Cocktails, Colour And Competition: Gordon’s Serves Up Good Times At Lagos Cocktail Week

Held on October 22 and 23 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, the festival brought together cocktail lovers, creatives, mixologists and lifestyle enthusiasts to celebrate the art of a good drink. But in Gordon’s space, there was always something happening beyond the bar.

A cocktail might have been the reason to stop by, but the experience gave guests plenty of reasons to stay.

Behind the bar, mixologists served up a selection of cocktails made with Gordon’s gin, offering guests different flavours to explore. A few steps away, a large interactive mural was waiting to be brought to life. Armed with paintbrushes, guests added their own colours and strokes, turning an open canvas into a shared expression of creativity. With every new addition, the artwork became a reflection of the people who had passed through, each leaving a little piece of themselves behind.

Then came the competition.

Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and lifestyle creator Jima Emmanuel stepped behind the bar for the Gordon’s Mixologist Challenge, trading their usual roles for a chance to show off their cocktail-making skills. With guests watching, tasting and ultimately casting their votes, the challenge turned mixology into a spectator sport. When the votes came in, Mike emerged victorious, earning the title of Chief Mixology Officer for the night.

Of course, good times rarely follow a single recipe. At Gordon’s, guests could take a break from the cocktails for a customised ice cream treat, complete with their choice of toppings and sauces, or gather with friends at a colourful photo installation to capture the moment

What tied it all together was the invitation to be part of the experience. Guests were not just stopping by for a drink; they were painting, competing, creating content, sharing laughs and making memories along the way. Whether it was cheering on a favourite personality or adding the final touch to the mural, everyone had a chance to find their own version of a good time.

According to Olusegun Akinyemiju, Head of White Spirits – MSS, the activation was designed to go beyond the bar.

“At this year’s event, our goal was to create an experience that goes far beyond just grabbing a cocktail. We wanted to build an environment where great company meets exceptional mixology, creating a space where people can genuinely connect, spark their creative passions, and let the good times unfold naturally into memorable moments,” he stated

And that is what Good Times means to Gordon’s. It is about the spontaneous moments, the shared laughter and the experiences that bring people together. At Lagos Cocktail Week 2026, Gordon’s served up all three, with a little creativity stirred in, showing that while a good cocktail can set the mood, it is the people and moments around it that make the experience worth remembering.