A gin trail is coming to Manchester’s Christmas markets 

We know, we know, it’s not even been Halloween yet. But who’s excited for Christmas?

With the return of the ice village, a new covered skating rink and the expansion of the markets into Piccadilly Gardens, it looks like there’ll be more festivities going on in Manchester than ever before this Christmas.

And now you can add a Manchester gin bar crawl to your list of must-do activities. A festive, strawberry jam gin bar crawl to be precise.

There’ll be shimmering G&Ts, smoking gins, gin with rose lemonade, parma violet and sherbet lemon G&Ts, and even a drumstick cocktail for gin lovers to enjoy. Are you in?

Starting at Albert Square and finishing at Cathedral Gardens, use our handy map to make your way through the German markets and enjoy a gin at these participating bars.

Brooks Mill – Albert Square

The Brooks Mill bar in Albert Square specialises in mulled wine, gin and fizz. Kick off your festive gin tour with a strawberry gin prosecco cocktail, made using a special jam with extra strawberries created by Manchester jam makers Duerrs.

The Grumpy Moose – King Street

Next up on the trail is The Grumpy Moose. A traditional gin bar with over 40 gins, it’s long been a fixture at the King Street markets. Here you’ll be treated to a strawberry jam gin with rose lemonade or connoisseur tonic. Find it next to Tast.

Winterberries – Exchange Street

For a bit of Christmas sparkle, mooch on over to Exchange Street bar Winterberries for a shimmering I Love MCR strawberry jam gin served with either rose lemonade or tonic. Or, if you fancy switching it up, try the hoppy and bitter I Love IPA. Find it opposite the Royal Exchange Theatre.

Bar 3 – New Cathedral Street

Bar 3 on New Cathedral Street will be serving up special smoking gin cocktail that’s sure to impress. This bubbling concoction is made with dry ice, strawberry jam gin and rose lemonade. I Love IPA is also available here.

The Well & Spruce – Cathedral Gardens

For the last stop on your Christmas market gin cruise, The Well & Spruce at Cathedral Gardens have got some very special options. Must-try products include the parma violet and sherbet lemon G&Ts, and the drumstick cocktail for a bit of nostalgia.

If you take part in the gin trail, you can get a bottle of I Love MCR Strawberry Jam Gin for just £24 (usual price £29). All you have to do is collect a token from 3 different gin trail bars and present them at the retail outlet on Market Street to get £5 OFF a bottle of I Love MCR Strawberry Jam Gin. But don’t keep it to yourself. It’s the perfect Christmas present.