July
The Taste of the Caribbean festival returns to Quebec, celebrating all things rum in collaboration with Amarula. This year, the festival will promote a new product: Omerto Cocktail, a ready-to-drink bottling that blends ginger and tomato wine.
The festival is free to attend from 12pm-11pm (UTC+4) daily, and will feature live performances of varying Caribbean genres of music, as well as several other on-site activities including a rum zone.
Las Vegas music and burlesque nights
What: A speakeasy’s live music and seductive burlesque evening
Where: 1923 Prohibition Bar, Las Vegas
When: Fridays and Saturdays in July
Pop along to one of Las Vegas’ most lively yet hidden speakeasies, where general admission is complimentary and VIP seating is available for up to six guests. The VIP package comprises two drinks per person, plus a digital photo and a shoutout from a performer on-stage. Enjoy live music from Troy Romzek and burlesque performances by Teri London, Lola Legs, and The Kendra.
Jägermeister’s Meister Hunter Competition
What: Herbal liqueur brand’s cocktail competition
Where: Online
When: Until 10 July
Jägermeister’s Meister Hunter Competition is returning for its sixth year. The annual competition asks bartenders to create a cocktail using a minimum of 25ml of Jägermeister, Jägermeister Cold Brew Coffee or Jägermeister Manifest.
For those interested, it’s time to get creative, as each entrant’s cocktail submission may contain a maximum of five ingredients, without garnish.
Entries must be made via Instagram and include a video or image of the cocktail, plus its name and specification. Posts must tag the Meister Hunter Instagram page @meisterhunter and use the hashtag #meisterhunter23.
The 2023 finals will be hosted in London this autumn.
Ruby X Candelaria
What: One-night-only agave bar takeover
Where: Copenhagen. Denmark
When: 11 July
Acclaimed Copenhagen bar Ruby is hosting Parisian agave bar Candelaria for a one-night special, serving ‘outstanding’ agave cocktails in the Scandinavian venue.
Throughout the evening guests will be able to experience the exclusive menu which combines flavours of Scandinavia and Mexico, fused with summery and seasonal ingredients.
Cocktails served up include the Machete, combining Koch Elemental, white tea, passion fruit and vanilla wine.
London bar Spritz giveaway
What: Swift Borough provides free Spritz cocktails
Where: Swift Borough, London
When: 15 July (plus dates in August)
Calling all cocktail-loving bargain hunters: Swift Borough’s Midsummer Spritz will be free to the first 100 people through Swift Borough’s doors from 3pm on 15 July. If you find yourself unable to race to the venue on this date, you’ll get another chance on 5 and 26 August, when the bar will once again be giving out the drink from 3pm.
Bombay Sapphire’s art installation
What: Artwork and cocktails
Where: Sketch, London
When: Until 16 July
Visual artist Tishk Barzanji has partnered with gin brand Bombay Sapphire to produce an art installation called ‘Into the Blue’.
Guests can immerse themselves in the artwork while enjoy a Saw This, Made This cocktail from Bombay Sapphire.
Saw This, Made This is a global marketing campaign that has been rolled out by the gin brand to inspire creativity.
Naked Malt hosts Simone Caporale
What: Renowned mixologist creates whisky cocktails
Where: Grand Hyatt Steakhouse, Hong Kong
When: 20 July
Taking place 8pm-11pm (UTC+8), this takeover will see the renowned Simone Caporale showcasing his mixology skills, and ‘weaving a narrative of flavour and experience’ through specially-curated cocktails featuring Naked Malt.
For a chance to attend the guest shift experience, book at www.grandhyatthk.eshop.
Tales of the Cocktail Festival
What: Acclaimed cocktail festival
Where: The Ritz-Carlton hotel, New Orleans
When: 23-28 July
The 2023 iteration of the must-attend cocktail festival is this month, and the five‐day in‐person celebration will offer the familiar educational programming, guest shifts and pop-up bars.
The theme of this year’s festival has been revealed as ‘Vitalize’, which was chosen to ‘encapsulate the hospitality community’s vibrancy and adaptability’.
No-menu cocktail club
What: London’s first off-menu cocktail club
Where: London Art House
When: from 29 July
Claiming to be the first of its kind, Off the Cuff is an immersive event that sees guests design bespoke cocktails via an app. You can play around with your favourite cocktail or get experimental, and watch experienced mixologists whizz up your invention and complete the serves with canapés.
Off the Cuff is a 2.5-hour experience, and will hold a bi-monthly residence at London Art House from 29 July. Tickets are priced at £85 (US$107) per person, and include three cocktails (additional drinks can be purchased), canapés, and live music.
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