International Cocktail and Spirits Festival Heads to Cape Town
-
Loading... - Andrew Grant
- 14 Nov 2024
- 48 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Cape Town is set to come alive with the return of Africa's first bi-annual international AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival, taking place from 20 to 24 November. This exciting event invites both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in a vibrant celebration of cocktails and spirits, showcasing the best of the region's hospitality scene.
The AJABU Festival promises an array of experiences designed for cocktail enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Spanning various bars across Cape Town, the festival will feature international bars where attendees can explore offerings from some of the world’s most renowned establishments. Additionally, there will be educational seminars and panels, providing a chance to learn from industry experts about the latest trends and techniques in mixology. A noteworthy highlight this year is the introduction of the AJABU Scholarship Program, aimed at nurturing emerging talents in the hospitality sector.
Curated by Colin Asare-Appiah, a co-author of Black Mixcellence and a recognized figure in the cocktail industry, alongside Mark Talbot Holmes, founder of U’Luvka Vodka, the festival aims to establish itself as Africa’s premier spirits and cocktail event. The name "AJABU," meaning ‘miraculous’ or ‘wondrous,’ reflects the festival's mission to showcase the vibrant and diverse landscape of African hospitality.
Reflecting on the success of the inaugural AJABU Festival, held in March in both Johannesburg and Cape Town, it was met with enthusiastic reception. The event welcomed 15 participating global bartenders and 13 local partner bars, attracting nearly 2,000 pop-up attendees, 150 community brunch attendees, and 290 tasting table attendees. Colin Asare-Appiah remarked, “The inaugural AJABU Festival was a remarkable first step in our mission to showcase Africa’s vibrant hospitality scene through pop-ups, panels, and tastings.”
The AJABU Festival embraces the rich diversity of the African hospitality industry by connecting brands, the bar trade, media, and cocktail enthusiasts. Participating venues in Cape Town include Cause Effect, Tommy’s Chop Shop, Art of Duplicity, Hacienda, The Drinkery, The House of Machines, Anthm, Kloof Street House, Talking to Strangers, Fable, and Tjing Tjing. These venues will collaborate to deliver unique cocktail experiences that highlight African ingredients and flavors over the course of three nights.
Beyond sampling exquisite cocktails, the AJABU Festival will host a series of seminars and masterclasses designed for consumers, cocktail enthusiasts, spirits aficionados, and industry professionals. Renowned figures in the industry will lead these sessions, including Steve Olson, co-founder of Del Maguey and partner in Rieger Whisky, who will conduct masterclasses on Bourbon, Rye, and Kansas City whisky. Simon Ford, founder of Ford’s Gin, will also share his expertise during the festival. Mark Talbot Holmes expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “We’re looking forward to seeing these bartenders work alongside the equally outstanding local establishments in one-of-a-kind pop-ups and informative seminars.”
The AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival is an event not to be missed for cocktail and spirit lovers in Cape Town. With an impressive lineup of bars, educational seminars, and masterclasses, the festival promises to be a remarkable celebration of the cocktail culture and the vibrant hospitality scene in Africa. Join in the festivities and experience the magic of AJABU from 20 to 24 November!
