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Top 10
What’s on in July 2024
The sun is shining (for half of the world, anyway) and spirits events in July are looking bright.
From a three-way bar takeover to a rumination on London’s nightlife scene, there’s an event for every part of the spirits sector this month.
Whether you’re based in Las Vegas or Berlin, it’s time to close the laptop and head out for a cocktail – it all counts as networking.
Scroll on for the hottest spirits events taking place across the world this month.
NOLA Nights
What: A taste of the south in the west
Where: 1923 Prohibition Bar, the Mandalay Bay hotel, Las Vegas
When: Every Friday and Saturday in July
The Mandalay Bay’s newly opened Prohibition-style speakeasy will transport guests from Las Vegas to New Orleans with its series of NOLA Nights throughout July. Expect live musical performances alongside cocktails such as a Maple-Bacon Old Fashioned and a Hemingway Daiquiri.
Viajante87’s International Triple Takeover
What: Viajante87’s team will take over three bars on one night
Where: Madrid, Milan and Birmingham
When: 1 July
Notting Hill bar Viajante87 will be dividing and conquering the globe in July, with the team taking on three different bars in different countries. Groups bar director Pietro Collina will be heading off to Salmon Guru in Madrid, while brand manager Veronica Di Pietrantonio will jet off to Rita in Milan. A little closer to home, assistant manager Joe Stefani and Danilo Frigulti, who recently won Diageo World Class GB, will be behind the bar at Birmingham’s Passing Fancies.
Imbibe Live
What: A drinks showcase for the on- and off-trade
Where: Olympia London
When: 1-2 July
To get an insight into the UK’s biggest cocktail and spirits trends, head to this year’s Imbibe Live. As well as more than 100 spirits exhibitors, the 2024 show has introduced the Campo de Agave theatre, hosted by Club Cantina, and an Indie Beer Bar. WSET will also be hosting a range of in-depth guided tastings.
Future-proofing London Bars
What: A full day of nightlife discussions in partnership with Diageo and City Hall
Where: Diageo HQ, London
When: 8 July
The bars involved in London Cocktail Week will meet to address the current issues facing the industry, with a keynote presentation by the capital’s night czar, Amy Lamé. Topics will include diversity, business development and brand education sessions. Grow London will also be on hand, providing one-on-one sessions to help develop hospitality businesses.
Cocktails in the City
What: A weekend of sports and spirits
Where: Bedford Square Gardens, London
When: 11-13 July
While the Euros and the Olympics are sure to entertain us this summer, we’ve got our eye on a different competition. This year’s Cocktails in the City festival is titled The Games Edition and will involve a cocktail showdown called the Battle of the Bars. Prizes up for grabs include Best Bar Team, Best Cocktail and Best Bar Experience. Bars attending include The Royal Cocktail Exchange, Café Pacifico and Hutong.
Manchester Rum Festival
What: A celebration to coincide with World Rum Day
Where: New Century Hall
When: 13 July
Around 50 rum brands will be attending Manchester Rum Festival this year, including Venezuelan Ron Carúpano, Rhum Depaz from Martinique and Don Papa from the Philippines, as well as a few a little closer to home, such as Manchester’s very own One-Eyed Rebel.
As well as rum samples, Monin will head up a cocktail bar and serve up rum-based creations from the city’s best bars, including Exhibition, Hold Fast, Northern Monk Refectory and New Century Kitchen.
Birmingham Cocktail Week
What: A summer showcase of the best bars in the Midlands
Where: Across Birmingham
When: 11-14 July
With three bars in the West Midlands making this year’s Top 50 Cocktail Bars in the UK list, cocktail lovers in England shouldn’t miss this festival highlighting the best of the region’s mixology talent. From a Hendrick’s Gin Hub at the Hotel du Vin to £5 signature cocktails at bars including Fox and Chance, Dirty Martini and Tonight Josephine, there’s little chance of going thirsty – and if you’re hungry, food offers include a £5 mini cheeseboard at Grain & Glass or 25% off Bundobust.
Kink Eden
What: A day and night party in Kink’s private garden
Where: Kink, Berlin
When: 13 July
Head to Berlin’s Kink bar to enjoy its meticulously crafted cocktails such as the Dara’s Maverick – an ultra-refined take on a Pornstar Martini – or go a little less upmarket with a Frozen Slushy. Kink is as much about the food as it is the drinks, with nibbles including fresh oysters, courgette blossom tempura with smoked scamorza cheese, and German turnip ceviche. There’ll also be live music from The Sorry Entertainer, Heimlich Knüller and Christopher Loganic.
Christmas in July at Sleyenda
What: A Yuletide pop-up in the middle of summer
Where: Leyenda, New York
When: 15-21 July
We all have our favourite holiday, and if yours is Christmas, you’re in luck. Brooklyn cocktail bar Leyenda is reigniting its holiday pop-up, Sleyenda, for one week in July – for those who just can’t wait for December. There’ll be festive glassware and decorations and a soundtrack provided by Mariah Carey, as well as the best part: festive drinks. Options include a Coquito Ho Ho, a Nutcracker Old Fashioned and the Candy Striper – which is frozen, to match the weather rather than the theme.
Ceto Cosmic Nights
What: Unique cocktail creations overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
Where: Ceto Bar, Maybourne Riviera Hotel, France
When: 4 July
Ceto, the rooftop bar of France’s Maybourne Riviera Hotel, will be welcoming some of the world’s best bartenders to shake up drinks alongside plates from the site’s Michelin-starred restaurant. At the start of the month, Marcus Breebart from London’s Swift will serve up drinks in collaboration with Campari.
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