Whether you like them shaken, stirred or served with a twist, if you're a cocktail lover you'll want to mark October 19-25 in your calendar, for Bristol Cocktail Week.
Now in its fifth year, Bristol Cocktail Week 2015 claims to be the biggest and most ambitious instalment to date, with more than 50 bars across the city taking part.
The week will start in its traditional way – with a bartender competition to decide the winner of the Bristol Cocktail Cup and Bristol's Best Bartender, taking place at Flipside on Whiteladies Road on October 19.
There are many other unique events taking place during the course of the week. One highlight includes Cocktail: a movie drink-along on October 19, 20, 22 & 23, where fans can watch the iconic '80s Tom Cruise movie 'Cocktail' in a private 10-seater cinema at 20th Century Flicks, while one of Bristol's finest bartenders serves up to three cocktails from the film.
Another must-see event is the 'Thinking Drinkers' at the Wardrobe Theatre on October 23 & 24. Created and performed by two award winning writers, this show sees the critically acclaimed comedic personalities guiding the audience on a hilarious journey through the history of the whisky cocktail.
Unique to Bristol Cocktail Week is the fiercely competitive Bristol Bar Wars event on October 21 at Noche Negra. Here, two 'tribes' of cocktail bars will face off: the party orientated tiki style bar (represented by Be At One, Her Majesty's Secret Service, Flipside and Noche Negra) will take on the serious speakeasy (represented by Hyde & Co, Hausbar, Red Light and Milk Thistle) in an attempt to win the drinking public's vote.
The headline event of the week is the Bristol Masked Cocktail Ball on October 25. Held within the stunning hall of St George's on Brandon Hill, the 1950s-themed party will be a swinging shindig, accompanied by some of the best cocktail slinger in Bristol, who've created a special drinks menu. There'll also be food from a range of the city's street food stars and even a secretive speakeasy cocktail bar in the crypt below the building.
There are plenty more events taking place over the week. Take a look at the website for more information about times, locations and tickets. You can also purchase a Bristol Cocktail Week wristband, which will get you £10 off every event taking place.
Bristol Cocktail Week 2015. October 19-25, various venues.
Read more about the best cocktails bars in Bristol.