Bar stars mix it up at two new Leeds cocktail events

And we’re not the only ones, as thousands of people snap up tickets for drinks-themed festivals from Leeds Loves Cocktails to Cocktails in the City.

But there’s a new festival that is about to take the city by storm.

The Leeds Cocktail Experience will be held at Aspire on City Square on Friday, October 14.

The event will see the space transformed into a cocktail lover’s paradise, with 14 bars bringing their mixologists along to create their own concoctions.

Tickets start at £15, which includes two free cocktails.

But before that, the best bartenders in Leeds will be shaking things up at a cocktail competition.

The 2016 Monin Cup UK competition will see bartenders from across the North East battle it out for the chance to represent the cocktail industry in a glittering international final in Paris.

The competition in Leeds will be held at Almost Famous on Great George Street on Monday, September 5.

The winner and runner-up will then head to London to take part in the UK final.

Lee Hyde, Monin beverage innovation manager, said: “The Monin Cup is a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills, share ideas and maybe even try out that experimental recipe you’ve been practising.

“We’re looking for talented young bartenders who can demonstrate innovation and an exceptionally high level of skill.”

With these two events to add to our cocktail calendar, it’s going to be a busy year.