Brighton Cocktail Festival Serves Record 8,000 Drinks Across 50 Bars
Brighton's cocktail festival has broken records in its second year, with over 50 bars serving more than 8,000 drinks across the city in September.
Record-breaking second year for Brighton's cocktail festival
Brighton and Hove's cocktail festival has set new records in its second year, with more than 8,000 unique cocktail creations served across the city in late September. The event has already grown to become the country's biggest cocktail event in 2026, according to festival founder Harry Philippson.
Over 50 of Brighton and Hove's bars participated in the festival, each creating exclusive festival cocktails priced at £6, with non-alcoholic options available at £4. In total, participating venues created over 150 festival cocktails specifically for the event.
Strong customer footfall across venues
The festival's reach extended well beyond existing customers. On average, each participating bar welcomed 152 new customers during the festival period, with some venues serving more than 300 visitors. A newly launched festival app proved popular, helping 1,400 ticket holders discover and rate cocktails, as well as plan their own cocktail trails using an interactive map.
Standout creations
Among the notable festival cocktails were The Grand's Malteaser-inspired drink, Blossom's Desert-Hami featuring spicy tequila, mango and yuzu, Bar Valentino's Bread and Butter-inspired cocktail and The Coal Shed's Pineapple Miso Daiquiri.
Festival founder praises bars and attendees
Harry Philippson said: "It's been absolutely incredible seeing the festival grow to become the country's biggest cocktail event in 2026 and hearing everyone's amazing feedback. I want to say a huge thank you all the bars and their teams, not just for creating so many incredible cocktails, but for working so hard in the lead up to and during this year's festival to give an outstanding experience to everyone who attended."
Philippson also called on Brighton residents to continue supporting local hospitality venues year-round. He added: "We were completely blown away seeing everyone out exploring, discovering and supporting Brighton's amazing cocktail scene. Hospitality needs our support more than ever right now, and this will make sure all of these amazing venues, that make Brighton and Hove so special, can continue to stay open and do the very best of what they do."
Festival returns in 2027
The Brighton Cocktail Festival will return for a third year in 2027, running from 17 to 28 September. Updates will be shared on the festival's Instagram page and website.
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