Get ready to shake, stir, and sip your way through St Andrews with a Cocktail Crawl to remember!

Last week, I hopped on a train bound for St Andrews, ready for a tantalising preview of the creations on offer at the upcoming St Andrews Cocktail Week, proudly sponsored by Pernod Ricard. Running from Friday 14th to Sunday 23rd March, this festival is a celebration of mixology at its finest. Now in its third year, it’s clear that this annual event is only getting bigger, better, and boozier! With some of the town’s most celebrated bars and restaurants stepping up to the plate, it’s a cocktail lover’s paradise.

How to get to St Andrews Cocktail Week

Getting to St Andrews is a breeze. Simply hop on a train from Edinburgh or Glasgow to Leuchars Station, where a quick transfer to the No99 Stagecoach bus takes you directly into the heart of the action. With buses running every 10 minutes, there’s really no excuse not to indulge in a day—or even a weekend—of cocktail bliss.

Once you’re there, St Andrews has done all the hard work for you—each of the 27 participating venues are within easy walking distance. This means you can keep the party rolling without a care in the world (other than what to sip next!). Signature cocktails start at a mere £5, and participating venues are sweetening the deal with fantastic food discounts. Fancy 15% off dining with your drinks at Rufflets or 20% off dinner at Mitchells/The Hide? Consider it done.

Let me tell you about my own cocktail escapade, which was filled with some of the most creative—and downright delicious—libations around. Here are my top three picks to add to your must-try list:

1. Bloody Mary at Hatch

 First stop : Hatch, where their Bloody Mary reigns supreme. With prime window seats to people-watch or outdoor tables to soak up the St Andrews vibe, it’s an ideal spot to recharge. Made with Old Tom tomato juice, their Bloody Mary is bursting with rich, juicy flavour. Craving a spicy kick? Add a dash—or three—of Tabasco to tailor it to your taste.

2. Tequilini at Dune

Cool, sweet, and oh-so-sophisticated, the Tequilini at Dune is an icy cocktail that’s a must. Honey lends its natural sweetness, while subtle notes of lavender add an elegant floral touch. Bonus: with your cocktail wristband, you’ll snag 20% off food, making this stop all the sweeter.

3. Irish Goodbye at Forgans

Save the best for last and make your way to Forgans to wrap up your crawl in style. Friendly staff, a warm atmosphere, and their standout signature—the Irish Goodbye—await. Imagine the perfect mix of coffee and whisky, delivering a cosy finish to a day full of flavour.

I have to mention my favourite bar which was The Old Vic. This place is as quirky as its signature drink! The doodle-covered staircase walls welcome you into a lively space where you’ll find this nostalgic concoction waiting. The Childish Campino is a sweet strawberry dream that takes you back to carefree childhood days—perfect for kicking off your crawl with a touch of whimsy.

To unlock a world of exclusive cocktail deals and discounts, snag a wristband for just £9.95 (but be quick as they only have a few Advance Discount Wristbands remaining, after that the price is £12.95). It’s your golden ticket to drink deals galore, food discounts, and a whole lot of fun. Don’t forget to grab your besties, plan your route, and prepare for a day (or night) of cocktail-filled adventures.

Head over to www.standrewscocktailweek.co.uk for all the details. Cheers to good times and even better cocktails! 

Adele Conn “TartanSpoon”

Margarita’s aren’t just for 22nd February, but all year round!

To celebrate National Margarita Day on Saturday, 22nd February, I embarked on a delightful journey to Londonderry Derry in Northern Ireland to uncover the city’s Top 3 Margaritas.

Despite not being much of a day drinker, I found myself easily indulging in margaritas at noon. The experience was made even more enjoyable by pairing a margarita with a mini afternoon tea, complete with scones and tea! Who would have thought!!

For me, margarita cocktails are all about the tequila. I believe that the quality of the tequila, combined with the skills and knowledge of the bartender, is what makes a truly exceptional margarita. 

The margarita is one of the world’s most beloved cocktails, known for its refreshing taste and versatility. You’ll often find many bars showcasing variations of the Classic Margarita with Fruit-Flavoured Margaritas, Spicy Margaritas and even Frozen Margaritas.

In my quest, I didn’t discovered any Spicy or Frozen Margaritas but I did discover three outstanding margaritas that stood out from the rest:

1. Nacional de Cuba, Strand Road: Try their Raspberry Margarita! This bar and nightclub offers an extensive list of fruit-flavoured margaritas, from passion fruit to strawberry and you can choose between a salted or sugared glass rim. The talented bartender is skilled in her craft and can create a margarita tailored to your taste. With its great vibes, Nacional de Cuba is perfect for enjoying a relaxed, easy-drinking margarita with friends.

2. Stitch and Weave, Ebrington Square: This elegant bar is just as sophisticated as their Classic Margarita. Expertly crafted, their cocktail strikes a perfect balance between sweet and sour, with plenty of lime and a tequila kick that lingers pleasantly. It’s a beautiful spot for a classy margarita experience.

3. The Corner House Pub and Lounge, Westland Avenue: Their Classic Margarita stands out as the only one served in a traditional margarita glass, ice-cold with a generous amount of salt on the rim. Featuring Cointreau, this margarita offers an instantly recognisable bitter orange flavour that blends harmoniously with the lime and mellows with the tequila.

A margarita is undoubtedly one of the simplest cocktails to make, and it packs a flavourful punch. The ingredient list is delightfully short, featuring spirits and condiments that are staples in most home bars: tequila, an orange liqueur like Cointreau or triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice, and a bit of salt. 

To create this classic cocktail add tequila, orange liqueur, lime juice and ice to a shaker. Shake, shake and shake some more. Salt the rim of your glass, strain and pour. 

For those who fancy a fruity twist on this classic, it’s incredibly simple to customise. Just blend fresh or frozen fruit into a puree and add it to your shaker along with the other ingredients. Depending on the sweetness of the fruit, you might want to add a teaspoon of simple syrup to balance the flavours.

Whether you stick with the classic recipe or venture into fruity variations, the margarita remains a versatile and beloved cocktail and I can understand why it features on most bars cocktail lists and is an extremely popular drink.

Here’s to raising my glass this weekend to Margaritas which have been featuring on cocktail menus since the 1930’s!

Slainte!

Adele Conn “TartanSpoon”

Crafting cocktails is both an art and a skill.

A talented mixologist can create well-balanced, drinkable, and visually stunning beverages that leave you craving more. Unfortunately, not many bartenders have perfected this craft, and it shows. However, there are a select few who excel in this field, and Fraser Tait, Mixologist from Skua, a neighbourhood restaurant and late-night cocktail bar in Stockbridge, Edinburgh is among them. His expertise and creativity elevate the cocktail experience, making each drink a true delight.

For Valentine’s Day, I’ve been searching for a cocktail that truly embodies the essence of love—not the intense, passionate fling of first love, but the quiet, enduring love that comes from years of being together and deeply understanding one another. With this brief, I approached Fraser, asking if he could craft such a cocktail. And he delivered! The result is a beautifully delicate creation that you’ll instantly appreciate upon tasting. It’s light, pink, and petite—a true testament to the subtle, lasting love we cherish. The cocktail is called “Be Still my beating Heart!” and it’s ever so pretty!

Fraser selected this Valentine’s cocktail for its seasonality, featuring blood oranges which are currently in season. Skua, as a seasonal and sustainable restaurant and cocktail bar, prides itself on using fresh, in-season ingredients. Additionally, bergamot is also in season and serves as the base element for Italicus Bergamot Liqueur, giving the cocktail a delicate hint of citrus. The complexity of the Campari with is distinctive bitterness takes on a sweeter and herbaceous profile in this cocktail whilst the Bergamot marries so well with the blood oranges.  

Skua Edinburgh will be running this Cocktail all of next week in the run up to Valentine’s Day on Friday, and throughout the weekend, but they’ve also kindly let me have the recipe and informed me that all these ingredients are easily available you’re your local Supermarkets.

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART COCKTAIL

Ingredients

  • 30ml Vodka
  • 15ml Campari
  • 15ml Italicus Bergamot Liqueur
  • Rose water spray
  • Frozen Raspberries
  • 30ml Blood orange juice
  • A drop of Better Bitters
  • A drop of Peychaud’s Bitters
  • Ice

Method

  • Add ice to the Coupe glass and let it chill
  • In a cocktail shaker, add all the ingredients to ice
  • Shake, shake and shake some more
  • Strain the liquid into one half of the cocktail shaker, leaving the ice in the other half
  • Remove ice from your Coupe glass
  • Strain the liquid through a sieve tapping the side of the sieve lightly to create that foam topping
  • Top with a frozen raspberry
  • Enjoy

Now that you have this sexy cocktail, you most definitely need a perfect food pairing. This cocktail is the ideal companion for an antipasti platter or a Valentine’s charcuterie board brimming with bold, punchy cheeses like blue cheese, aged cheddar or gouda, salty cured meats like salami, prosciutto and choziro, and sweet, juicy fruits like figs, grapes and dried apricots.

I hope your Valentine’s Day is brimming with love, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s, Galentine’s, Palentine’s, or simply indulging in a stellar cocktail. 

Slainte to love in all its forms!

Adele Conn “TartanSpoon”

Ignite The Spark With These Cocktails

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to show someone special just how much you care, but sometimes inspiration doesn’t always come easy. Social and Cocktail are here to help – what better way than with a handcrafted, delicious cocktail? Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or a special evening out, these Valentine’s Day cocktails are sure to impress. 

Indulge In Love Potions

Our selection of Valentine’s Day cocktails from our top 100 cocktails features a selection of classic and contemporary drinks that are perfect for couples. From sweet and fruity, to rich and decadent, we have something to suit every taste. 

  • French 75: A classic and elegant cocktail made with gin, champagne, lemon juice and sugar
  • Cosmopolitan: This sophisticated and fruity drink is perfect for sharing
  • Strawberry Daiquiri: This sweet and refreshing cocktail is made with fresh strawberries, lime juice and rum
  • Pornstar Martini: A romantic and flavourful twist on the classic martini, made with passionfruit juice and vodka

Crafting the perfect Valentine’s Day Cocktail

Start by choosing a base spirit that you and your partner enjoy, then add in some complementary flavours. For a romantic touch, consider using fresh fruits, herbs, or spices. And don’t forget the garnish! A simple sprig of mint or a slide of strawberry can make all the difference. 

Non-Alcoholic Options for a Romantic Evening

If you’re not drinking alcohol, there are plenty of delicious mocktails that are perfect for Valentine’s Day. Try a refreshing Mojito made with mint, lime, and soda water, or a sophisticated Cosmopolitan made with cranberry juice, lime juice and simple syrup. 

Cheers to Love

Romantic cocktails are the perfect way to set the mood for a special evening. So dim the lights, put on some soft music, and enjoy a delicious drink with your loved one. Cheers!

Delicious Alcohol-Free Drinks for a Healthy Start to 2025!

Struggling through Dry January but missing your favourite cocktails? Dry January is a great way to reset your body and mind after Christmas, but going alcohol free doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious and refreshing drinks! Mocktails are the perfect solution for you to enjoy the flavours and experience of cocktails – without the alcohol content!

What are Mocktails?

Mocktails are non-alcoholic cocktails crafted using a mix of fresh fruits, juices, herbs and soft drinks. They’re a great alternative to traditional cocktails and offer a healthier option without the hangover!

What are the benefits of Mocktails?

There are so many benefits for choosing mocktails during Dry January (and beyond!). For starters, they’re often healthier than their alcoholic counterparts due to their lower calorie and sugar contents. They can also help you stay hydrated and avoid the dreaded headaches and hangovers that can come after a good night out! Plus, mocktails can be just as delicious and sophisticated as traditional cocktails – making them a great choice for any occasion. 

What types of Mocktails are available?

There are countless mocktails to choose from, and many of your favourite cocktails can work great as a alcohol free mocktail! Some of the most popular mocktails include:

  • Mojito: A refreshing blend of mint, lime, and soda water – perfect for a hot summer day
  • Cosmopolitan: A sophisticated and fruity drink typically made with cranberry juice, lime juice and orange liqueur. Simply switch the orange liqueur for fresh orange juice and a little bit of simple syrup for a tasty mocktail.
  • Daiquiri: A classic cocktail that can be made with strawberries or other fruits, blended with lime juice and sugar. 
  • Martini: This sophisticated drink can be made alcohol free with non-alcoholic gin and vermouth. Perfect shaken or stirred!

Our Mobile Cocktail Bars are here to help!

We offer a wide variety of delicious mocktails (and cocktails!) to suit your taste. We use only the freshest ingredients to ensure that our mocktails are bursting with flavour. 

From Hen Parties to Birthday Parties, book our mobile cocktail bar for your next event and let us help you make Dry January and beyond a success.