The Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) is a festival that celebrates the unique cocktail culture in Nigeria through events, seminars and training sessions. The week-long event aims at educating on cocktail culture both locally and internationally, inform on global trends and entertain individuals, businesses and corporations.

Established in 2014, the LCW has grown into one of West Africa’s premier gatherings, dedicated to celebrating the art of mixology and the dynamic cocktail culture in Nigeria through a range of engaging events and workshops.

This year’s edition of the festival which was a 9-day event dubbed: Sip, Savour, and Celebrate, commenced on October 13, with the fun and spirited Bar-Hop – the act of visiting multiple bars in a single night – where some of Lagos best bars crafted exclusive signature cocktails for the week, providing cocktail enthusiasts from near and far a taste of unique African-inspired creations.

The culmination of the festival included engaging workshop sessions and a heart-pounding grand finale bar battle held at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, from Thursday, October 19 to Friday, October 20.

Day one of Lagos Cocktail Village commenced with an inaugural toast featuring Laurent Perrier and the LCW Founder, Lara Rawa. This was succeeded by compelling presentations from guest speakers during the workshop sessions for the festival.

The workshops sessions included the EDC Workshop on Managing Operations in Hospitality Business led by Uchedu Egbuna; the Sterling Bank Workshop on Building a Structure for Business Sustainability hosted by Head, SME Products Sterling Bank-Bolanle Tyson, and the Chivas Workshop on Breaking Scotch Whisky Tradition hosted by Global Brand Ambassador,Chivas -Rhys Wilson.

The second day saw some of Nigeria’s talented mixologists showcased their skills in a Bar Battle to become the LCW 23 Champion. The winners were Victor Ugo for the Chivas Challenge; Terna Benjamin for the Bombay Challenge; Uyounwu Innocent Jaja for the Gordon’s Challenge, and Victor Archibong for the Fayrouz Challenge.

A significant highlight of the event was the physical attendance of the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture -Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, along with the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja.

The Commissioner’s closing remarks served as a fitting conclusion, adding an official touch to the conclusion of what many described as a remarkable week, underlining its significance in the cultural and artistic spheres of Lagos and beyond. The event ended with an after party and amazing sounds from Wanni X Handi.

The Lagos Cocktail Village, a spectacular two-night affair, surpassed all expectations, as attendees relished in complimentary cocktails courtesy of renowned partner brands such as: Absolut Vodka, Ballantine Whiskey, Chivas Regal, Olmeca Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Johnnie-Walker, Gordon’s Gin, Captain Morgan, Smirnoff Vodka, Bombay Sapphire, D’usse Cognac, Nestle Water, Flirt Vodka, Jack Daniels, Famous Grouse, Fayrouz, Desperadoes, Star Radler, Monin and Schweppes.

Other partners of this year’s LCW include: Sterling Bank, Balmoral Events, Event Studio, TVC, Max FM, Event Racks and the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.