Across the city, cafes, bars, restaurants and shops will be getting into the swing of things by offering signature cocktails for just £4 each and hosting special events and parties.

Buy your wristband (from £10) to be eligible to purchase signature £4 cocktails and entry to exclusive events and masterclasses as well as free tastings so you can learn all about the spirits behind your favourite cocktails. Buy your tickets here.

Confirmed hosts: Theatre Royal, River Cottage Canteen, Wykeham Arms, Vintage Hound, Toscanaccio, The Mucky Duck, The Corner House, Forte Kitchen, Hotel du Vin, Chococo, Jeremy France Jewellers, No. 5 Bridge Street, The Green Man and Kyoto Kitchen. See the full schedule here.

This trade-only event will give shortlisted local bartenders the opportunity to compete in front of a small audience in order to win the first ever Winchester Cup for their venue as well as a prize for him/herself.

Cabinet Rooms’ main goal for the competition is to encourage a creative use of ingredients that will result in imaginative and memorable drinks. But above all it should be fun for all involved!

Step One

Click here to check if you’re eligible to enter!
Make sure the bar you are representing is within 55-miles from the Theatre Royal Winchester, the hub of Winchester’s Cocktail Week.

Step Two

Design your cocktail. This should include no more than five ingredients plus garnish. One of your ingredients should be produced/sourced locally to you.

Step Three

Submit details of your cocktail below before midnight onSunday 10 January 2016.
Remember to explain what gives your cocktail a ‘local’ flavour.

If you are shortlisted, you’ll be contacted week commencing 11 January 2016 to invite you to participate in the live competition at 6pm on Monday 1st February in Winchester.

You will be judged on the following criteria:

Name – 5 points
Appearance – 10 points
Aroma – 10 points
Flavour – 20 points
Use of Local – 5 points

The judging panel and prizes will be announced in the new year so watch this space for more news!