The run up to the festive period can be a long slog of dark nights, damp weather and the never ending task of managing the Christmas card mailing list.

One of the key ways to survive the endurance test is having a sense of balance.

And by that I mean having a drink in both hands.

Happily, this approach can easily be practised thanks to events such as Edinburgh’s Cocktails in the City.

Eighteen cocktail bars

The two night festival returns to Mansfield Traquair in the capital on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th October.

At least eighteen of the city’s finest cocktail bars will each have their own pop-up bar, showcasing signature drinks and the theatre of cocktail making.

Some 1,500 cocktail fans are set to attend the two-night celebration during which more than 4,500 drinks are expected to be shaken, stirred and poured.

In the spirit of friendly rivalry, participating bars will be asked to create a cocktail inspired by A Taste of Edinburgh.

Bars will devise a new cocktail recipe, drawing on the city’s history, heritage or local produce. Those intrigued will have to wait until the festival takes over Mansfield Traquair to taste Edinburgh in a Glass.

Innovative cocktails

Among the participating bars are 5pm Dining faves Badger & Co, Bar Soba, Malmaison and The Whistle Stop Barber Shop.

The last of these is has devised an intriguing sounding cocktail known as The Fluffer Nutter. The mind boggles.

While mingling among the pop-up bars, festival-goers can take part in an Alice in Wonderland live escape game, an interactive cocktail master class or just dance to the sounds of the resident DJ providing the soundtrack to the night.

New talent on the block

Commenting on what’s in store for the festival, Tabara N’Diaye, event organiser says:

‘Every year we challenge ourselves to build on previous festivals and make each event even better than the one before.

‘This year we’re delighted to welcome the highest number of bars we’ve ever had at Cocktails in the City Edinburgh.

‘Many of these bars are new to the city which makes it a great opportunity to check out the new talent on the block as well as sampling a real taste of Edinburgh with the incredible cocktails on offer.’

Tickets are £12 and include one welcome cocktail. All further cocktails will be priced at £6.50. Tickets and more information can be found here.