Manchester bars Red Light and The Washhouse have teamed up with Manchester distributor Paragon Brands to offer a range of charity cocktails, with donations supporting clean water charity Wine To Water.
For the next four weeks, the popular city centre bars will donate £1 from every purchase of the charity cocktails in aid of clean water charity Wine To Water, who provide clean water to populations without access.
The charity project pays tribute to legendary Manchester-born mixologist Gaz Reagan (1951-2019), who launched the first fundraising operation for Wine To Water in 2013.
Widely acknowledged for shaping the bar culture of today, Rochdale-born Gaz Reagan grew up working in his parent’s pubs in Bolton and Cleveleys, before moving to New York City aged 22. He went on to author 18 books on mixology, including bartending bible The Joy of Mixology.
ollaborating with premium French Spirits brand Maison Villert, and their UK distribution business, Manchester-based, Paragon Brands, City Centre bars Red Light and The Washhouse will host the following cocktails in aid of Wine To Water:
Red Light on Little David Street will offer Tribute, a delicious blend of G’Vine Nouaison Gin, Fino Sherry, lemon, redcurrant Orgeat and Peychaud’s Bitters.
Shudhill bar The Washhouse will offer three bespoke cocktails featuring G’Vine Nouaison Gin: Nuttin to See Here, a short, spirit-forward martinez style cocktail with a nutty flavour; Officer’s Mess, a Tall, G+T style drink with aromatic Indian spices and mango, and Blueberry Cheong, a fruity sours style drink with blueberry, vanilla and a touch of lavender.
Chris Jones, Managing Director at Paragon Brands who distribute La Quintinye and G’Vine in the UK, said: “As a Manchester-based spirits business, this is a cause close to our hearts. Gaz Reagan is a legendary figure in cocktail and bartending history, so it’s a great honour to pay tribute to his craft and his dedication to charity, by supporting Water To Wine with our portfolio of drinks.”
aven Heavey, owner of Red Light Bar, said: “Manchester’s bar scene has thrived and transformed, thanks in no small part to visionaries like Gaz Reagan. His influence resonates within the city and reverberates through the wider drinks community, setting the tone for innovation, quality, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.
“Now, with the same passion, Red Light Bar proudly collaborates with the amazing ‘Wine to Water’ charity, which provides clean water to communities across the globe. Through our exclusive charity drink “Tribute” offering, this partnership showcases the incredible impact the hospitality sector can have in supporting global causes.
“Every sip from our charity drink symbolises our commitment to making a difference – a testament to Gaz’s inspiration and the boundless possibilities when bars join with transformative causes.”
Wine To Water was established in 2007 by Doc Hendley, an ex-bartender and close friend of Gaz Reagan. All donations from the Tribute will support clean water projects for populations without access, including the creation of wells and filtration systems, as well as education on maintaining fresh water supplies.
The range of charity cocktails are available now until mid-November at Red Light and The Washhouse.
