September 4, 2025
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. For an added layer of extravagance, 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. Think bold, briny flavor with an extra punch of savory depth — like your favorite Bloody Mary got a chef’s table upgrade. Add a squeeze of lemon and lime, a cool cucumber garnish and a zesty tajin rim, and you’ve got a Salsa Bloody Mary that’s fresh, spicy and downright impossible to sip just once.
Grab a shaker and add ice, Salsa Borracha Vodka and your favorite Bloody Mary mix. 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 delicate juniper undertones. When paired with limeade, white cranberry juice, fresh lime and basil, the gin’s vibrant citrus and herbal notes shine, complementing the tart-sweet profile of the drink.
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. The burnt sugar and dried fruit undertones complement the rich sweetness of the maple syrup and amaretto, while the rye’s boldness balances the velvety notes of sweet vermouth. A touch of applewood liquid smoke ties it all together, amplifying the whiskey’s natural warmth with a subtle, savory edge.
Add rye whiskey, maple syrup, amaretto, sweet vermouth and applewood liquid smoke (yes, this really pulls it all together) into a mixing glass with ice and stir well until chilled. Then, 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. Dolin Blanc adds a soft, floral sweetness that balances the gin’s bright lemon and grapefruit zest, while grapefruit bitters amplify its citrus edge. Hints of sweet anise and a long, savory finish bring it all together, creating a cocktail that’s both elegant and refreshingly unexpected.
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. Its natural sweetness melds seamlessly with the zesty warmth of ginger liqueur, while lemon curd adds a silky, citrusy lift. Just as the flavors settle, the rye’s peppery heat delivers a lively kick, and black walnut bitters anchor the sip with deep, earthy complexity.
Combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain the mix into a coupe and garnish with a lemon peel and dried ginger (only if you have it). Bonus points if you have a gingerbread or citrus tart ready to pair.
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. Subtle hints of baking spices and apricot complement the citrusy, floral complexity of Amaro Montenegro, while lemon juice adds a crisp, refreshing edge. The angostura and orange bitters in this cocktail enhance the rye’s spicy backbone and lift the fruit and herbal nuances, creating a cocktail that’s layered, bright and grounded in classic rye fashion.
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until it’s well-chilled (usually around 30 seconds), then strain it 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 seamlessly into layers of caramel, baking spice and dried apricot, making it an ideal match for the zesty kick of ginger simple syrup. The richness of English toffee and toasted almonds adds depth and warmth, while cherry and ginger bitters draw out the fruit and spice elements. A subtle dusting of dark cocoa lingers in the background, grounding the cocktail with a bittersweet finish that’s both bold and beautifully balanced.
In a rocks glass, combine everything with ice. Stir the mixture gently for about 30 seconds to thoroughly chill and slightly dilute the cocktail. Garnish with an orange peel and a candied orange for a gorgeous glass.
Presented by Caiseal Beer and Spirits Company, featuring Caiseal Peated American Single Malt Whiskey
With bold notes of leather, peat smoke and maple, the Caiseal Peated American Single Malt Whiskey brings a rugged, campfire intensity that pairs perfectly with the deep, herbal sweetness of sweet vermouth. The earthy undertones are enriched by Angostura bitters, which enhance the whiskey’s complexity while adding structure and spice. The result is a smoky, grounded cocktail with just the right touch of maple.
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled. Strain and serve neat. Garnish with cherries or lemon twist, if you like.
The First Landing Cup recognizes the best of the best, and we invite you to experience the mastery firsthand. These award-winning spirits are the perfect foundation for your next cocktail, whether you try one of these or elevate your favorite recipe.
Time to get shaking, stirring and straining! As always, please enjoy Virginia Spirits responsibly.
