40 bars join third edition of Brussels Cocktail Week

A week-long festival starting this weekend aims to “put the spotlight on Brussels’ cocktail scene”.

The third edition of Brussels Cocktail Week involves more than 40 bars and restaurants across Brussels.

The event was created by Leslie Moreau and Sophie Barrière, the co-owners of Green Lab - a bar much loved by mixology fans.

“We created this to help establish a united cocktail scene in Brussels,” Barrière said.

Brussels Cocktail Week starts on Sunday at 15.00 at the Hôtel de la Poste at Tour & Taxis with a big bash called Blend, featuring 15 Belgian bars offering 40 original cocktail recipes, a food truck and DJs.

During the week there will be bartenders from all over Europe taking part - and there will be food and cocktail pairings created by duos of bartenders and top Brussels chefs. One evening, entitled Amazones, will highlight the female mixologists in Brussels.

On Tuesday the top bartenders from Flanders will take over six Brussels bars. Le Freak Show by Hendrick’s will bring music, tattoos, dancers and fire to Green Lab.

There are plenty of other events as well as masterclasses and workshops for you to improve your cocktail skills - and finally on Saturday 21 September there’s a Hangover Session at Visit Brussels with yoga and mocktails.