Spielwarenmesse has named Hot Velvet, from Castros Bar and Event, as this year’s ToyCocktail. Chosen through a competition, the signature drink celebrates Spielwarenmesse’s 75th year and is the 20th champion. It will be served in venues in Nuremberg during the show in January.
Seven bartenders from across the Nuremberg Metropolitan Region competed Nov. 24 at Gelbes Haus as the ToyCocktail competition marked its 20th year. The annual contest invites regional bars to create a signature drink that will welcome visitors to the upcoming fair.
Castros Bar and Event in Fürth earned first place with Hot Velvet, which will serve as the official ToyCocktail for the 2026 Spielwarenmesse. The components of the beverage were not available at the time of publication. Die Rote Bar secured second place, followed by Herrengedeck in third. The ToyCocktail program originated as a promotional concept and has since evolved into a longstanding tradition, yielding a diverse range of recipes that reflect the creativity of the local bar community and the international character of the fair.
“Over the years, the ToyCocktail has become an integral part of the Spielwarenmesse and symbolises the connection between the trade, the city and the region,” says Christian Ulrich, Member of the Executive Board at Spielwarenmesse eG. “On the 75th anniversary of the fair and the 20th birthday of the competition, the participating bars are once again demonstrating how much passion and ingenuity there is in ToyCity Nuremberg.”
Hot Velvet will be served from January 27 to 31, 2026, at Spielwarenmesse events and at participating locations, including Castros Bar and Event, Die Rote Bar, Gelbes Haus, Herrengedeck, Le Misch in the Mischbar, Public in the Scandic Nürnberg Central, and Treff in the Arvena Park Hotel.
This year’s jury featured Adriano Paulus, Bernhard Schäfer, and Franziska Hartmann, who evaluated entries based on taste, harmony, appearance, aroma, and creativity.
To secure tickets Spielwarenmesse and have a Hot Velvet of your own, visit spielwarenmesse.de.
