UK Government’s GREAT Food & Drink campaign is bringing a spirited celebration to Taste of Dubai 2025 (14-16 February), with an exclusive free menu of cocktail samples inspired by the rich heritage and innovation of the four nations of the United Kingdom.

Featuring premium UK spirits and English sparkling wine, these bespoke creations are set to delight festival-goers, offering a taste of the UK’s vibrant drinks culture in every sip.

Visitors to the ‘Taste of the UK’ stand (C7) can experience the finest beverages from, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with each nation represented by a signature drink that reflects its unique identity and flavours. Crafted by expert mixologists, these sample serves will highlight the exceptional quality of UK spirits and sparkling wine, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Overseeing the promotion and development of UK food and drink businesses in the UAE, Natalie Best-Garrett, from British Embassy Dubai said, “We are delighted to be working with a wide array of producers from the UK drinks industry and want to thank the drinks distributor African & Eastern for their sponsorship and support at the event.

“Showcasing what’s on offer from each nation of the UK at such a large food event as Taste of Dubai is a great springboard for UK producers.”

Bradley Foat, African & Eastern’s Group Corporate Marketing Manager added, “”We are proud to support the GREAT campaign, which celebrates the best of UK innovation and quality. Our collaboration with UK Government brings a taste of world-leading UK drinks to consumers in the heart of Dubai.”

Cocktails will reflect the huge range of quality products from all four nations of the UK. From Wales:Au Vodkarenowned for its ultra-premium quality and distinctive gold bottles. Each batch begins with the finest grain from the countryside, blended with pristine spring water, and filtered through gold for unparalleled purity. The vodka is five-times distilled, ensuring a smooth and refined taste.Au Vodka combines UK heritage with luxury ingredients to create a truly exceptional Welsh spirit.

Chapel Down, based in the heart of Kent, takes centre stage for England.The vineyard, Chapel Down, based in the heart of Kent, is one of England’s leading wine producers, celebrated for its award-winning range of sparkling wines, using the traditional method, similar to Champagne, and feature classic grape varietals such as Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. This sparkling cocktail will celebrate the crisp and floral notes of English sparkling wine, perfectly complementing Taste of Dubai’s sunny vibes.

Representing Scotland, ‘Highland Harmony’ showcases the coastal essence of The Botanist Gin, hand-foraged gin distilled on the Scottish island of Islay. Famedfor its unique blend of 31 botanicals, including 22 hand-foraged from the island itself, The Botanist’sflavour profile is a harmonious mix of traditional botanicals like juniper, coriander, and angelica root, complemented by local ingredients such as lemon balm, water mint, and gorse. This combination results in a gin that is both aromatic and versatile, perfect for a variety of cocktails or enjoyed simply with tonic.

From Northern Ireland, the ‘Causeway Rocks’ offers a bold take on the classic whiskey sour with much-lovedBushmills Whiskey. Produced at the Old Bushmills Distillery, it holds the title of the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery, granted in 1608.Located in the beautiful surroundings of County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the distillery uses water from the River Bush, which flows through volcanic rock, contributing to the unique character of their whiskey. Bushmills Whiskey is triple distilled in traditional copper pot stills, ensuring a smooth and refined flavour. The distillery’s commitment to quality and tradition has made Bushmills a beloved name among whiskey enthusiasts worldwide.

Describing the cocktails Dmitry from Go Bar said, “Each cocktail we have developed exclusively for the ‘Taste of the UK’ stand is carefully designed to not only showcase the world-class spirits and sparkling wine from the UK but to also tantalise the taste buds and take you on a journey through some incredible flavours!”

Natalie added, “UK Government’s participation at Taste of Dubai 2025 highlights our commitment to fostering closer ties with the UAE’s thriving culinary scene, emphasizing the quality, sustainability and craftsmanship behind UK food and drink, and creating opportunities for UAE consumers to experience the best of Britain.

“Join us at the ’Taste of the UK’ stand (C7) at Taste of Dubai 2025 to sip your way through the four nations and discover the finest UK spirits and sparkling wine in an exciting, interactive setting.”

For more information on the GREAT Food & Drink campaign in the UAE visit www.greatbritishfood.ae or follow us on social media @greatbritishfood or using #GREATBritishFood #TasteOfDubai2025.