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Drink Think home ScotHot, SEC Glasgow, 24–25 February 2027
Drink Think presents · ScotHot · SEC Glasgow · 24–25 February 2027

Liquid Academy Live

Scotland’s drinks stage is back. Two days of the hottest trends and products, brought to life through live demos, honest conversation and audience tastings. Pull up a stool, taste something new and meet the people shaping Scotland’s bars.

11 sessions2 daysThe Caledonian Bartenders Cup final
Stage programme · Day one

Wednesday 24 February

The drinks and bartending day: tastings, makers and the Caledonian Bartenders Cup final.

  1. Meet the makers

    To Be or Not to ABV

    Taste the best of no and low, meet the makers behind it and find genuinely innovative ways to lift your alcohol-free offer.


  2. Takeover

    Brand Takeover

    One partner brand takes over the stage for 45 minutes with a demo, talk or competition of its own. Brand to be announced.


  3. Meet the makers

    The New Maestros of Mixology

    Liqueurs, bitters, syrups, vermouth and garnishes in the hands of top guest bartenders, with colourful drinks for you to taste.


  4. Networking

    Head Bartenders’ Afternoon Tea

    A conversation on the future of bartending, with tastings and flash intros to exciting new brands. Goodie bags for the first 50 who sign up and attend.


  5. Live final

    Caledonian Bartenders Cup 2027

    ScotHot’s own cocktail competition final. Bartenders from across Scotland compete live on stage, and the 2027 champion is crowned. Grab a seat early.

Stage programme · Day two

Thursday 25 February

The professional day: technology, the trade debates, the business of drinks and brands arriving from abroad.

  1. Product feature

    Rise of the Machines

    AI, smart software and the latest kit that speed up service behind the bar and across the floor.


  2. Panel

    The Operators’ Table

    Scottish Licensed Trade News website

    Scottish Licensed Trade News brings Scotland’s operators together for an honest debate on keeping the doors open: costs, changing guests and finding good people.

    Media sponsor: SLTN
    Bring your questions: live audience Q&A in every debate.

  3. Tasting · Talk

    Ready to Drink

    Taste the new wave of RTDs and hear how they save time and money without cutting corners on quality.


  4. Panel

    State of the Trade

    Scottish Licensed Trade Association websiteScottish Licensed Trade News website

    Led by the SLTA and joined by Dave Hunter of the SLTN as host: a frank look at the politics and legislation shaping Scottish hospitality.

    Media sponsor: the SLTA
    Bring your questions: live audience Q&A in every debate.

  5. Feature

    Homegrown Heroes

    Celebrating Scotland’s own producers, from small craft distillers to large-scale names, and what it takes to grow.


  6. Meet the makers

    The Internationalists

    Brands from around the world arriving in Scotland. Taste, learn and pick up fresh ideas for your menus.

Programme subject to change

The main event · Day one, from 14:15

Caledonian Bartenders Cup 2027

A bartender’s cup, not a drinks cup. Bartenders from all corners of Scotland battle it out live on the Liquid Academy Live stage to capture the Caledonian spirit in a glass. Pre-registration is open now. Entries open Friday 13 November 2026 and close 24 January 2027.

1st · Gold quaichHIT Scotland bespoke scholarship + £500
2nd · Silver quaich£200
3rd · Bronze quaich£100
The Alchemist’s Path · Entries open in T-minus --d --h --m
Pre-register for the CBC
Drink Think
Your host

Scott Gemmell, Drink Think

Founder & Curator of Liquid Academy Live and Managing & Creative Director of Drink Think Ltd. Compere of drinks stages at Imbibe Live, Whisky Live, Rumfest, ScotHot, Hotelympia, the BBC Good Food Show and the Volare Global Cocktail Final.

With thanks to

Our partners

ScotHot
Host showScotHot, run by 365 Events
Scottish Licensed Trade News
Media sponsorThe Operators’ Table & host of State of the Trade
Scottish Licensed Trade Association
Media sponsorCurators of State of the Trade
Drink Think
Curators & hostsDrink Think presents Liquid Academy Live
Plan your visit

See you at the bar

WhenWed 24 & Thu 25 February 2027
WhereLiquid Academy Live stage, ScotHot, SEC Glasgow
EntryFree for trade visitors. Register free in advance →
Follow@drinkthink_net on Instagram
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