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”