After the success of the inaugural Edinburgh Cocktail Weekend last year, organisers behind the celebration have expanded the format to take in a whole week for 2018. This year 80 bars (up 30 from last year) from all over the city are involved including famous Edinburgh spots like Harvey Nichols and Tigerlily, as well as favourites like Badger & Co and the Refinery.

The concept of the event is based around trying to 'mix up your night out' and get out of the comfort zone of your local. It works by buying a Cocktail Week wristband and being able to purchase a £4 signature cocktail from all of the bars participating.

Not only are there more bars participating this year, but there are also some fresh new additions to the event like a purpose-built Cocktail Village at Festival Square and a programme of masterclasses and parties. The Cocktail Village will be a hub for the event where 15 pop-up bars such as Edinburgh Gin, Johnnie Walker and Poco Prosecco will set up camp to offer cocktails. It will also be home to live music, masterclasses and tasters throughout.

An event highlight of the weekend is The Secret Spirits Study pop-up on Queen street hosted by Wemyss Malts and Darnley's Gin that functions as a masterclass hub but transforms into an underground bar at night. Another high point is the Chivas Regal whisky-themed Escape Room at Nightcap and a Pornstar Martini Party with Absolut Vodka at 4042.

Adding to the benefits of buying a wristband, wristband-holders can also pick up some great deals like a free cocktail with beauty treatments at NOW by ONE Spa, 50% off a taxi at mytaxi and free entry to clubs Lulu, 4042 and Shanghai.

Organiser Gary Anderson commented 'We wanted to give the event more of a festival feel this year, so we have introduced a much larger programme of things happening all around the city for wristband-holders to hop between on their cocktail adventure, as well as extending the event to seven days and increasing the number of bars taking part to spread footfall.'

To buy wristbands and for a full list of participating bars visit edinburghcocktailweek.co.uk

Edinburgh Cocktail Week, Various Venues, Edinburgh, Mon 15-Sun 21 Oct, £6-8.