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Meet The 2024 Virginia Cocktail Games contenders! Spanning five distinct regions of the commonwealth, we’ve brought together the best of Virginia’s bartending community to craft a cocktail that pays tribute to the Summer Olympics and features Virginia-made spirits.

The inaugural Virginia Cocktail Games has come to a close, and we’re thrilled to name Henry Hill Jr. as our winner. Please still enjoy these cocktails from our first digital, regional round!

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Central Virginia

Glorious Victory

By Chetta Vilaicharoentrakul, Monsoon Siam

This striking red cocktail celebrates the passion and determination of the athletes as they strive for victory. Crafted with Virago Spirits Modern Gin With Oolong Tea, this spirit provides a complex base with notes of juniper and floral tea, reminiscent of the international spirit of the Games. Vitae Orange liqueur enhances the citrus notes in the gin, while the tartness of the lemon juice mimics the challenges and triumphs experienced by athletes. The pineapple juice adds a touch of tropical sweetness. Overall, its sweet, tart, floral and citrusy profile embodies the energy, excitement and competition of the Summer Olympics!

Pour l’amour du Gin

by Breannah Carr, Devil’s Backbone

Featuring Devil’s Backbone Foxfield Gin, this drink honors cocktail traditions from around the world by marrying a classic 1900s American Gin Fizz and a White Negroni. With this drink, Breannah combines her love for great Virginian spirits with an enthusiasm to honor timeless traditions, worldwide brilliance and devotion to craft, much like our cherished Olympic Games.

Lasting Legacy

by Dom Giannelli, The Jasper

This cocktail showcases ingredients that represent the culture of our cuisine and flavors, both locally and globally. The Laird’s 10th Generation 5-Year Bottled in Bond Apple Brandy, while not only quite a mouthful in name, is quite literally a mouthful of delectable flavor, complemented by native Virginia strawberries and homemade coconut cream. Tarragon and quinquina are a strong nod to France, the host country for the 2024 Olympics, adding a slight savoriness and complexity to the cocktail.

Breakfast of Champions

by Paul Polk, Charlotte’s Southern Deli

Recent Research shows that over 3/4 of the world’s athletes who compete in the Olympics start their day with a cup of coffee. Olympic champions like Michael Phelps (23 Gold, 2 Silver, 1 Bronze) start their day with two cups before training. The Breakfast of Champions features Belle Isle Coffee Moonshine, aged Barbados rum, vanilla liqueur, passion fruit syrup and pineapple juice, which brings out the fruity notes in the coffee moonshine, which would satisfy any champion (or anyone at that!) and give them that extra boost they need to win gold medals!

Triple Jump

by Ernesto Gonzalez, Grisette

Olympic athletes train their whole lives for what’s often a fleeting moment. All is true for the Triple Jump in the Summer Olympics. Typically, a competitor event lasts 15-20 seconds, with a lifetime of training leading them to that moment. That is why this cocktail is aptly named the “Triple Jump.” While it is a simple Saturn build, a classic gin tiki cocktail featuring Virago Spirits Modern Gin With Oolong Tea and a Virginia cucumber falernum made with Virago Spirits 151 Rum, the amount of work and time put into it improves the freshness and brightness of the classic.

Coastal Virginia

Le Béguin de la France

by Robert Thompson, Waterman’s Surfside Grille

Featuring Waterman Spirits Organic Vodka, a gluten-free vodka crafted in Virginia Beach, this cocktail is a fun twist on the French Martini, a cocktail first created in a New York bar in the 1980s. Because the Olympics are held in France this year, Robert wanted to pay homage to French culture while staying true to his roots: making crushes for beachgoers! This sipper is light, bubbly, sweet and sour, and it’s uniquely different from your typical strawberry lemonade or orange crush.

Ramos à la Mode

by Amanda Liebrich, Glass Light Restaurant

The Ramos Gin Fizz, the inspiration for Ramos à la Mode, is famously dreaded by craft bartenders around the world. Though it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for being both delicious and visually stunning, it’s known for being incredibly difficult to pull off. Daring to attempt this incredible feat is reserved for only the most ambitious bartenders, much like the athletes who have risked everything and trusted their abilities to compete for Olympic greatness. This cocktail creation features Ironclad Distillery Sweeter Creations Maple Syrup Cask Bourbon.

Going for the Gold

by Joshua Naylor, Honey and Hooch

What is Olympic Greatness? The gold, baby. Nothing else matters. No one remembers who took the bronze 4 years ago. Chosen for the distillery’s ingenuity in distilling and passion for fresh ingredients, this twist on a whiskey sour features Copper Fox Distillery Peachwood Single Malt Whiskey and Copper Fox Distillery Amaro Y Arroyo – the color of the cocktail resembling unrefined gold. For a refined balance, Joshua’s creation includes local hot honey and fresh lemon juice. The hint of spice embodies the fact that Americans always bring the heat!

Smokin’ Hot Peach

by Christine Gregory, Fin Seafood

Featuring Ironclad Distillery Sweeter Creations Maple Syrup Cask Bourbon, the Smokin’ Hot Peach is a hometown hero – much like a winning Olympian – because it contains all locally sourced ingredients. Similar to a winning Olympic gymnast, the cocktail has impeccable balance. It’s not too sweet, not too spicy, not too salty. Not dissimilar to any Olympic team, be it basketball, rowing or volleyball, every component is important to crafting a delicious cocktail.

Pier Splash

by Sara Albert, Ocean Eddie’s Seafood Restaurant

The Pier Splash, symbolizing the Olympic spirit, energizes and rejuvenates, reminding us of the vital role of natural and wholesome ingredients that fuel athlete performances. This cocktail features cucumber-infused Waterman Spirits Vodka, made from organic and refreshing components, echoing the commitment of exceptional athletes to their craft. The cucumber-infused Waterman Spirits Vodka sets a crisp and clean foundation for the drink. The elderflower liqueur, derived from the delicate petals of a Sambucus Nigra in France, expresses a floral and aromatic essence that elevates the cocktail, transporting the person drinking it to France.

Northern Virginia

Athena’s Golden Nectar

by Jonah Cummings, Pike Cornerstone

Athena’s Golden Nectar, featuring Catoctin Creek 92 Proof Roundstone Rye Whiskey, epitomizes the sophistication of France, the pride of American rye whiskey, the distinctiveness of Virginia honey and the sparkling joy of victory. It combines the sweetness of vermouth with a garnish of gold and flowers, encapsulating the essence of the Olympics. It’s a celebration in a glass—refreshing, distinctive, and worthy of champions.

French Summer Dream

by Stephen Klopp, Ristorante Renato

While the Olympics will take place in France, Stephen’s vision was to create a cocktail that paid homage to a traditional French cocktail with a Greek spin by adding apricot liquor. The Olympics are a balancing act of every flavor, the result being a harmony of colors that brings understanding and cultural exchange during times when the world is ripe with conflict. Stephen hopes his creation, featuring A. Smith Bowman Distillery Sunset Hills Gin, will fill your palates with the sense of joy and pride that we strive for when competing on the world stage.

Victory Coupe

by Julieta Hernandez, The Catamount Lounge

The Victory Coupe is inspired by the athletic will to thrive and the classic cocktail styles that Paris curated 100 years ago. This delectable cocktail includes MurLarkey Divine Clarity Vodka, the refreshing zang of fresh lime juice, the sweet holdback of pearlescent orgeat, the refreshing and balancing lift of tonic water and French wine to float on top. In five equal parts, like the five rings of the Olympics, these ingredients create Olympic Greatness — the sweetness, the tanginess and the boldness of a well-rounded victory. When one ingredient thrives, it lifts and complements all others in the coupe.

On the Rush with Phryges

by Aung Pyae Sone / Kelvin, Captain Gregory’s

Named after the 2024 Paris Olympics mascot, the phyreges, On the Rush with Phryges symbolizes freedom. Featuring Isaac Bowman Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey, a product crafted in Northern Virginia, this cocktail is the ultimate refresher packed with tropical flavors, with layers of sophisticated depth of floral notes. This combination is Aung Pyae Sone’s unique twist on a classic tropical tiki cocktail Jingle Bird and Gold Rush.

4×100

by Adam Kiley, Wren

The 4×100 plays on the ideals of teamwork and synchronization. An Olympic level 4×100 meter relay race, which exemplifies selflessness, playing to one’s strengths and picking up for each others’ weaknesses. Similar to the way four runners in a relay work in harmony, this cocktail includes four primary ingredients that complement each other equally. Adam chose to use Catoctin Creek 92 Proof Roundstone Rye Whiskey for how well it plays in drinks with its composite of flavors and proofing. The Roundstone Rye Whiskey stands out on its own but blends exceptionally well with all other components of the cocktail.

Southern Virginia

Runnin’ from the Devil in the Moonshine

by Zach Corona, University Club at Virginia Tech

Runnin’ from the Devil in the Moonshine represents the spirit of Track events, with Highlands Distilling Shiner’s Gold Moonshine as its shining star. Moonshiners, like Olympic track athletes, dedicate their lives to their craft. The pomegranate syrup, a nod to Persephone’s descent into the underworld, hints at the moonshiners’ outlaw existence and brings a touch of sweetness. To complete the drink, Zach incorporates egg white, lemon juice, cocoa bitters and rosemary. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a complex and compelling drink.

Spring-berry Fizz

by Kristen Lowery, Darby’s Tavern at Berry Hill Resort

By combining a well-loved French liqueur, St. Germain and a local Southern Virginia Hero ingredient, Springfield Distillery Scratch Blackberry Whiskey, this cocktail represents the essence of Olympic greatness and the 2024 Paris Olympics. This delightful concoction flaunts elderflower, citrus, mint and locally crafted blackberry whiskey.

The Qualifier (Qualificatif)

by Melanie Holmes, The Tavern in Abingdon

Featuring Appalachian Heritage Gin, strawberry and rhubarb, this cocktail celebrates Appalachia and Southern Virginia, showcasing ingredients that define the region. The Qualifier (Qualificatif) is aptly named after the hard work that crafting cocktails requires and the bustling nights behind a bar that at times feel like qualifying for the Olympics.

Drunken Diplomat

by Brittney Schopen, Molasses Grill

The Olympics might seem to be about athleticism at first glance; however, the true meaning has always been about diplomacy between nations. Diplomacy was also at the heart of Virginia during its very creation, in which native son Thomas Jefferson played a vital role. Thomas Jefferson proudly served as Ambassador Plenipotentiary to France, being a key diplomat in shaping our nation. Honoring Jefferson’s diplomatic legacy, the Drunken Diplomat is a spicy, herbal fusion of whiskey, wine and summer fruit. From a Cab Franc crafted by Barboursville Vineyards to two star spirits from Springfield Distillery, plus locally grown and produced blackberries, basil and ginger beer, this cocktail is a true representation of the flavor of Virginia.

(Eye of the) Tiger’s Blood

by Zane C. Triplett, Foresta

Meet the (Eye of the) Tiger’s Blood, a boozy rendition of the pinnacle of sno-cone flavors, featuring Appalachian Heritage Gin. Even the name “Tiger’s Blood” itself resonates with the themes of strength, endurance and excellence central to the Olympic Games. The image of a tiger evokes power and determination, qualities synonymous with Olympic athletes who train rigorously and compete at the highest levels. The Olympics are a unifying event, watched and celebrated by millions around the world. Similarly, tiger’s blood snow cones are a popular treat that transcends age and cultural barriers, enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Western Virginia

Adam’s Slalom

by Ashley Schneider, Sidecar

One of Ashley’s husband’s close friends, Adam Clawson, was a slalom canoeist in the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games. He is considered one of the greatest C-1 slalom paddlers to compete for the US. With her cocktail Adam’s Slalom, Ashley pays tribute to his life and raises awareness for Olympian mental health. He unfortunately missed gate 10 of his 1996 run and, in turn, lost the chance for the gold medal. He ended up passing away in 2017 at the young age of 44. This refreshing summer cocktail, with Brady’s Accomplice Bourbon Whiskey as the star ingredient, celebrates Olympic history and honors a lost athlete and friend.

Eternal Devotion

by Brandon Sweetenberg, Bloom Restaurant and Wine Bar

Meet Eternal Devotion, a cocktail celebrating the work of founder and distiller Chris Prillaman of Twin Creeks Distillery. Chris has worked tirelessly to honor his great-grandfather’s passions by opening Franklin County’s first legal moonshine since Prohibition. His efforts are synonymous with the endless dedication and time it takes to be an Olympian. This cocktail features Peg Hatcher’s Straight Whisky, Virginia amaro and peaches sourced from Woods Farm in Boones Mill. The name “Eternal Devotion” illustrates what it takes to be one of the world’s best athletes as well as the dedication Twin Creeks Distillery has to Franklin County.

Tiger Claw

by Mark Warren, The Vault at the Liberty Trust

Cheers to Tiger Claw, a fantastic summer cocktail featuring Brady’s Lazy Jack Rum. This is a great alternative to a margarita with all the freshness of citrus and fresh pineapple. While this could be crafted with straight mezcal, the tequila helps cut the smokiness a bit keeping it lighter and more refreshing for the heat of the summer! The name Tiger Claw is a nod to a well-known Taekwondo and Karate technique.

Take 5

by Henry Hill Jr., The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center

The Take 5 borrows ingredients from each of the 5 regions represented in this competition to make the “Virginia Rings!” Be prepared to sit back and let this cocktail take your palette on an unforgettable journey! This cocktail incorporates 3 incredible Virginia-made spirits: Brady’s Distillery Prohibition GinMount Defiance Cassis LiqueurBelle Isle Yuzu-Ginger Moonshine“Pawpaw juice,” aquafaba and honey syrup round out this gin-based tiki-inspired cocktail.

Olympic Torch

by Hunter Hauge-Martin, The Golden Pony

This cocktail shows us how important cultural representation is across the globe, even in the cocktail world. Two locally distilled spirits can strive for recognition and respect. Through these efforts, they are exposing their culture and the deep history surrounding their brand to a wider audience. The Olympics offer the same exposure to their athletes and respected countries, educating the masses on otherwise unknown stories and amazing people. The Olympic Torch unites Brady’s Distillery Prohibition Gin and Twin Creeks Peach Brandy with French curaçao, mirroring the Olympics’ cultural exchange. Each spirit shines, and then harmonizes in a smooth, subtly spicy sip. It’s a winning combination celebrating local heroes and uniting cultures.