The First Landing Cup, a first-of-its-kind competition just for Virginia-made spirits, shines a spotlight on the craftsmanship and excellence found across Virginia's distilling community.
The inaugural competition took place in April, in which world-class judges gathered to blindly evaluate and score each entry on aroma, taste, mouthfeel, finish and overall balance. Click here to learn more about the competition.
Out of 101 award-winning spirits, 11 earned top honors with scores of 90+ to claim a coveted gold medal. From bold, heritage-driven whiskeys and brandies to inventive expressions like oolong tea gin, hot honey rye and even salsa-inspired vodka, this remarkable lineup sets the stage for cocktails that are as refined as they are unexpected.
We’ve created a unique recipe for each gold medalist — perfect for everything from the first toast of the night to the perfect nightcap. Keep reading to learn how to incorporate the best of Virginia into your next glass.
You can also browse each of the recipes featuring First Landing Cup winners here.
Presented by Virginia Distillery Company, featuring Courage & Conviction Signature Malt
Courage & Conviction Signature Malt is bursting with aromas of caramel and butterscotch and features a vibrant palate of bright red fruit, raspberry, cocoa, warm barrel spice and soft vanilla. Its creamy, exceptionally smooth finish makes it an ideal base for a chocolate Old Fashioned. The cocoa and spice notes complement the richness of maple syrup, while the bright fruit and vanilla harmonize beautifully with Angostura Chocolate Bitters, creating a layered, indulgent cocktail.
Simply, add Courage & Conviction Signature Malt Whisky, maple syrup and the Angostura chocolate bitters to a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Express orange oil over the top and garnish with the peel and shaved chocolate.
Presented by Old House Vineyards, featuring Estate Brandy XO
Rich and refined, the Estate Brandy XO brings depth and complexity to the Brandy Old House cocktail with inviting aromas of dried fig and toasted almond. It features smooth layers of baked apple, honey and warm spice, complemented by a long finish of cocoa and oak on the palate. When paired with Angostura Orange Bitters, the citrus accentuates the brandy's fruit and spice, creating a bright yet elegant cocktail.
Note: No additional sugar needed; the sweetness of the Brandy will make for the perfect cocktail. Just add brandy and bitters to a rocks glass with ice and stir to combine. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Presented by Mt. Defiance Distillery, featuring Mt. Defiance Absinthe Supérieure
The Mt. Defiance Absinthe Supérieure is the star of this cocktail with its assertive anise character that is rich with fennel and black licorice, further elevated by bright citrus and a minty finish. The bold botanical profile cuts through and defines the blend, lending depth and complexity to the lighter elements.
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake and strain into chilled coupe glass. Finish with a fresh squeeze of strained lemon juice and garnish with a sprig of fennel.
Presented by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, featuring MurLarkey Distilled Spirits Salsa Borracha Vodka
Packed with 15 all-natural botanicals, fresh garden veggies and just the right kick of spice, Salsa Borracha Vodka takes a Bloody Mary to a whole new level. Pour into a tajin-rimmed glass and garnish with lemon, lime and cucumber.
Shake well. Pour into a tajin-rimmed glass and garnish with lemon, lime and cucumber.
Presented by MurLarkey Distilled Spirits, featuring MurLarkey Imagination Gin
The MurLarkey Imagination Gin opens with bright citrus notes that gracefully transition into soft, nuanced botanicals, finishing with juniper undertones. When paired with limeade, white cranberry juice, lime and basil, the gin's vibrant citrus and herbal notes shine.
Shake the ingredients over ice and pour into a tall glass. Garnish with a basil sprig, lime slice and cucumber slice.
Presented by Ragged Branch Distillery, featuring Ragged Branch Straight Rye Whiskey
The Ragged Branch Straight Rye Whiskey, with its slightly spicy character and grain-forward depth, is the perfect backbone for a cocktail that layers warmth and complexity.
Add ingredients into a mixing glass with ice and stir well. Strain it into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel or cherry.
Presented by Virago Spirits, featuring Virago Modern Gin with Oolong Tea
Virago Modern Gin, with its bold Szechuan pepper and aromatic Oolong tea notes, lays the groundwork for a cocktail full of nuance and character.
Throw all ingredients into a glass, add ice and stir. Strain into a chilled Martini glass, expressing and garnishing with a lemon peel.
Presented by Catoctin Creek, featuring Catoctin Creek Hot Honey Rye Whiskey
Catoctin Creek’s Hot Honey Rye brings a rich honeyed aroma and velvety mouthfeel, setting the stage for a cocktail that’s equal parts indulgent and bold.
Combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain the mix into a coupe and garnish with a lemon peel and dried ginger.
Presented by KO Distilling, featuring Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Rye
Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Rye Whisky has warm vanilla and caramel notes that provide a rich, smooth foundation that beautifully balances the spirit’s natural spice.
Stir in a mixing glass with ice until well-chilled, then strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a dried slice of lemon.
Presented by KO Distilling, featuring Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon
Distiller’s Reserve Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon opens with warm vanilla and transitions into caramel, baking spice and dried apricot.
In a rocks glass, combine everything with ice. Stir gently and garnish with an orange peel and a candied orange.
Presented by Caiseal Beer and Spirits Company, featuring Caiseal Peated American Single Malt Whiskey
With bold notes of leather, peat smoke and maple, this whiskey brings a rugged campfire intensity that pairs perfectly with sweet vermouth.
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir. Strain and serve neat. Garnish with cherries or lemon twist.
The First Landing Cup recognizes the best of the best, and we invite you to experience the mastery firsthand. Time to get shaking, stirring and straining! As always, please enjoy Virginia Spirits responsibly.
Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with an exclusive evening at The Omni Homestead Resort featuring the Virginia Spirits 250th Celebration Trio Pack paired with a specially curated dinner.
Limited seats available.
