While still hoping for the return of its stolen eight-foot tall Christmas Nutcracker statue, Edinburgh bar Copper Blossom is putting the national publicity around the theft to good use with the launch of a nutcracker-crime-themed cocktail in aid of a children’s charity.
The giant festive ornament named ‘Nolan’ was stolen from outside the Signature Group cocktail bar on George Street last week, and despite pleas for its safe return – and a widely circulated CCTV clip of the thief escaping on an e-bike with it perilously balanced across their knee – it remains unaccounted for.
To help restore some festive cheer, Copper Blossom’s mixologists have concocted the ‘Nickin’ Nolan’ cocktail, and announced that £5 from every one sold will be donated to Cash for Kids.
Described as a ‘decadent, dessert-driven rum cocktail that marries Caribbean warmth with gourmet patisserie aromatics’, a Nickin’ Nolan is made with Bumbu Rum, Frangelico, Tonka, chocolate, and vanilla foam.
The bar has also launched a range of ‘Son of a Nutcracker!’ scratch cards, where customers can win spot prizes, including a free dessert; free side dish; free food bill; free drink (or non-alcoholic alternative); boozy brunch for two people; or a free Sunday Roast for four people.
The star prize for two lucky customers will be a trip to Germany, from whence the Nutcracker Christmas tradition originates.
For a chance of winning, customers simply need to say, shout or sing ‘Nutcracker’ to a member of the Copper Blossom team.
General manager at Copper Blossom, Paul Paxton, said: “We’re shaken, but not stirred by the theft of ‘Nolan’ our giant Christmas Nutcracker.
“The culprit may have stolen one of our favourite decorations, but they’ve not stolen our Christmas spirit.
“While we’re still keeping our fingers crossed for Nolan’s safe return, we’ve decided to create a new ‘Nickin’ Nolan’ festive cocktail in aid of our chosen children’s charity, ‘Cash for Kids’.
“Not only that, but we’re offering a whole range of amazing festive prizes inspired by Nolan for our customers to win, including a trip for two to Germany, where traditional Christmas Nutcrackers are made.”
Charity manager of Cash For Kids, Victoria Hendry, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Copper Blossom Bar & Restaurant for their generous support of our Mission Christmas campaign.
“Their commitment to donating £5 from every ‘Nickin’ Nolan ‘cocktail will make a real difference to children who need it most this Christmas.
“Partnerships like this help us bring joy, warmth, and hope to families across our community, and we can’t thank Copper Blossom enough for standing with us.”
