Edinburgh bar launches Christmas cocktail after brazen theft of £900 nutcracker statue
An Edinburgh bar has launched a festive cocktail in aid of a children’s charity following the theft of its £900 Christmas nutcracker statue.
The eight-foot festive ornament named ‘Nolan’ was stolen from outside Copper Blossom on George Street on Monday, November 24, and is still missing despite an appeal for its safe return.
CCTV images shared with the media showed a man picking up the statue before cycling off with the stolen giant nutcracker - almost falling off his bike in the process.
Following the brazen theft, mixologists at the city centre bar have now created the ‘Nickin’ Nolan’ cocktail inspired by Nolan’s kidnap by a real-life ‘Christmas Grinch’. And to help restore some festive cheer in the run up to Christmas, Copper Blossom is donating £5 from the sale of every ‘Nickin’ Nolan’ cocktail to children’s charity, Cash for Kids.
The ‘Nickin’ Nolan’ is described as a decadent, dessert-driven rum cocktail that marries Caribbean warmth with gourmet patisserie aromatics. Ingredients include Bumbu Rum, Frangelico, Tonka, chocolate, and vanilla foam.
Paul Paxton, general manager at Copper Blossom on Edinburgh’s George Street, said: “We’re shaken, but not stirred by the theft of ‘Nolan’ our giant Christmas nutcracker. The culprit may have stolen one of our favourite decorations, but they’ve not stolen our Christmas spirit.
“While we’re still keeping our fingers crossed for Nolan’s safe return, we’ve decided to create a new ‘Nickin’ Nolan’ festive cocktail in aid of our chosen children’s charity, 'Cash for Kids'.”
Victoria Hendry, charity manager of Cash For Kids, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to Copper Blossom Bar & Restaurant for their generous support of our Mission Christmas campaign. Their commitment to donating £5 from every ‘Nickin’ Nolan ‘cocktail will make a real difference to children who need it most this Christmas.
“Partnerships like this help us bring joy, warmth, and hope to families across our community, and we can’t thank Copper Blossom enough for standing with us.”
As part of its Nolan-inspired Christmas campaign, Copper Blossom has also launched a festive competition for two lucky customers to win a trip to Germany, where traditional Christmas nutcrackers are made. Other prizes up for grabs include a free food bill, drinks and a free Sunday Roast for four people. For a chance of winning a spot prize, people simply need to say, shout or sing ‘Nutcracker’ to a member of the Copper Blossom team.