Cocktail lovers, get ready to sample some of the world’s most intriguing and bespoke cocktails when the Ajabu Cocktail & Spirits Festival makes its debut in Cape Town this March.
Dubbed as Africa’s first bi-annual international cocktail and spirits festival the eagerly anticipated event will take place at various prestigious Cape Town bars from 14–17 March.
What to Expect
The event, curated by Colin Asare Appiah (Bar World 100 Most Influential Figures 2023, and co-author Black Mixcellence) and Mark Talbot Holmes (founder of multiple award-winning U’Luvka Vodka), aims to become Africa’s leading spirits and cocktail festival.

The inaugural event will include bartenders from internationally acclaimed bars including Allegory (Washington DC), Front/Back (Accra), Hero Bar (Nairobi), Rayo (Mexico City), Sweet Liberty (Miami), and Trailer Happiness (London). These global bars will each collaborate with our local favourites such as Cause Effect, Fable, Talking to Strangers, The Drinkery, The House of Machines and Tjing Tjing to come up with a delicious menu to be served to guests.
Ajabu will host a series of community brunches, tasting tables and other special events during the festival.
Renowned rum ambassador and IWSC Spirits Communicator of the Year 2023, Ian Burrell, will host a masterclass, and local and global bar communities will also gather to celebrate the 50th birthday of AJABU partner and industry legend, Kurt Schlechter.

Both cities will host dedicated seminars for the South African launch of Pernod Ricard’s SIP–an upskilling and educational programme. Here, in community-building groups, attendees will discuss themes such as menu design and storytelling, seasonal ingredients, cocktail trends and techniques and technology.
Ajabu will host another week-long event across both cities in November, in partnership with Cape Town Beverage Show.
Tickets
Tickets for the festival are complimentary, however you will need to register as space is limited.
Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/430nSsx
Contact Details
For more information, please visit ajabufestival.com