It is World Margarita Day this coming Sunday (22 February), and despite the chilly conditions, Scotland’s barfolk seem determined to get with that sub-tropical vibe and smash out some agave spirit serves.
Leading the way will be Edinburgh cocktail institution Panda & Sons, which is hosting a takeover by London bar Dram, with bartender favourite Zacal Mezcal at the heart of a dedicated mezcal-led menu.
This Edinburgh event follows the two bars’ successful first collaboration, Day After the Dead, which saw Panda & Sons’ GM Nicky Craig take over at Dram in London.
This time, the concept flips, with Dram co-founder Chris Tanner heading north of the border to join the Panda & Sons team behind the bar.
The night will be the first opportunity to try The Zacalita – Zacal’s ‘less-ordinary’ expression of the Margarita, reimagined as a bar-quality, ready-to-drink canned cocktail, which is launching later this year.
Alongside the bar takeover, guests can enjoy mezcal tastings in Panda & Sons’ tasting room, led by Zacal co-founder Phil Clayton. These sessions will explore Zacal’s production methods, including triple distillation, and how mezcal differs from tequila.
“We had such a brilliant response to our first collaboration in London that it felt only right to bring the partnership to Edinburgh and celebrate World Margarita Day,” said Clayton.
“The Margarita is undoubtedly having a moment, but no matter how popular it becomes, great drinks should still surprise you.
“Mezcal reintroduces that nuance and a sense of depth and place. You taste the agave, the landscape and the craft behind it. That’s what we’re bringing to Edinburgh.”
The event at Panda & Sons is free to attend but booking is recommended.
