Unveiling some of the most cutting edge cocktails and serves from countries across the globe, the mixologists visited twenty handpicked bars across Edinburgh to highlight new trends and bespoke brand menus as part of the annual World Class Takeover, which has already delivered similar events in Instanbul and Cape Town. 

Diageo Reserve Brand Ambassador in Scotland, Stephen Martin, commented: “Edinburgh has a vibrant bar scene with a clientele who have established a taste for comfortably refined elegance; something that aligns very closely with the Diageo Reserve spirit brands. 

“The capital’s night-time economy is constantly growing and improving, with many of the independent bars, from the shores of Leith to the heart of the city centre, now specialising in the creative use of premium spirits. 

“Our passionate Diageo Reserve spirit ambassadors are always keen to further their learning and being in Edinburgh this week has allowed the ‘Reserve BAs’ (brand ambassadors) from all over the world to experience all this cosmopolitan city has to offer.” 

Rebecca Quinonez, Global Zacapa Ambassador from Miami, added: “The Diageo Bar Academy pulled together a packed schedule for the week to let us truly experience Edinburgh with tasting sessions, brand workshops and even had a chance to delve into the archives. 

“Thursday evening allowed us to share this knowledge with some of the best bars in Edinburgh, with a view to continuing to support the raising industry standards across the globe. 

“As mixologists, we’re always experimenting with different flavours and new techniques so the Takeover event was a great chance to make use of luxury spirit brands like Tanqueray No. TEN, Johnnie Walker, Zacapa rum and Ketel One vodka.  The great thing about major brands like those is their incredible versatility – we managed to create a bespoke menu for each of the twenty bars involved using only a few different spirit brands.” 

The bars included in the Takeover event were Treacle, The Bon Vivant, The Devil’s Advocate, Bramble, The Lucky Liquor Co, Panda & Sons, Hoot the Redeemer, Rick’s, Tigerlily, Candy Bar, Tonic, Voodoo Rooms, Villager, Whistle Stop Barber Shop, Whiski Rooms, Usquabae, Copper Blossom, Boozy Cow, 99 Hanover Street and Lulu. 

Inspired? Visit Thebar.com to find a range of drinks recipes using a variety of well-known brands such as Smirnoff No.21, Gordon’s London Dry Gin and Captain Morgan to suit any occasion.