By Yemisi Suleiman

Following two successful editions, Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) returns this October, with a five day event aimed at educating Nigerians on cocktail culture, both locally and internationally. The festival which celebrates the unique cocktail culture in Nigeria through events, seminars and training sessions, will also inform on global trends as well as entertain individuals, businesses and corporations.

Created by the CEO of Eventi Cocktails, Lara Rawa, Lagos Cocktail Week was established to showcase the best of Nigeria’s cocktail culture, with the aspiration for the cocktail industry at large to be recognised as an integral aspect of the Nigerian beverage industry. This festival can also be described as a gathering of cocktail enthusiasts, as beverage brands and lovers of great cocktails and mocktails alike get to indulge their taste buds at designated hubs. 

Speaking on the objective of the forthcoming event, Lara Rawa said “There is so much potential for growth in the cocktail industry in Nigeria and I believe that we have what it takes to compete globally. Given that the cocktail industry is a viable SME option with the potential of contributing significantly to the Nigerian economy, we have included seminars, workshops and an exhibition in our line-up of events to attract a wider audience”

This year’s festival which is done in conjunction with The Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi, is also signing up partnering bars that will offer cocktails at a discount to LCW wristband wearers. Ms Rawa revealed that in order to take advantage of the promotions and offers happening during the week-long event, participants will be required to purchase wristbands at designated outlets in Lagos.  

This year’s LCW slated to hold from October 10-15^th, will also be introducing the Bar Battle which is a competition aimed at boosting the morale of bartenders and mixologists working at various bars. The competition is open to bartenders and mixologists from participating bars. The winner of the Bar Battle will be the Face of Lagos Cocktail 2016.

The weeklong activity will feature a Cocktail Master Class with Enitan Allison and Ronke Sobodu, a Mixologists Brunch, Lagos Cocktail Week Team Bar Hop and the  Grand finale/Bar Battle.

 Participating Bars include: Wheatbaker Hotel, Casper and Gambini’s, Crossroads Eko Hotel, Samantha’s Bistro, Sao Cafe, Liquid Hub, 355 Lagos, Tarragon Lagos, Barbar Lekki, Business Class Surulere, Scratch and Social Nail bar amongst others.