The art of cocktail, celebration of the craftsmanship behind mixology and the cocktail culture in Nigeria through events, also organising trainings and seminars since its launch in 2014 have been the main goal of the Lagos Cocktail Week, thus making it one of the landmark annual events held in the state. This year’s edition, the 7th to be precise, showcased all aspects with regard to cocktail and its culture in the country. In attendance were guests from different backgrounds and works of life including brand ambassadors, social media personalities, celebrities, influencers etc. The Lagos Cocktail Week (LCW) 2021 kicked off on the 7th of October, ending with a 2-day pop up from Friday 15th – Saturday 16th at Balmoral Hall Federal Palace, Victoria Island.
Folahon Abudu and Lara Rawa L-R: Lilian Unachukwu, Lara Rawa, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi & Aisha Igbinovia 
Barene Jankovich-Besan (Marketing Director – Pernod Ricard Nigeria)
• The Lagos Cocktail Week Conference
Emmanuel Oriakhi and Lara Rawa L-R: Adebayo Adeyemo (Brand Manager – Jameson, Absolut Vodka & Imperial blue) and Ik Agu( Commercial Director – Pernod-Ricard Nigeria) .
The 7th edition of the Lagos Cocktail Week conference was hosted by Yomi Owope, who introduced the panelists and other dignitaries present. After that, Lara Rawa (founder of Lagos Cocktail Week) gave the opening speech, pushing the conference into full swing. The conference theme read—Diversification and Identifying New Opportunities—on which Milhails Minckovskis, Ibrahim Buwanhot, Andrew Bolshakov, Natalie Migliarini and James Stevenson, the panel of speakers duly spoke about. Additionally, Tinya Alonge (brand ambassador to Johnnie Walker) and Berg Baboyan (a top class mixologist) hosted the Highball Masterclass. The conference was attended by industry professionals and stakeholders.
Tinya Alonge and Berg Baboyan
• The Cocktail Village
The Cocktail Village Absolut Vodka cocktail
Hosted by Bridget Chigbuefe boasting a plethora of sponsors in—Star Radler, Johnnie Walker, Beefeater Gin, Mr Dowell’s, Absolut Vodka, Fayrouz, Desperados, Monin Nigeria, Olmeca Tequila, Nestle Pure Life, Gordon’s Moringa Gin and Jameson—at its disposal, The Cocktail Village was a fun-filled event and experience which gave room for everyone in attendance to network and learn more about each other under the right ambience and perfect variety of cocktails to choose from, drinking and tasting at will. Guests in attendance include (but are not limited to) Tiwa Savage, Timini Egbuson (actor and brand ambassador to Fayrouz), Elozonam, Erica Nlewedim, Olumide Owuru, Diane Russet, Ike Onyema and Denola Grey.
Timini Egbuson and Denola Grey Elozonam Tiwa Savage and Lara Rawa
Ike Onyema even remarked “I would love to come back and I would love to be part of this event next year.” which goes to show how much the guests enjoyed themselves at The Cocktail Village of the Lagos Cocktail Week. The host was not left behind, she equally participated in the fun events, getting to taste a few of the sponsors deliciously made cocktails.
• Bar Battle
Mixologists showing their craftsmanship during the Star Radler X Desperados Challenge Bar Battle Mixologists at work during the Absolut Vodka Challenge Bar Battle at LCW2021
The Bar Battle rounded up the LCW 2021. 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) were 9 mixologists taking part in 4 challenges namely – the Fayrouz, Star Radler x Desperados, Absolut Vodka and Johnnie Walker challenge.
Three mixologists emerged as winners in the Bar Battle. Joseph Chukuma, Seth Awesome Jhan, Victor Obanya and Timileyin Anibaba all came out victorious, going home with cash prizes; Monin Nigeria (one of the sponsors of the LCW) gave all the 9 contestants bar tools and their special Monin syrup as gifts.
Joseph Chukwuma ( Fayrouz Bar Battle Winner) and Onyinye Elochukwu (Brand Manager – Fayrouz)
Lagos Cocktail 2021, bringing people together one cocktail at a time!