Virginia’s Best Bartenders. One Epic Showdown.

Virginia cocktail games

The Virginia Cocktail Games brings together the commonwealth’s top bartenders to compete for bragging rights, prizes and the title of Virginia Cocktail Games Champion.

Using Virginia-made spirits, competitors create original cocktails that showcase creativity, craftsmanship and the incredible quality of spirits made across Virginia.

Why Compete?

Competing in the Virginia Cocktail Games gives bartenders the opportunity to:

  • Build your personal brand and reputation
  • Gain exposure across Virginia Spirits social media, press and marketing
  • Be recognized as one of Virginia’s top bartenders
  • Network with fellow bartenders, distillers and hospitality leaders
  • Strengthen relationships with Virginia distilleries and spirit brands
  • Be featured in future Virginia Spirits content, videos and events
  • Add a major accomplishment to your resume and professional portfolio

Perks of Competing

All finalists receive:

  • Recognition on the Virginia Spirits website and social media
  • Professional photography of their cocktail
  • Promotion of their bar or restaurant
  • Opportunities for media interviews and press coverage
  • A chance to collaborate with Virginia distilleries
  • Exclusive Virginia Cocktail Games swag
  • Win prizes, cash, trophies or exclusive experiences

Meet the 2025 Champion

The Omni Homestead Resport & Spa

Cardinal Rose, Christa Thomas

Winner of the Virginia Cocktail Games, Christa Thomas impressed judges with “The Cardinal Rose,” a beautifully balanced cocktail that highlighted the creativity, craftsmanship and versatility of Virginia-made spirits. Her winning drink stood out for its thoughtful flavor profile, elegant presentation and ability to tell a uniquely Virginia story in every sip.

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Meet 2025 Finalists

Coastal Reverie, Ken Howe

Featuring Chesapeake Bay Distillery Chics Beach Rum, Tarnished Truth Old Cavalier Bourbon Cream, mixed berry fassionola, potato and soy orgeat

Hollow Folk, Dan Kurzenknabe

Featuring Belmont Farms 10 Yr Cask Strength Bourbon, Amaro Averna, peach syrup

Last Elixir, Zoey Blankenship

Feauring JH Bards Rye Whiskey, ginger-jalapeno syrup, cinnamon-apple shrub, fresh lemon juice, cocoa bitters

Platform 9¾, Shannon Dunbar-Wilson

Featuring Vitae Gold Rum, Chambord, Cointreau, local espresso cold brew, pineapple juice, Lapsang Souchong and sea salt syrup, chocolate bitters, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth

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Exclusive va250 spirits pairing dinner at the omni

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.