Cape Town is ready to turn into a hub for serious drinking culture: from Wednesday, December 10 to Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the city hosts Cape Town Cocktail Week, a festival designed to spotlight its top bars and key tourist attractions.
Cape Town Cocktail Week 2025 is On its Way
The numbers tell the story. Forty venues across the South African capital are participating in CTCW. Around forty events are scheduled, including guest shifts, tastings, masterclasses and competitions. The program also features lifestyle-adjacent happenings — karaoke nights, live music, and even a drag show.
A Remarkable Cocktail Scene
“Cape Town boasts a remarkable cocktail scene, and CTCW encourages both locals and visitors to experience it at a time when the city is at its best,” says Leah van Deventer, founder of CTCW and Academy Chair for The World’s 50 Best Bars. “It’s an event that goes beyond the drinks, shining a light on the bars and the bartenders who make Cape Town an international reference point for the industry.”
CTCW Is a Cocktail Safari
Unlike similar initiatives, Cape Town’s cocktail week isn’t confined to a single venue. It’s a citywide festival. “CTCW is a cocktail safari where everyone chooses their own adventure. Beyond enjoying the bars’ hospitality, you get to experience the city itself,” van Deventer adds. “In fact, guests are encouraged to include tourist stops along the way: many venues open during the day, making it easy to visit the Company’s Gardens, stroll along the Promenade, take the cableway up Table Mountain or pop into a museum.”
Why You Should Attend Cape Town Cocktail Week
While the safari idea sets the event apart, other elements align with international cocktail weeks — such as the inclusion of alcohol-free cocktails and the option to pre-purchase a wristband. The wristband grants access to signature drinks at a special price (50 rand, roughly €2.50) and includes a festival guide complete with a map.
All information is available on the official CTCW website.
