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The Crown Is Theirs: Her Majesty’s Secret Service announced as winner of Bristol Cocktail Weekend’s Cocktail of the Year 2024

Bristol Cocktail Weekend celebrates successful second edition as it announces this years’ winning cocktail as the Custard Cream Colada.

17/10/2024

The second edition of Bristol Cocktail Weekend saw 35 venues across the city create signature cocktails in celebration of mixology. Brought to Bristol by drink and dining experts, Living For The Weekend, and supported by the Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), the event has been hailed as a resounding success. It offered cocktail lovers and foodies alike four days of food, events and exclusive cocktail creations in some of Bristol’s best bars.

Venues were challenged to create a signature cocktail, priced at £6, and a signature mocktail, priced at £5, giving wristband wearers the opportunity to taste something new. Each cocktail was entered into the running for the prestigious title of Bristol Cocktail Weekend’s Cocktail of the Year 2024. 

After much anticipation, the Custard Cream Colada, created by Alex Williams and the team from Her Majesty’s Secret Service, was crowned the winner. The indulgent cocktail combined Disaronno Velvet with Coconut Rum, Assam Tea, Pineapple & Cacao Pulp. Garnished with a bespoke caramelised white chocolate and custard cream crumb biscuit crafted by local chocolatiers at Ruby Hue, it was held together with coconut and passionfruit ganache.

Alex Williams, Bartender, Her Majesty’s Secret Service, said:

“The drink is iconically Her Majesty’s. Mixing up a classic cocktail with a unique presentation and buckets of nostalgia, it was great to work with local chocolate makers, Ruby Hue, on the garnish because they are such talents in their field. To think that so many people came in and loved our drink, well, I am honoured that we have won. Thank you to everyone who came in to try the drink - we hope to see you all again soon.”

In addition to public voting, which was open to those who purchased tickets, a panel of industry professionals from across the UK judged each cocktail on factors including name, inspiration, presentation, taste, and originality. The 11-strong panel included bar owners from elsewhere in the UK, drinks specialists, and PR experts.

Festival-goers were also encouraged to share their feedback on the event when placing their votes. Survey results also highlighted the festival’s success, with 100% of participating bars expressing interest in hosting the festival again in 2025 and 86% of attendees visiting a venue they hadn’t been to previously because of Bristol Cocktail Weekend.

Alex Nicholson-Evans, Founder and Director of Bristol Cocktail Weekend, said:

"The second edition of Bristol Cocktail Weekend has been a real success. It's been wonderful to see the city come together to celebrate its vibrant drinks industry and showcase some of Bristol’s top cocktail venues. A special congratulations to Her Majesty’s Secret Service for winning Cocktail of the Year with their incredibly unique - and delicious - concoction. Returning for our second year has been a real joy and we’re excited to continue growing this event in the years to come."

With the festival garnering such positive feedback, organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s event. The success of the weekend highlights Bristol’s thriving cocktail scene and reinforces its reputation as one of the UK’s leading destinations for food and drink experiences.

Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID, said:

"Bringing Bristol Cocktail Weekend back for a second year has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the incredible venues our city has to offer and to increase footfall into venues. We are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to food and drink in Bristol and it’s important that we continue to highlight and celebrate these venues to ensure their success in the city."
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