Some meeting places are simply too good to change! The Riga Gin Festival has already become a tradition at the SPORTA 2 quarter, bringing together gin enthusiasts from Latvia and across the Baltics in the heart of Riga each year. Celebrating its fourth edition, the festival filled the SPORTA 2 quarter with a vibrant summer atmosphere, music, dancing and a diverse range of flavours on 6 June, officially launching the quarter’s summer season.
Festival visitors had the opportunity to discover a variety of gin brands, explore their stands and bars, and sample both classic and more unconventional gin cocktails. Special attention was devoted to one of the world’s best-known drink combinations – gin and tonic. The origins of this cocktail can be traced back to British colonial history, when gin was added to quinine-based tonic water to balance its bitter taste.
Visitors could learn the secrets of preparing classic and original cocktails in masterclasses led by experienced bartender Ansis Ancovs. Meanwhile, the Best Gin Cocktail competition crowned the festival’s finest gin cocktail, giving bartenders the opportunity to showcase their professionalism, creativity and ability to surprise guests with innovative flavour combinations.
Reflecting the latest trends in beverage culture, the festival also featured alcohol-free gin and cocktails made with it, ensuring a diverse selection for every visitor.
DJ Ax Berlin, DJ Daniela_9_18 and DJ Maija Rozīte provided the music and upbeat atmosphere. Returning for the third time, DJ Maija Rozīte once again brought her dynamic rhythms to the Riga Gin Festival programme. Throughout the day, guests could enjoy music, meet like-minded people and industry professionals, and unwind in specially designed lounge areas.
During the festival, new restaurants and street-food vendors joined the SPORTA 2 quarter’s popular eateries, further expanding the culinary selection from juicy burgers and Uzbek cuisine to oysters. The festival therefore became not only a celebration of gin culture, but also a diverse gastronomic experience.
The festival was organised by Soli di casa, creating a place where visitors could enjoy a summery atmosphere with friends, discover new drinks and flavours, and meet bartenders and other industry professionals.
The SPORTA 2 quarter is the place to be – especially when the Riga Gin Festival comes to town!
Photos: Jānis Salmanis | Riga Gin Festival
Riga Gin Festival Takes Place at SPORTA 2 for the Fourth Time
