Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026: Full line-up of bars and what’s on as drinks event returns
The Glasgow Cocktail Week will return to the city this month, with a free opening party.
Five of Glasgow’s best-known drinking destinations are joining forces for a major party marking the opening of Glasgow Cocktail Week and the start of the city’s September weekend.
House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café and Bar Dani will take over Kong on Thursday 24 September, bringing bartenders and signature cocktails from across the city together under one roof.
Running from 6 pm to 10 pm, the opening party will feature cocktails created specially for the festival, sets from Glasgow’s best DJs, a dedicated Spritz experience, interactive tarot readings, drink activations, and surprises throughout the evening.
Entry is free exclusively for Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband holders. Wristbands can be purchased in advance at glasgowcocktailweek.com or at the door, subject to availability. First come, first served on the evening.
The party will officially open Glasgow Cocktail Week 2026, running from Thursday 24 September to Sunday 4 October. More than 70 of the city’s leading bars will take part in 11 days of exclusive cocktails, parties, tastings and experiences, with more than 250 cocktails on offer, with £2 off every drink for wristband holders and cocktails from £6.
Nicola Gemmell-Moir, founder of Glasgow Cocktail Week said Glasgow’s bar scene is at the heart of the festival, and there’s no better way to begin than by bringing five brilliant venues together for one huge opening party.
She said: “Your wristband is your invitation to join us at our launch party at Kong, discover cocktails created especially for the festival and celebrate the people and places that make Glasgow one of the UK’s most exciting cities for drinks.
“This year, we’ve also packed a lot into both our event and masterclass programme after the success of last year's Glasgow Cocktail Week. These intimate sessions have been designed to be fun and accessible, whether you’re a complete beginner or want to sharpen your cocktail-making skills and learn more about your favourite spirits.”
More than 70 bars will take part in the 11-day festival, serving over 250 exclusive cocktails. Wristband holders will receive £2 off every festival drink, with cocktails starting from £6, alongside access to parties, tastings, takeovers and special events.
Participating venues include Absent Ear, Bar Dani, Champagne Central, Devil of Brooklyn, Dishoom, El Santo, Five March, House of Gods, iasg at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Kelvingrove Café, KONG, Locale Lunar, Porter & Rye, Saints of Ingram, Si! Si!Luke'suke’s, Tabac City and Southside, The Gate, The Last Bookstore and VEGA.
Glasgow Cocktail Week has also revealed its full programme of interactive masterclasses, hosted at VEGA.
Guests can learn from leading drinks experts while exploring everything from Champagne and Scottish gin to Margaritas, Spritzes, Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis with brands including ChamPagne PI, Hendrick’s Gin, Patron Tequila, St-Germain, Brugal 1888, Ben Lomond Gin, Singleton 12YO whisky and Johnnie Walker.
Glasgow Cocktail Week highlights
Thursday 24 September: Launch party at Kong, 6-10pm
House of Gods, Absent Ear, Kelvingrove Café and Bar. Dani will take over Kong on Thursday 24 September, bringing bartenders and signature cocktails from across the city together under one roof. Expect brilliant drinks from all bars, tarot, DJs and a few surprises. Free for wristband holders.
Friday 25 September: Dolly Parton 925 party
5 pm - 9 pm: Saints of Ingram
Expect pink cowboy hats, sparkling Spritzes and Dolly’s top hits and more. Live DJ will soundtrack the party with favourites from Dolly’s remarkable catalogue, including Jolene, 9 to 5, Here You Come Again and Islands in the Stream.
£10 includes a Hugo Spritz or Hugo Blush, made with St-Germain elderflower liqueur and Champagne PIAFF, a Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband and a pink cowboy hat (for the first 50 guests)
Saturday 26 September: Day Party
2 pm - 8pm VEGA
The Day party is back at VEGA. With tarot, DJs on the decks to soundtrack the events and masterclass at VEGA's U-bar. Come join the party atmosphere and those skyline views. Free for wristband holders.
Friday 2 October: Belvedere party
7pm-late, House of Gods
Step inside House of Gods for a decadent night of Belvedere cocktails, DJs and unapologetic late-night glamour. Expect lavish surroundings, irresistible drinks and a soundtrack made for dancing as Glasgow Cocktail Week takes over one of the city's most luxurious party destinations. The first 100 guests with wristbands will receive a complimentary Belvedere cocktail, courtesy of Belvedere.
Free entry for Glasgow Cocktail Week wristband holders. Sign up here https://www.eventcreate.com/e/houseofgodsglasgowcocktailweek
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October: Porter and Rye takeover at The Gate
Saturday 3 Oct: 5 - 8pm Sunday 4 Oct: 1 - 6pm
Glasgow's top steakhouse is heading East for one weekend. Bringing its must-have Steak Frites and Sunday Roast with cocktails on the side. Book via thegateglasgow.com
Sunday 4 October: Takeover and closing party
Surprise location
Expect an exclusive cocktail menu created with Patrón Tequila, bringing together the teams from two of Scotland's most exciting bars - to be revealed soon- for a night of exceptional drinks, good energy and late-night sounds.
DJs will soundtrack the party from start to finish as we raise a glass to another Glasgow Cocktail Week.
Glasgow Cocktail Week masterclass programme
Taking place on Saturday 26 September and Saturday 3 October at VEGA, the programme will give cocktail lovers the chance to get behind the bar, learn from leading drinks experts and explore everything from Champagne and Scottish gin to Margaritas, Spritzes, Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis.
12.30pm–1.30pm: PIAFF & Popcorn Champagne Tasting
Taste three expressions from the Champagne PIAFF portfolio - Brut NV, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs - during a guided tasting accompanied by popcorn.
£15 Includes three champagnes taters (3 x ¾ glasses)Book now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/champagne-piaff-tasting/
2pm–3pm: Scottish Gin Cocktails Masterclass
Explore the Bramble, Negroni and Tom Collins with Ben Lomond Gin before learning how to make your favourite. Hosted by Caitlin Marrion of Loch Lomond Group.
Includes two cocktails Book now https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/scottish-gin-cocktails-masterclass/
3.15pm–4.15pm: Welcome to Hendrick's Gin
Join Hendrick's UK North Brand Ambassador Calum Fraser for a journey inside the world of Hendrick’s, featuring rare and retired expressions alongside its newest release, Another Hendrick's.
Includes two cocktails Book Now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/welcome-to-hendricks-gin/
3.15pm–4.15pm: Patrón Presents: Margarita
Patrón Brand Ambassador will share the secrets behind the perfect Spicy Margarita and Paloma, accompanied by a guided exploration of Patrón Tequila.
Includes two cocktails https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/patron-margarita-masterclass/
4.30pm–5.30pm: St-Germain - A Spritz for Every Season
Discover the origins of St-Germain and learn how to create seasonal Spritz serves at home during this hands-on cocktail session.
Includes two cocktails Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/st-germain-spritz-masterclass/
5.30pm–6.15pm: Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini
Learn how premium Dominican rum can bring a rich, smooth twist to the Espresso Martini while exploring the heritage and craftsmanship behind Brugal 1888.Includes two cocktails Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/espresso-martini-masterclass/
12.30pm–1.30pm: PIAFF & Popcorn Champagne Tasting
Enjoy a guided tasting of Champagne PIAFF Brut NV, Rosé and Blanc de Blancs, accompanied by popcorn.
Includes three champagnes tastersBook now: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/champagne-piaff-tasting/
2pm–3pm: Scottish Gin Cocktails Masterclass
Join Ben Lomond Gin to explore three classic gin cocktails — the Bramble, Negroni and Tom Collins - before making your favourite.
Includes two cocktails Book now https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/scottish-gin-cocktails-masterclass/
3.15pm–4.15pm: Patrón Presents: Margarita
Master the balance of premium tequila, fresh citrus and spice while making the perfect Patrón Spicy Margarita.
Includes two cocktails https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/patron-margarita-masterclass/
3.15pm–4.15pm: Mastering Old Fashioneds with Monkey Shoulder
Discover the secrets behind one of the world's most iconic whisky cocktails and learn how to recreate the perfect Monkey Shoulder Old Fashioned at home.Includes two cocktails https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/monkey-shoulder-old-fashioned-masterclass/
4.30pm–5.30pm: St-Germain — A Spritz for Every Season
Get hands-on with St-Germain and learn how to make a selection of seasonal Spritz cocktails.
Includes two cocktails Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/st-germain-spritz-masterclass/
5.30pm–6.15pm: Brugal 1888 Espresso Martini
Explore Brugal 1888's Dominican heritage and learn how to make a rum-led version of the Espresso Martini.
Includes two cocktails Buy tickets here: https://www.glasgowcocktailweek.com/product/espresso-martini-masterclass/
Masterclasses are £10 per person, and each ticket includes two cocktails and an interactive session. Spaces are limited, and advance booking is recommended.
Glasgow Cocktail Week wristbands unlock £2 off exclusive festival cocktails at more than 70 participating venues, alongside access to special events and experiences throughout the festival.
For wristbands, masterclass tickets and the full programme, visit www.glasgowcocktailweek.com
2026 Venues include: Absent Ear, AC Marriott, Address Glasgow – North, Bar Dani, Bar Soba, Boom Battle Bar, Champagne Central, Church on the Hill, Committee Room 9, Corinthian, Cornershop, Cosmo St. Enoch, Crescent, Delmonicas, Flight Club Darts, Devil of Brooklyn, Dishoom, El Santo, Finnieston, Five March, Fonn Mòr at Òran Mór, Gael & Grain, Gardener,, Halloumi, Hazel, Henrys, Hide & Seek, Hillhead Bookclub, Hope & Vincent, House of Gods, iasg at Kimpton Blythswood Square Hotel, Kelvingrove Café, KO'Shea'shea’s & KO'Shea'shea's West, KONG, LAB, Lucky Strike, Lunar, Marlborough, Mharsanta, Namaste, Next Door, Porter & Rye, Rioja, Saints of IngSebb'sebb’s, Si! Si!, Social, St Luke's, Tabac, Tabac Southside, The DAM, The Gate, The Last Bookstore, The Liquor Shop, The Locale, The Parlour, The Social Truman's, Van Winkle, VEGA, West Side, Wunderbar and Wunderbar West End.
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