Cocktails have become a huge thing over the last couple of years. Yes they were always around, you could get the classics in most bars and restaurants, but things really have been taken to a new level more recently, with it really being seen as almost an art form to create a cocktail, with a funky title – Mixologist – to boot! Certainly the time and effort that the bartenders put into it in some places really has to be commended. I’m one of of those who loves going out for cocktails and trying new and quirky combinations. I particularly like cocktails that come with little edible ‘props’ like those we tried at Pollen Street Social a couple of years back! Anyway, instead of rambling away forever about my favorite cocktails, I wanted to tell you about a few interesting things coming up in Brum on that very same theme….. 1. Cocktail Masterclasses at Bar Opus 
Starting from the 31st January, Bar manager Sam Cross will be teaching groups of thirsty guests how to mix, shake and stir drinks from the ordinary into the extraordinary. There will be 2 classes a day on the 31st Jan, 14th & 28th Feb, with the latter having a special Irish Theme. They run at 2pm & 4pm and will cost £15pp. So if you fancy taking the first steps in Mixology contact Bar Opus to book a place! 2. Cocktail Xchange An exciting new project, the Cocktail Xchange is due to hit the Midlands this year, with the concept bringing a number of events to the city. The first of which is set for Spring and will bring in bartenders from around the world to work with local bartenders to devise special cocktail menus for a pop up event to showcase their skills for one night only. Organiser of Cocktail XChange Ahmed Kage is also aiming to bring in nights of cocktail tasting menus, based on individual spirits, all accompanied by a pairing of canapes and light bites, and will also feature talks from brand ambassadors. Now this is something I’m looking forward to immensely! For further information as it happens, follow @CocktailXchange on Twitter! 3. Bham Cocktail Weekend
image courtesy of the event website
This is billed by their website as a weekend of exploring new venues and sampling the best of Birmingham’s cocktails. You simply buy your wristband, pick up your guide book and make your way across the city, trying exclusive signature cocktails and discovering all that is great about the Birmingham cocktail scene. Wristbands are £6 in advance but go up to £8 when the event starts. It takes place from the 10th-12th of July and the participating bars will be revealed when wristbands go on sale. And if you decided you need to eat in amongst all the cocktails (you’ll probably need to….!) you can have a look here at some reviews of great places in Brum. Follow them @BhmCocktailWknd on twitter to find out how to sign up, and I’m sure you’ll bump into me at one of the events soon! Roz :)
