CAPE TOWN is set to shake things up this summer with the launch of Cape Town Cocktail Week (CTCW), a seven-day festival running from 10–16 December 2025. Early bird ticket sales close this Friday, 31 October.
For one week only, the city’s leading cocktail bars will join forces to celebrate Cape Town’s vibrant cocktail culture. With a CTCW wristband, festival-goers can explore the city and enjoy signature serves for just R50.
The programme features more than 37 participating venues across the City Bowl, each creating their own CTCW cocktail. Festival highlights will include additional events and flagship experiences, all designed to encourage exploration.
“Cape Town has an incredible cocktail scene, and CTCW encourages locals and holidaymakers to explore it when the city is at its finest,” says CTCW founder Leah van Deventer, a globally recognised voice in the drinks industry.
“CTCW is not just about discounted drinks, it’s a city-wide celebration that spotlights bartenders and bars, and positions Cape Town as an international cocktail hotspot,” she adds.
Unlike many food and drinks festivals, CTCW isn’t confined to a single venue. Instead, it unfolds in the very bars it aims to promote, designed to drive footfall and foster collaboration. Guests receive a wristband, map and festival guide, then chart their own course.
“CTCW is a cocktail safari, where everyone chooses their own adventure,” says Van Deventer. “As well as enjoying the hospitality of the bars, you get to experience the city itself, from strolling through the Company’s Gardens to riding the cable car.”
Several venues will offer dedicated mocktails or allow guests to request alcohol-free versions of their CTCW serves.
“The aim is to keep the festival accessible, allowing people to participate in whatever way they choose. Brands are also invited to activate through menus, tastings and events,” Van Deventer explains.
The Reàl Cocktail Challenge, a collaboration with partners at Rialto Foods, will take place over the week; select CTCW venues will compete to create the best CTCW serve using Reàl Infused Exotics products, for R20k worth of cash prizes.
HOW IT WORKS
- Buy tickets on Quicket: R280 Early Bird, R380 General Admission, R3 300 groups of 10
- Redeem tickets for a CTCW wristband, details will be sent via email
- Use the wristband and map to access R50 cocktails
- Further info and venue listing on the official CTCW website
