Drinks Guide

7-Festive-Cocktails-You-Need-To-Try-Before-Christmas

November 21 2023

9 Festive Cocktails You Need To Try Before Christmas

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Cheers to the festive season, Birmingham! You know us, we love a themed cocktail so we’ve curated a list of nine cracking cocktails that are bound to leave you feeling merry and bright!

Sloe & Spice

Sipsmith Sloe Gin – Mulled Syrup- Apple – Orange – Cinnamon

One for the gin lovers out there, a delightfully festive tipple – served warm to keep the winter chills at bay.

Malmaison
£12
Available until 26 Dec

Sloe & Spice

The Great Snow

Grey Goose Vodka – Elderflower – Lemon – Prosecco

A delightful and refreshing drink that combines the smoothness of Grey Goose vodka with the floral notes of elderflower, the tartness of lemon, and Prosecco. The Great Snow is perfect for a celebrate or a special evening when you want to enjoy a sophisticated drink.

Tattu Birmingham
£16.25
Available until end of Dec

Mulled Old Fashioned

Whistle Pig Piggyback Whiskey – Mulling Syrup – Spiced bitters – Orange

A seasonal version of the classic Old Fashioned to warm you up this winter. Spicy, rich and very boozy!

Grain & Glass
£9.50
Available until 30th Dec

Mulled Old Fashioned

Irish Coffee

Jameson Caskmate Whiskey – Demerara – Coffee – Cream

Warm and decadent, the best Irish Coffee in the city, in our opinion, and the perfect winter warmer with a whiskey kick.

Fox & Chance
£9.50
Available all year round

Good Cheer

Eminente Reserve Rum – Hennessey VS Cognac – Grand Marnier – Lemon – Orgeat – Mulled Wine

Bold and boozy with flavours of citrus and almond, finished with mulled wine for a warming winter treat.

Harvey Nichols
£14
Available until the end of Dec

Good Cheer

Snowy Alexander

Cotsworlds Cream Liqueur -Creme de Cacao Blanc – Hennesy VS Cognac – Cream – Vanilla – Nutmeg – Cocoa

Decadent, delicious and dangerously moreish.

Hotel du Vin
£11.95
Available until 26 Dec

Festive Rum Punch

Homemade Mulled Cider Syrup – Rum- A blend of juices – Citrus

A classic fruity drink with a festive twist.

Arch 13
£10
Available until end of Dec

Festive Rum Punch

Drouthy Goose

Glengoyne 10yo – Cranberry – Maple Syrup – Montepulciano Gran Reserva Float

This is Christmas in a glass! The delicate sweet palate of the maple syrup and the richness of the Glengoyne are balanced by the Montepulciano float to give a dry, savoury finish.

Chapter
£11.5
Available until end of Dec

Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins

Finlandia Vodka – Candyfloss – Fraises des Bois – Double Cream – Egg White – Lemon – Cream Soda

A nostalgic Christmas dream, perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Gas St Social
£10.95
Available until 1 Jan

Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins

We hope you enjoy sampling these fabulous festive drinks over the next month and if you’re looking for the perfect gift for a cocktail lover this Christmas – there is nothing quite like the promise of taking someone to Birmingham Cocktail Weekend and maybe even a signature cocktail or two!

Tickets for both the summer and winter edition of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2024 go on sale at the end of January.

November 14 2023

Thanksgiving 2023

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Thanksgiving is coming up on 23 Nov and if you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate, well it can only be Isaac’s!

We stopped by for a preview of their delicious Thanksgiving Cocktail, perfect for these cold Autumn nights and the holiday season!

Pumpkin Spice Elixir

Spiced Rum – Spiced Pumpkin Syrup – Cream liqueur – Coffee liqueur – Nutmeg

This celebratory delight is just £10 and is available in both the bar and the restaurant.

From 21–25 Nov the team will also be serving up a full feasting menu for you to enjoy with friends and family.

THE THANKSGIVING MENU

To Start

Homemade nachos, pico de gallo, sour cream, guacamole
Corn bread, maple butter
Mushroom and saffron arancini, truffle cream (v)

The Main Event

Slow roasted Holly farm turkey crown, cranberry and orange sauce
Smoked beef brisket, pickled slaw and horseradish
Roasted and stuffed baby pumpkin, braised rice, chilli, golden raisins (v)

Sidekicks

Roast garlic potato mash
Green bean and mushroom casserole
Chestnut stuffing
Sweet potato bake
Beet salad, balsamic dressing

Last But Not Least

Home baked pecan pie, vanilla ice-cream (v)
Chocolate torte + candy cherries (v)

This menu is available for £35pp and is designed for sharing with your loved ones – just like thanksgiving should be!

Want to enjoy this feast? Be sure to pre-book (select Isaac’s Thanksgiving) when you book your table.

BOOK NOW

October 23 2023

Spooky Sips

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There is loads going on in Birmingham this Halloween so if you’re looking for a bit of inspo on where to drink and what to sip, look no further…

Drink this

Deadly Dismay

Crystal Head Vodka, Merlot, Hibiscus, Orange

Where? Tattu
How much? £14

The Purge Punch

Bacardi Spiced Rum, Four Roses Bourbon, Velvet Falernum, Monin Spiced Berries, Raspberry & Lemon

Where? The Cocktail Club
How much? £11

Bat Out Of Hell

Jamesons Orange, Maple Spiced Syrup, Bitters

Where? The Church
How much? £7

The Beetle Juice

Bacardi Coconut Rum, Volare Green Melon Liqueur, Giffard Banane du Bresil, Pineapple, Lime & Grenadine

Where? Tonight Josephine
How much? £11

Deadly Dismay

The Purge Punch

Bat out of Hell

The Beetle Juice

The Skullduggery Menu at Tattu

Eat this

The Skullduggery Menu

Check it out here
Where? Tattu
How much? £47.50pp

Party here

A fancy dress giggle

We love the team at Couch, and for Halloween this year they are dressing up as the Spice Girls. So if you want a giggle and some damn good drinks head over to Stirchley.

Where? Couch

Bartender Halloween

This one is just for the industry. Introducing Bartender Halloween at Passing Fancies. Expect cheap drinks and – pause for reaction – free tattoos. Dangerous. Check out the BAB group for more information.

Where? Passing Fancies

Fancy dress giggle at Couch

Bartender Halloween at Passing Fancies

Happy Halloween cocktail lovers!

September 12 2023

The Negroni Collection

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Nestled in the heart of the bustling Brindley Place, BANK Birmingham is an embodiment of sophistication. This much-loved venue has been participating in Birmingham Cocktail Weekend for several years and its popular terrace is always a coveted spot for a signature cocktail during the festival.

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Brindley Place, BANK Birmingham is an embodiment of sophistication. This much-loved venue has been participating in Birmingham Cocktail Weekend for several years and its popular terrace is always a coveted spot for a signature cocktail during the festival.

But BANK is a great place to savour a cocktail all-year-round and right now they are celebrating the iconic Negroni.

Few drinks are as timeless as the Negroni- a classic, simple aperitif normally comprising equal parts gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Its rich history and enduring popularity have made it a beloved staple of cocktail culture. BANK are, of course, serving one up in it’s classical form but they’ve also curated a collection or world-class twists if you fancy trying something different.

The Negroni Collection

The Classic

An undisturbed aperitivo recipe, steeped in history.

Malfy Originale Gin – Campari – Antica Formula Fiorella
£10

Fiorella

A unique Mediterranean feel with vibrant grapefruit elevating the rich floral flavours.

Malfy Rosa Gin – Campari – Dry Vermouth
£11.5

Caffé Italiano

Authentic flavours of a late afternoon on a sun-soaked Italian terrace.

Malfy Originale Gin – Campari – Fair Organic Coffee Liqueur – Antica Formula

La Dolce Vita

A refreshing twist on the famous ‘Sbagliato’, lighter than the classic Negroni and best enjoyed on a warm summer’s evening.

San Pellegrino Aranciata – Campari – Antica Formula

£9

The Ruby

Velvety rich berry flavours balanced with the earthly botanicals of the traditional Negroni. Bombay Bramble Gin – Campari – Vanilla Liqueur – Antica Formula – Raspberry

£11.5

The Negroni collection is available every Tuesday until mid-October, as part of BANK’s Spirit of Summer promotion, giving you an excuse to celebrate every day of the week!

Find out more about the Spirit of Summer

September 7 2023

Passing Fancies

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In the heart of Digbeth’s iconic Custard Factory is one of the city’s most awarded cocktail bars, Passing Fancies. And believe it or not, this month this haven of cocktail creativity turns one!

Opened in September 2022 by a trio of industry veterans, Passing Fancies is a name that has quickly become synonymous with world class cocktails, awards and gorgeous vibes. The bar’s inviting interior is designed to feel like a friend’s kitchen, instantly putting you at ease. Exposed brickwork, terracotta-toned walls and super friendly service all add to the laid back drinking experience. Visit and you’ll see there are a whole host of reasons that this bar has been named the Best Bar in the Midlands and New Bar of the Year 2022.

The People Behind The Magic

Tommy Matthews (formerly of two other Birmingham cocktail institutions – Couch and The Edgbaston) joined forces with the dynamic duo that is Matt Arnold and Eve Green in the creation of Passing Fancies. You might know Eve from another BCW favourite, Grain & Glass, and Matt hit the industry limelight recently having won the much coveted title of Bartender Of The Year in the World Class GB Competition. At the end of September he’ll be representing the UK on the global stage and we’ve got a feeling he’s going to bring it home for Birmingham!

THE MENU

Did you get a chance to try the Passing Fancies signature cocktail during Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2023? It got rave reviews! If you didn’t get to try it, worry not, their whole menu is a testament to precision and passion.

The menu is ever-evolving but if you get lucky enough to find ‘Salt & Rye’ on the drinks list then order it immediately – it’s a BCW team favourite for a reason…

Rye Whisky – Walnut – Salted Sherry Caramel

You’ll also find an array of classics on the menu plus a small but well selected wine

If you’re feeling peckish, Passing Fancies offers a number of tasty snacks to complement your cocktails. The Truffle & Pecorino nuts are the ultimate nibble option if you ask us.

World Class Antics

At the end of the month, Passing Fancies are showing their support as Matt heads to São Paulo for the World Class Global Finals. Pop down from 13 – 17 September if you want to try Matt’s World Class drinks – this is a one time exclusive opportunity to try these cocktails and we have a feeling it’s one that ought not to be missed!

See you at the bar!

September 4 2023

Cheers To Two Years

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THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

On the 14th of this month, Fox and Chance are gearing up to mark their second birthday, and you’re cordially invited to join the festivities from 5pm–10pm.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

On the 14th of this month, Fox and Chance are gearing up to mark their second birthday, and you’re cordially invited to join the festivities from 5pm–10pm.

This birthday bash promises to be a particularly special affair, as the team at Fox & Chance will be joined by two other BCW favourites, Bar Ikigai and Passing Fancies. Together, they’ve curated a special 6-drink menu that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Each bar is bringing two unique concoctions to the table, making for a memorable evening of sips and socialising.

But that’s not all. To add an extra layer of local flair to the celebration, Fox & Chance will be offering their signature Irish Coffees for just £6 throughout the evening. Plus, there will be local beers from awesome places like Birmingham Brewing Company and Attic Brewing.

It’s fair to say that this much-loved independent bar has come a long way since opening their doors in 2021, including securing a spot on the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars list!

We caught up with Ryan, one of the owners of Fox & Chance:

“We’re so proud of all we’ve achieved in the last two years, but we couldn’t have done it without the incredible support of this vibrant city, our friends in the industry and all our fantastic customers, so we’re looking forward to raising a glass with everyone later this month.”

THE MENU

Now, let’s talk about the new cocktail menu which also launches this month! From sparkling spritzes to creatively reimagined classic cocktails, there’s something for everyone here. We asked Ryan to share his favourite new additions…

Plum-fashioned

Jameson Black Barrel – Blend of Rums – Port – Plum – Bitters

A boozy, jammy delight with subtle fruit notes. The combination of Jameson Black Barrel, the richness of the port and the sweet-tartness of plum, will leave your taste buds dancing.

100 Acre

Calvados – Apricot – Peach – White Vermouth – Prosecco

An elegant spritz, the perfect sip for those looking for a touch of sophistication but with fruit flavours that pack a punch.

Race Day

Plantation Rum – Pear – Apple – Champagne

Plantation Rum takes centre stage, accompanied by the refreshing flavours of pear and apple. And to top it all off, a splash of champagne adds an extra layer of celebration. It’s pear-fect for any occasion!

So get yourselves down to Fox & Chance on 14 Sept and let’s make it a birthday bash to remember. Can’t make the date, pop down any time after 26 Sept to try the new cocktail menu instead!

July 1 2023

Sunshine Sipping

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For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you’re looking to catch some rays whilst sipping those signature cocktails. These are just a handful of the venues in our line-up that have outdoor space. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you’re looking to catch some rays whilst sipping those signature cocktails. These are just a handful of the venues in our line-up that have outdoor space. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
Enjoy skyline views from this popular rooftop terrace

Gas Street Social
Canal views and plenty of people watching by The Mailbox

Orelle
A brand new ground floor terrace in the heart of the city centre

The Distillery
Home to what is quite possibly the most popular beer garden in Birmingham

Pitcher & Piano
Enjoy canalside cocktail sipping in Brindley Place

Bank Bar & Restaurant
Probably the most instagrammable terrace in the city

The Canal House
Canal views for days at this award-winning venue

The Button Factory
Catch some rays on the balcony or sit back and relax in The Yard

The Church Pub & Dining Room
The (not so) secret rooftop terrace locals don’t want you to know about!

Selina
Shhh, discover this hidden gem of a courtyard in the Jewellery Quarter

Chapter.
A recently refurbished suntrap of a terrace in Edgbaston Village

Smoke + Ash
Opt for relaxing in the back garden or people watching on the front terrace

The Custard Factory
NQ64 and Passing Fancies are both located around The huge Custard Factory courtyard which catches the sun all day long.

Not got a wristband yet? It’s not too late to join the fun. Buy yours below.

GET WRISTBAND

June 30 2023

Something A Little Bit Different

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For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you want to try some cocktails that are a little bit different. Shake things up at these venues – each offering a particularly interesting sip. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you want to try some cocktails that are a little bit different. Shake things up at these venues – each offering a particularly interesting sip. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

1 North Taproom: Snow Hill

2 Orelle

3 The Botanist

4 Isaac’s Restaurant

5 Medicine

6 Hendricks x Bar Ikigai at The Coffin Works

7 Arch 13

8 The Church Pub & Dining

9 Grain & Glass

10 Passing Fancies

Not got a wristband yet? It’s not too late to join the fun. Buy yours below.

GET WRISTBAND

June 28 2023

New to BCW

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For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you want to visit the venues that haven’t been part of the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend line-up before. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you want to visit the venues that haven’t been part of the Birmingham Cocktail Weekend line-up before. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

1. Tattu

2. Isaac’s Restaurant

3. North Taproom: Snow Hill

4. The Alchemist (Colmore Row)

5. Orelle

6. The Cocktail Club

7. Tonight Josephine

8. Smoke + Ash

9. The Church Pub & Dining Room

10. Selina Birmingham

11. Kilo Ziro

12. Passing Fancies

13. NQ64

Not got a wristband yet? It’s not too late to join the fun. Buy yours below.

GET WRISTBAND

June 25 2023

An Award-winning Adventure

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For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you want to visit the recent award-winners in our 2023 line-up. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

For 2023 we’re introducing a handful of cocktail journeys. These are designed to help you with your festival route planning. Have a read of this cocktail journey if you want to visit the recent award-winners in our 2023 line-up. You’ll find the full details of each place in your festival guidebook!

1. Hotel du Vin

Winner of the Best Cocktail of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2021

2. Fox & Chance

Number 40 in the current UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars list

2. Fox & Chance

Number 40 in the current UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars list

3. Hendrick’s x Bar Ikigai at The Coffin Works (Pop-up)

Winner of the Best Cocktail of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2022

4. Arch 13

Best Wine Experience in the Birmingham Bartenders Association Awards 2023

4. Arch 13

Best Wine Experience in the Birmingham Bartenders Association Awards 2023

5. The Church Pub & Dining Room

Pub of the Year in the Birmingham Bartenders Association Awards 2023

6. Flight Club Birmingham

Winner of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2020

6. Flight Club Birmingham

Winner of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards 2020

7. The Clayton Hotel

Large Hotel of the Year in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2023

8. Kilo Ziro

Best Waste Prevention Project in the Waste2Zero Awards 2022

8. Kilo Ziro

Best Waste Prevention Project in the Waste2Zero Awards 2022

9. Passing Fancies

Multi-award winning bar including being number 32 in the current UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars list and winning Class Bar Magazine’s New Bar of The Year 2023 accolade

10. The Canal House

Pub of the Year in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2022

10. The Canal House

Pub of the Year in the West Midlands Tourism Awards 2022

11. Harvey Nichols Bar

Winner of the Best Cocktail of Birmingham Cocktail Weekend 2018

Not got a wristband yet? It’s not too late to join the fun. Buy yours below.

GET WRISTBAND

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Drinks Guide

Cheers to the festive season, Birmingham! You know us, we love a themed cocktail so we’ve curated a list of nine cracking cocktails that are bound to leave you feeling merry and bright!

Sloe & Spice

The Great Snow

Mulled Old Fashioned

Irish Coffee

Good Cheer

Snowy Alexander

Festive Rum Punch

Drouthy Goose

Cotton Headed Ninny Muggins

Thanksgiving is coming up on 23 Nov and if you’re looking for the perfect place to celebrate, well it can only be Isaac’s!

Pumpkin Spice Elixir

THE THANKSGIVING MENU

To Start

The Main Event

Sidekicks

Last But Not Least

There is loads going on in Birmingham this Halloween so if you’re looking for a bit of inspo on where to drink and what to sip, look no further…

Drink this

Deadly Dismay

The Purge Punch

Bat Out Of Hell

The Beetle Juice

Eat this

The Skullduggery Menu

Party here

A fancy dress giggle

Bartender Halloween

Nestled in the heart of the bustling Brindley Place, BANK Birmingham is an embodiment of sophistication. This much-loved venue has been participating in Birmingham Cocktail Weekend for several years and its popular terrace is always a coveted spot for a signature cocktail during the festival.

The Negroni Collection

The Classic

Fiorella

Caffé Italiano

La Dolce Vita

The Ruby

In the heart of Digbeth’s iconic Custard Factory is one of the city’s most awarded cocktail bars, Passing Fancies. And believe it or not, this month this haven of cocktail creativity turns one!

The People Behind The Magic

THE MENU

World Class Antics

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

On the 14th of this month, Fox and Chance are gearing up to mark their second birthday, and you’re cordially invited to join the festivities from 5pm–10pm.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

THE MENU

Plum-fashioned

100 Acre

Race Day

1. Tattu

2. Isaac’s Restaurant

2. Isaac’s Restaurant

3. North Taproom: Snow Hill

4. The Alchemist (Colmore Row)

4. The Alchemist (Colmore Row)

5. Orelle

6. The Cocktail Club

6. The Cocktail Club

7. Tonight Josephine

8. Smoke + Ash

8. Smoke + Ash

9. The Church Pub & Dining Room

10. Selina Birmingham

10. Selina Birmingham

11. Kilo Ziro

12. Passing Fancies

12. Passing Fancies

13. NQ64

1. Hotel du Vin

2. Fox & Chance

2. Fox & Chance

3. Hendrick’s x Bar Ikigai at The Coffin Works (Pop-up)

4. Arch 13

4. Arch 13

5. The Church Pub & Dining Room

6. Flight Club Birmingham

6. Flight Club Birmingham

7. The Clayton Hotel

8. Kilo Ziro

8. Kilo Ziro

9. Passing Fancies