Manchester Loves Cocktails: what to drink and do
Here at The Skinny we’re big, big fans of a well-mixed drink. So, it seems, are the good people of Manchester, as the city braces itself for Manchester Loves Cocktails: its very own cocktail festival between 8-14 August.
Bringing together great bars from across the city, Manchester Loves Cocktails takes seven days of our summer calendar and fills them with more than 40 events celebrating the world of mixology – while also proving it's not just about shit Sex on the Beaches in Tenerife (though on the flipside, blue doesn't always mean bad).
Festival wristbands cost £10 and gain you access to various events throughout the week-long run (some events are ticketed), and also let you buy specially created cocktails priced at a very delectable £4.50.
Bring on the booze.
Our pick of the drinks at Manchester Loves Cocktails
Bars across Manchester will be getting involved with special concoctions, all priced at £4.50 with a festival wristband.
We've picked out a top 10 of the cocktails we're dying to try:
1. Omai Sake (Cottonopolis)
Sake gets a sunny Caribbean rum kick with this blend of Akashi-Tai Honjozo Sake, Akashi-Tai Yuzu Sake, Wray and Nephew rum, lime juice and mango puree.
2. Scottish Pornstar (Corridor)
One for our Scottish sister mag, no doubt: Irn Bru syrup, Old Pultney, Licor 43, citric acid and egg white.
3. Aperoni (The Botanist)
If you're tempted by a Negroni but can't always hack the uber-bitter Campari, this one takes it down a notch with Aperol, Langley's Gin and a grapefruit twist.
4. Tuthilltown Garden (The Fitzgerald)
A floral, summery mix of Hudson Bourbon, Prosecco, lemon juice, rose syrup and lavender syrup.
5. Spiced Chocolate Manhattan (The Fitzgerald)
An intriguing twist on an old favourite.
6. Pink Flamingo (Tusk)
A Barbie-hued blend of Whitley Neill Gin, lychee liqueur, blood orange juice, passionfruit, fresh lime and ginger beer.
7. Anchors Way (The Fitzgerald)
An insanely tempting mix of Hudson Bourbon, Cocchi Torino, orange juice, porter syrup and walnut bitters.
8. Jigglypuff (Cottonopolis)
Cottonopolis jump on that Poké-wagon with the Jigglypuff, pairing Akashi Tai Plum Sake, Cold River Gin, lemon juice, beetroot juice and lavender bitters for a garish beauty.
9. Melbuccino (The Alchemist)
Peach syrup, milk, Licor 43 and espresso foam. Anything with Licor 43 gets our vote.
10. White Lady (Tusk)
Go for a stone-cold classic at Tusk, made with Whitley Neill, Triple Sec, lemon juice, egg white and sugar.
What's on at Manchester Loves Cocktails
[The Gin Journey. Photo: Gemma Parker Photography]
MLC Opening Party
Where better to kick off proceedings than at Crazy Pedro’s, with their mezcal-wielding party people? Expect all the usual shenanigans with music, pizza and, of course, cocktails. Mon 8 Aug, Crazy Pedro’s, 9pm
Pina Colada Party
Gear yourself up for some straight-up good times as Manchester’s leading roisterers at MOJO put on a Pina Colada Party, where it’s all coconut shies, pineapple-eating contests (something's gonna taste good the next day, even if your breath doesn't...), and discounts on the drink in question. We’re not into yoga; we like pina coladas, baby. Tue 9 Aug, MOJO, 9pm
Understanding Sake with Akashi-Tai
Join Akashi-Tai Sake Brewery’s Craig Macdonald to learn the traditional handcrafted approach to creating the best Japanese sake, in the fitting setting of Cottonopolis (be sure to order a round of yuzu sakes with your dinner next time you’re in, while we're on the subject). Wed 10 Aug, Cottonopolis, 6pm
[Photo: Didriks]
The Ginnaisance
In partnership with The American Bar at The Savoy and Portobello Road Gin, this event will feed you facts about favourite gin cocktails, which have seen something of a ‘ginnaisance’ in recent years (woahhh). Sup on some Manchester-themed, gin-based cocktails from the iconic Savoy Cocktail Book. Easily the standout event. Thu 11 Aug, El Gato Negro, 7pm
Introduction to Agave
This one’s an essential, as it teaches us all about one of THE most important plants in the world: the one that gives us tequila. In short, it's a case of the higher the agave content, the better the tequila (and the hangover), but you'll be able to join the Don Julio tequila ambassador to delve much further in and sample masterpieces of ‘The Don’, along with some equally tempting treats from the El Capo kitchen. Fri 12 Aug, El Capo, 6.30pm
[The Gin Journey. Photo: Gemma Parker Photography]
The Gin Journey
Gin trail The Gin Journey embarks on a Manchester Loves Cocktails special, led by head honcho Leon Dalloway. In the meantime, why not check out Leon's favourite gin joints in the UK? Sat 13 Aug, various venues, 2pm, £60
The Art of the Old Fashioned
Woodford Reserve ambassador Nate Booker leads a session dedicated to one of the all-time faves, taking you through the steps to make the perfect Old Fashioned. Salivation material. Sun 14 Aug, Tariff and Dale, 4pm
MLC Closing Party
The festival bows out with a rum-fuelled beach party on the Rosylee terrace, with beach games, deckchairs, palm trees and even potentially some actual sun, before the shenanigans head downstairs for fun tiki times in Hula from 10pm. Sun 14 Aug, Rosylee and Hula, 8pm
Check out the full programme of events here.
Manchester Loves Cocktails, 8-14 August, various venues; Wristbands £10