Christmas is peak cocktail season. Here is a selection of Big Deals that offer cocktail masterclasses, cocktail afternoon teas, cocktail brunches plus platter and natter sessions with cocktails thrown in. They would make great presents or you could spoil yourself.
Glasgow Cocktail Club, Ashton Lane
£15 for a Cocktail Master Class for 1
Ever wished you could whip up a magic potion?
No, we’re not talking flying elixir or invisibility lotion – we’re talking, of course, about an absolutely delicious cocktail.
Because what could be more magical than a heady combination of your most favourite spirits and mixers?
But if you’re not sure where to start (so many choices, so little time), then why not get your mitts on this Big Deal for a Glasgow Cocktail Club masterclass?
Tucked away in the atmospheric rafters of Innis & Gunn, Glasgow Cocktail Club is an exciting new addition to Ashton Lane.
With this masterclass entry for one, you will learn from an expert mixologist through a combination of demos, tastings and experimentation.
Tipsy inspo
Available Thursday to Sunday, from 3rd January until the 29th March 2020, you can enjoy three cocktails in total (one made by your own fair hands), plus nibbles.
Your 75-minute masterclass will take place in a fun group of up to 16 fellow cocktail lovers.
First, you will be served two drinks whipped up the house mixologist – a Prosecco cocktail and a classic one, with a choice of French Martini, Bramble, Margarita or Tom Collins.
Next, after you are filled with tipsy inspiration, you can start concocting your own unique potion. Who knows what you will come up with..?
Got a friend with a birthday coming up?
If they are partial to a cocktail (or three), then this would make a terrific gift for them.
Or if you’d like to impress your mates by showing off your mixologist skills the next time they’re around, then this master class is the ideal chance to acquire a few nifty tricks.
Basils, Edinburgh
£21 for a 2 Course Meal + Cocktail for 2
Very few dining spots can make you feel like James Bond or Miss Moneypenny from the moment that you step through the door.
Basils in Edinburgh is an exception. With its 60s-inspired decor and cuisine – plus its classic Martinis – we wouldn’t blame you for arriving via parachute, nifty gadget pen in pocket.
So why not sample the 007 vibe for yourself with today’s Big Deal on a two course meal and cocktail?
Inspired by famous Scottish architect, Sir Basil Spence, this Newhaven bar and kitchen promises a cosmopolitan take on classic dishes
The menu at Basils could best be described as 60s dinner party meets classic French bistro meets contemporary cuisine.
Live and let dine
With this Big Deal, you can zoom on over there in your Austin Martin and sample two courses from the market menu plus a classic cocktail.
Available seven days a week, from the 3rd of January until the 31st March 2020, you can buy multiples of this offer with up to eight people permitted per table.
The market menu at Basils changes regularly, but sample mains include gammon steak with potatoes and parsley sauce; chicken cordon bleu with green beans, caper butter and mash; and vegan macaroni cheese with toasted garlic sourdough. Various burgers are available too.
As for your classic cocktail, choices include French Martinis, Daiquiris, Brambles and many more.
Needless to say, this would make a very stylish Christmas gift for your favourite foodie. Buy here.
Ingram Wynd, Glasgow
£19 for Afternoon Tea with Gin Cocktail for 2
The Victorian Temperance movement praised tea as the ‘cup that cheers but does not inebriate’.
That’s all fine and dandy if you’re just having afternoon tea.
With today’s Big Deal, however, we’re adding in a gin cocktail and you’ll be having this treat in the Victorian splendour of Ingram Wynd.
Hugely popular with 5pm diners, Ingram Wynd is a welcoming restaurant and bar on Ingram Street in the Merchant City.
Covered in etchings, pictures, paintings and maps dating from the 19th century, Ingram Wynd is a treasure trove of local history while the restaurant delivers delicious contemporary cuisine.
Always a treat
Available noon to 4pm, Sunday to Friday, the offer is for two people to each enjoy afternoon tea and a gin cocktail in Ingram Wynd.
Served on a traditional three tier stand, afternoon tea at Ingram Wynd is always a treat.
After a selection of dainty sandwiches, including a mini brioche with coronation chicken and a wrap with smoked salmon and cream cheese, comes the finale – and the favourite part of any afternoon tea – the cake selection.
The one served at Ingram Wynd never disappoints.
The selection changes regularly but a typical range might include cream meringue, strawberry tart or a selection of tray bakes, carrot cake, coffee cake and banana bread.
Freshly brewed coffee or your choice of unlimited speciality teas will provide the ideal accompaniment to your afternoon tea, alongside a Botanical Bramble gin cocktail, which comes in three tasty flavours – strawberry, mango or passion fruit.
With validity from 2nd January until the end of March 2020, it’ll be the perfect catch up with a friend or loved one to chat about how the weather has turned out…
Lebowskis
£19 for Brunch with Cocktail for 2, Finnieston
£19 for Brunch with Cocktail for 2, Edinburgh
Where would we be without brunch?
In a lonely and hungry place, my friends. A lonely and hungry place.
Brunch is the ideal meal for catching up with friends. It is also the perfect way to fuel a shopping trip.
And, if we’re being honest, it can go a long way towards undoing any damage from the night before.
Loosen a notch on your belt and let’s do brunch with today’s two person Big Deal from Lebowskis on Edinburgh’s Morrison Street or the Lebowskis in Glasgow's Finnieston.
Friendly and laidback
Despite the name, you don’t need to be a fan of the Coen brothers’ film to enjoy a visit to these Dude-approved bars.
Available 11am to 3pm, on Saturdays and Sundays, from 4th January to the 29th of March 2020, option two of the Big Deal is for two people to have one brunch dish each from brunch menu plus a cocktail each.
Items include the Bunny Brunch (grilled half tomato, vegan sausage, beans, potato scone, hash brown, mushrooms), the Big Lebowski Brunch (flat sausage, double bacon, double egg, Stornoway black pudding, haggis, potato scone, hash brown, beans, toast and butter) and the Mexican Eggs (eggs sunny side up on homemade hot salsa topped with guacamole and sour cream).
The Steak and Eggs option is not included with the Big Deal.
Cocktails to match
When it comes to the cocktails, choose from a Bloody Mary, Mimosa, Red Snapper or Bloody Maria. Alcohol may be substituted for a soft drink.
Lebowskis serves great food and drink in a friendly and laidback atmosphere.
It is a chilled vibe that makes people want to return and hang out. Factor in this Big Deal on brunch for two and you have the perfect treat.
Did we mention it would also make a cheeky little gift? Buy the Edinburgh Deal here and the Glasgow Deal is here.
Luci's, Lasswade
Cocktails or Wine + Sharing Platter for 2 or 4 at from £12
What’s the matter? You seem flatter than usual? Is it our terrible patter?
Not that we’re trying to flatter ourselves, but we’ve got a fantastic idea for you.
How about a sharing platter and a natter with a lovely river view?
Luci’s Restaurant offers contemporary dining and cocktails in lovely Lasswade village near Edinburgh. With views of the River Esk, sleek decor and Italian cuisine, what more could you ask for?
Soak up the atmosphere with today’s Big Deal on a sharing platter and drinks for either two or four.
Option one is for a sharing platter for two with a choice of house wine or cocktail each. Option two is for two platters to share between four plus a house wine or cocktail each.
This offer is super flexible as you can enjoy it seven days a week from 12pm to 10pm, until the end of March (seasonal shut-outs apply).
You could even make a day of it, as Lasswade is handy for Kings Acre Golf Course, Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World and the Pentland Hills Regional Park.
Waterside dining
Luci’s serves up a range of modern Mediterranean cuisine.
Sharing platters come in cured meat, seafood, Italian cheese and seasonal vegetable choices. For instance, the carnivorous option includes a selection of thinly sliced Italian cured meats, Italian breads, oil and sun-blushed tomatoes.
As for the cocktails, take your pick from creations like Lady Luci, a gin cocktail with peach liqueur and lemon juice topped with Prosecco and popping candy or the Jamretto, Jagermeister blended with amaretto and rhubarb topped with soda.
Sharing a tasty platter with family or friends, sipping cocktails and gazing out onto a sparkling river is a super relaxing way to pass the time.
(Until, that is, tension mounts about who gets that last sun-blushed tomato…but let’s not think about that right now).
So if you fancy a lovely meal in Lasswade — or would like to treat your favourite couple to one as a Christmas gift — then get your hands on this platter ‘n’ natter offer pronto.
One Up, Glasgow
Cocktail Masterclass with Optional Burger for 10-30 People; from £15 per person
Have you landed the short straw of having to plan a fun and exciting group event?
No need to tear your hair out just yet – let us replace that short straw with a shiny gold one that would look just lovely perched in a chilled Cosmopolitan.
In other words, why not take a look at today’s fun and exciting Big Deal on a Cocktail Masterclass for ten to thirty people?
Taking place at One Up, you can add on a cheeky burger too if you like (oh, go on).
With its shimmery lilac lighting, One Up on Royal Exchange Square is a very swish setting for practicing your mixing skills with friends.
With this Big Deal, ten to thirty people can enjoy a cocktail masterclass with arrival fizz plus two drinks. Option two adds on a burger each.
This offer would be ideal for a work night out with a difference, birthday celebration or even a stag or hen do.
Watch a cocktail whizz in action
Your party will be welcomed with an arrival glass of fizz, before watching the One Up bar maestro whip up a round of demo cocktails (which of course, you’ll get to try – no sense leaving them all cluttering up the bar).
Next up, it will be time to try your hand at making your own cocktail – let’s hope that you experience some beginner’s luck and concoct a cracker.
The masterclass will last two hours and is available noon to 10pm, Sunday to Friday, from 3rd January until 30th June, meaning that it’s super flexible.
Whether it’s a work night out, birthday celebration or a get-together with the guys or gals, One Up will show you a good time with this Big Deal on a cocktail masterclass.
Arta, Glasgow
Cocktail Masterclass for 1, 2 or 4; from £20
Santa loves it when you leave a glass of milk out for him beside the Christmas tree.
But truth be told, he’d rather you left him out a French Martini (dapper old grandpa that he is).
And who can blame him? It really is the very best cocktail. Unless, of course, you’re going to argue that Mojito rules?
Settle the argument with today’s Handpicked Deal on a cocktail masterclass at Arta, where you’ll get to make both drinks. Needless to say, this would also make a fun Christmas gift for anyone who loves to sip a creative mixer or three.
Shaken, not stirred
This Handpicked Deal is for a cocktail masterclass for one, two or four people. On arrival, guests will be served a sweet and zingy lemon sherbet shot to put them into the swing of things.
Next, Arta’s resident bar maestro will lead them through the process of making two classic concoctions – a French Martini and a Mojito. Nibbles will be served as well.
This masterclass is taking place on a choice of two dates – 18th January or 22nd February 2020 – both at 5pm.
Based on Albion Street, Arta is a truly fancy pants space for brushing up on your cocktail making skills.
Designed to look like an antique Spanish hacienda, the main bar area has enormous standing candelabras and staircases worthy of a castle. It’s all very grand.
Know anyone who loves to get the cocktail shaker out?
With this Handpicked Deal, they will be greeted with a cheeky lemon shot, then learn how to make two classic cocktails. It goes without saying that this would make a very glitzy gift for a friend or even a couple.
Or you could snap up the offer for four people and give yourself a night out with a difference to look forward to in the dreich new year.
Grand Cru, Edinburgh
£25 for a 2 Cocktails & 2 Small Bites Each for 2
We’re guessing that you love a good cocktail and gossip session every now and again (who doesn’t?).
But don’t you think it would be all the more fun if tasty eats were thrown in too?
Buzzy New Town cocktail bar, Grand Cru, are offering exactly this with today’s Big Deal on cocktails and small bites for two.
Heavenly mixers and deliciously nibbly things – sounds ideal for a date night or a catch-up session with a pal you haven’t seen in aaages.
Cocktails and small bites for two
This Big Deal is for two people to have two cocktails and two dishes from the small bites menu each. The small bites are great for sharing, so you can sample each other’s dishes.
This offer available noon to 9pm, seven days a week until 31st March 2020 (excluding all of December), meaning that you will have plenty of opportunity to enjoy it.
You can buy multiples too, so why not get a few friends together for cocktails and gossip?
For your cocktails, you can choose between the Espresso Martini, Bellini, Bramble and frozen Daiquiri.
The small bites menu can change, but sample choices include haggis bon bons with creamy peppercorn sauce; duck spring rolls with hoisin sauce, and breaded prawns with Thai sweet chilli sauce.
The veggie selection includes fried cauliflower and broccoli with garlic mayonnaise, and sweet potato falafel with salsa.
There’s always a good excuse for cocktails and nibbles. For instance, you could pair this Big Deal with a catch-up session with a friend, a shopping trip or even some romantic time with your other half.
Plus as it is available until the end of March 2020, you will have all the time in the world to enjoy it.
Forth Floor Brasserie within Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh
£19 for Cocktails & Sharing Platter for 2
Fantastic food, fantastic cocktails and fantastic company. Sounds great, but what’s missing from this picture?
A fantastic view, of course. And there are few views better than our stunning capital.
This Big Deal offers the whole shebang – a sharing platter, choice of cocktails and sweeping Edinburgh scenery, all enjoyed from the Forth Floor Brasserie at Harvey Nichols.
A capital view
On the fourth floor of this Edinburgh department store, you will find a hidden city treasure – an upscale brasserie with dreamy vistas of the Firth of Forth. At sunset, the view is just incredible.
The restaurant itself is very chic indeed and the food itself is equally as stylish. So why not experience it all for yourself with Big Deal on a Mediterranean-style sharing platter for two with a choice of cocktail each?
This offer is available Sunday to Friday at various times from 6th January until the 31st March. You can also buy multiples with up to six at a table, so why not round up a few friends?
Your sharing platter will include delicious bites like olives, Serrano ham, Manchego cheese, mushroom croquettes, artisan bread and oil.
A veggie option is available.
For your cocktail, you can choose between a Mojito, French Martini, Daiquiri, Espresso Martini, Negroni, Sweet Manhattan or Treacle.
A chic sharing platter would make a much-appreciated Christmas gift for a food-loving couple, especially when cocktails are thrown in too.
Or you could save this Big Deal for yourself and combine it with a Princes Street shopping spree or night out at a show.
Nice nibbles, Mojitos for two and an incredible sunset view – perfect.