Alex Ruczaj discovers the highlights of a boozy, foodie, music-filled extravaganza
Cocktail time has a wonderful ring to it, doesn’t it? The whole concept of the cocktail is wrapped in glamour, a symbol of an elegant era, where having a Martini or a margarita come 5pm was the done thing. How very civilised! Cocktails are back in vogue, with a focus on artisan spirits and craft cocktails, and we definitely seem to have collectively fallen back in love with them. The good news is that the ultimate celebration of the cocktail is coming to Cambridge Corn Exchange at the end of the month. The Cambridge Cocktail Weekend returns for its second year, bigger and better with what promises to be a cocktail-tastic three days – 25-27 August are the dates for your diary – a perfect party mix of drinks, music and fun.
The team behind the weekend are from two of the best and longest established cocktail bars in town, Ta Bouche and La Raza, both of which have been open and thriving for more than 14 years. Working alongside Cambridge Live, the vision was to create an event that would highlight and celebrate the growing skill and excellence to be found in Cambridge’s cocktail bars.
“Last year was fantastic fun, with some brilliant bars offering a choice of over 50 cocktails, and the live bands in the evening created a real party atmosphere,” said organiser and owner of La Raza and Ta Bouche, Charles Anderson. “This year we have a great mix of local bars, plus bars run by global superstar brands – so expect some cutting-edge and delicious drinks. We have also focused on developing a fantastic programme of free, fun interactive workshops during the day, designed to entertain any cocktail lover.”
Some great new additions to the bars line-up include the Ketel One Bloody Mary Kitchen, where you can make your own Bloody Mary, choosing from an array of spices! A funky offering from the irreverent Monkey Shoulder Whisky in the form of its Tea Trolley, serving up a mini party alongside some incredible cocktails made with this malt whisky blend. There will be a garden bar from Novi, a beach bar from Ta Bouche, and keep an eye out for the Belvedere Bar serving fabulous low calorie vodka spritz cocktails!
The mix of music is also set to enliven the senses: Friday night will see the return of Swagger, who had the crowd dancing from the moment they set foot on stage last year. Saturday has the incredible Big Ten, the hugely-talented ska band, who are sure to cause much jumping up and down. Indietones close the weekend on Sunday night, with some energetic indie-rock – get ready to lose your voice and play much air guitar.
To top it all off the team has made sure there is some stunning street food on offer, to ensure you have some sustenance to see you through all that dancing and singing, and sampling of lovely cocktails! Nanna Mexico will run a salsa and tortilla chip bar, perfect to nibble along with the odd margarita or mojito, as well as platters of delicious Mexican food. Warm and Toastie will provide the most delicious comfort food to line our tums (your mum will be pleased) – how about a carb-tastic, mac and cheese toasted sandwich for the ideal blotting paper to soak up those cocktails! n
Tickets are available from local participating bars (La Raza, Ta Bouche, Novi, Hidden Rooms) or online via cambridgecocktailweekend.co.uk
Bar Highlights
The Ketel One Vodka Kitchen
Make your own Bloody Mary using an array of spices, all under expert guidance!
World Class Range Bar
Featuring luxury spirit brands Bulleit Bourbon and Tanqueray Ten – classy cocktails using premium spirits, served up in style at the biggest bar at the event.
Novi
Go to the garden bar, chill out and enjoy delicious botanical cocktails!
Hidden Rooms
Classic cocktails and try your hand at Vodka roulette – can you pick the vodka and win?
Ta Bouche
Beach bar brilliance from the fun and funky team at Ta Bouche. Tiki Tales will teach you all you need to know about the next cocktail craze.
La Raza
Contemporary classics using modern-day, scientific techniques, pushing the boundaries of cocktail creation with salt baths, foams and edible cocktails!
The Monkey Shoulder Tea Trolley
A tea trolley like no other, a party on wheels, complete with cocktail decks to create a very dinky disco.
Belvedere Bar
The latest trend in refreshing, low calorie long drinks – Belvedere Spritz cocktails are the biz!
Pinkster Gin
Perfect Pinkster cocktails and join founder Stephen Marsh for the Pinkster presents sessions, ‘The Agreeable British Guide to Cocktail Hour at Home’.
Cranes Liqueurs
Cranberries to cocktails – learn how Cranes Liqueur is made and make your own cocktail with this delicious local drink.
