Now that Edinburgh has been plunged into the wintery darkness for the foreseeable future (bit dramatic but whatever), it does feel like the city is forced into hibernation until the sunshine comes back. Well the team behind the popular event ‘Chill Fest Leith’ have got your back and are here to ‘fight the winter blues in EH6’ from 5th of November right up until to 5th of January.
I’m normally one who shies away from using the C word until at least December 24th but I feel like Yule Fest Leith will be forcing even the most grinchy of folk (me) to embrace the festive spirit this year and go full hygge cozy vibe – especially when you see what some of the drinks look like!
The premise is by purchasing a £5 wristband here you’ll receive discounted signature cocktails at local Leith drinkeries and eateries with some food offers thrown in too for two months. So it’s well worth getting especially if you’re a Leith local during the festive period. Proceeds from the event go back into the community supporting local charities such as Hidden Door, the independent arts festival & Leithers Don’t Litter as well as supporting local venues.
So without further a do – here’s a quick run through the drinks I’m most excited to try starting at the top of Leith Walk running down to the Shore. The full list of participating venues can be found here and it is a great list!
Jack Frost – Joseph Pearce

I wouldn’t be surprised to walk into Joseph Pearce and find Olaf from Frozen drinking this.
Apple Pie – Boda

Didn’t realise I needed an apple pie cocktail in my life until I laid my eyes on this. Can’t wait to see this all over my instagram as potentially one of the most photogenic drinks ever.
Hot Apple Toddy – Roseleaf

Moving off the walk into the Shore, there is definitely competition for the most photogenic drink at one of Edinburgh’s most loved brunch spots.
Terry’s Chocolate Martini – TAPA

I’ve never been to Tapa before but you better believe I’ll be there for a Terry’s Chocolate orange martini!
Sofi’s Dirty Tea – Sofi’s

Although possibly the least appetising cocktail name ever, a cocktail of spiced rum and vanilla has got me humming ‘it’s beginning to look like Christmas’ already.
Rusty Nail – Teuchers Landing.

Finish up at Teuchers Landing with a ‘Rusty Nail’ and some comfort food as your wristband gets you a mug of haggis or veggie haggis stovies for a fiver .
Handily on the Yule Fest website they’ve included all the recipes for each drink if you wanted to make them at home after trying them in the bar of course. I’ll restrain myself from saying yule be silly to miss this but I genuinely think this a great event showing a bit of love to one of my favourite places in the city.
Find Chill Fest Leith on Facebook & Instagram.
Let me know if you end up going and you can follow what I get up to on instagram @edinburghbars
All pictures belong to Yule Fest Leith. Remember to drink responsibly!