The 7th Edition of Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) showcased and celebrated the cocktail culture in Nigeria as well as the craftsmanship behind mixology.
The event which started on the 7th of October ended with a 2-day pop-up from Friday 15th – Saturday 16th October at the Balmoral Hall Federal Palace, Victoria Island. The event started with the Lagos Cocktail Week conference hosted by Yomi Owope, which began with introductions and getting to know the attendees. Then Lara Rawa, the founder of Lagos cocktail week gave an opening speech, after which the conference was in full swing.
Speakers and panelists spoke on the theme ‘Diversification and Identifying New Opportunities.’ On the panel of speakers were Milhails Minckovskis, Ibrahim Buwanhot, Andrew Bolshakov, Natalie Migliarini and James Stevenson.
Furthermore, Johnnie Walker’s Brand Ambassador, Tinya Alonge hosted the HighBall masterclass alongside Mixologist Berg Baboyan.
The LCW conference was attended by industry professionals and stakeholders. There were also opportunities for the guests to network and learn more about each other’s businesses. Once this was rounded up the cocktail village opened up.
The cocktail village was a fun-filled experience that brought together different bar sponsors such as Star Radler, Johnnie Walker, Beefeater Gin, Mr. Dowell’s, Jameson, Absolut Vodka, Olmeca Tequila, Fayrouz, Desperados, Gordon’s Moringa Gin. Nestle Pure Life and Monin Nigeria were also sponsors. It was hosted by media personality Bridget Chigbuefe who got to taste a few of the sponsors’ delicious cocktails.
The event was attended by celebrities, personalities, influencers and guests such as Tiwa Savage, Dare Art Alade, Diane Russet, Ike Onyema, Deyemi Okanlawon, Elozonam, Anto Lecky, Pengman, Eniafe Momodu, Sonia Irabor, Denola Grey, Erica Nlewedim, Olumide Oworu and many others.
Speaking on his experience at the LCW2021 Ike Onyema said ‘I would love to come back and I would love to be part of this event next year.’
The cocktail village was rounded up by the Bar Battle. The Bar Battle took place and featured 9 mixologists taking part in 4 challenges. The battle was judged by Aderonke Bamgbade – (Sommelier,Master bartender and owner of Liquid Hub), Alex Oke (Chef and Owner of XO Bakery), Denola Grey (Actor and Fashion Consultant), Diane Russet (Actress and Media Personality), Elozonam( Actor and Media Personality), Berg Baboyan (Mixologist) and Tara Gbadamosi (Brand Ambassador Absolut Vodka). The challenges included the Fayrouz, Star Radler x Desperados, Absolut Vodka and Johnnie Walker challenge. The winners were Joseph Chukuma, Seth Awesome Jhan, Victor Obanya and Timileyin Anibaba who all went home with cash prizes. Monin Nigeria gave all the contestants bar tools and Monin syrup as gifts.
Lagos Cocktail Week has become one of Lagos’ landmark events, celebrating the craftsmanship behind mixology and the cocktail culture in Nigeria through events, seminars and training since its inception in 2014.
Lagos Cocktail is social
Instagram – @lagoscocktail
Twitter – @lagoscocktailwk
Website: https://www.lagoscocktailweek.com/
