Virginia’s finest mixologists have been shaking, swirling and stirring their way to victory in The Virginia Cocktail Games.
In a nod to the Summer Olympics, we’ve gathered the best talent from five regions across the commonwealth, challenging them to create cocktails that celebrate both Olympic Greatness and Virginia-made spirits in a two-round bartending competition.
Meet the five winning competitors from Round One and learn more about their Virginia-made creations. Each mixologist crafted a concoction unique to their region, highlighting local ingredients and their own creative flair. From classic Virginia Beach crushes to whiskey sours, discover the inspiration behind the recipes and how to make it yourself.
They’ll come together one more time for a LIVE, in-person competition at the Virginia Distilled event in Richmond on September 14, 2024. After receiving a new prompt, they’ll craft an entirely new creation in front of esteemed judges and VIP guests. Virginia Distilled attendees will be able to sample the final cocktails and cast their vote to help name “Virginia’s 2024 Cocktail of the Year.”
Learn more about the bartenders behind the competition →
Breannah Carr
Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company | Central, Va. | Pour l’amour du Gin
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 Virginia-made spirits with an enthusiasm to honor timeless traditions, worldwide brilliance and devotion to craft, much like our cherished Olympic Games. Learn how to make it.
What is your favorite ingredient to work with?
My favorite spirit to work with has always been gin — I find it easy to build cocktails around its flavor. However, I also love making flavored simples, shrubs and homemade bitters!
How did you make your way onto the bartending scene?
I found my way behind the bar by becoming a regular at a Staunton watering hole. I quickly became friends with the bartenders, and one day, they offered me a job. The manager was a wonderful mentor who trained me from the ground up on all things bar-related!
Amanda Liebrich
Glass Light Restaurant | Coastal, Va. | Ramos à la Mode
Featuring Ironclad Distillery’s Sweeter Creations Maple Syrup Cask Bourbon, the Ramos à la Mode is inspired by a classic cocktail that is famously dreaded by craft bartenders around the world. Though it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for being both delicious and visually stunning, 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. Learn how to make it.
What is your favorite part about working behind the bar?
I’m a talker! Having crossed the threshold into craft cocktails, I’m able to do more than just provide free bartender-brand therapy. The opportunity to educate and inspire my guests on a daily basis is so exciting to me.
How did you make your way onto the bartending scene?
Bartending was the best accident I’ve ever been part of. What started as a fun side job turned into a fulfilling, full-time career. I found myself excelling at speed and hospitality in my early days at dive bars and clubs, though I felt a lack of purpose and direction. Coming from a family of foodies and chefs, transitioning to craft cocktails was a natural evolution. I’ve dipped my toes in nearly every bartending setting, and the opportunities and mentorship at Glass Light have put my life on an incredible path. I now host my own charity cocktail pop-up, have been featured on Food Network, and have attended both Jack Daniels Backstage and Camp Runamok (camp is forever!). Not to mention, my book and bottle collections have expanded dramatically.
Julieta Hernandez
The Catamount Lounge | Northern, Va. | Victory Coupe
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. Learn how to make it.
What is your favorite part about working behind the bar?
My favorite thing is the people, on both sides of the bar. I’ve met interesting humans in the industry and made a lot of sentimental friendships from tackling evening shifts together. The synchronicity, almost a little dance coworkers do in the confines of the bar mats, becomes natural when you’ve been working with someone for some time. I can confidently say I wouldn’t have as many friends as I do if I didn’t have such amazing bar patrons coming and hanging out with us.
Are you a native Virginian or a transplant? Tell us a little more about you…
I believe I have a claim to being a native Virginian. I moved here as a kid and grew up in Front Royal on Main Street, before it became what it is today. I have pleasant memories of the fall and winter that I never experienced anywhere else. I was born in Mexico, and my family lived in New Mexico and Texas before settling in Virginia. I had wonderful opportunities here, like volunteering at the Samuels Public Library and making friends through a creative writing community.
Melanie Holmes
The Tavern in Abingdon | Southern, Va. | The Qualifier (Qualificatif)
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. Learn how to make it.
What is your favorite ingredient to work with?
My favorite ingredients to work with are locally cultivated herbs, fruits and flowers.
Are you a native Virginian or a transplant? Tell us a little more about you…
I’m a Virginia native, born and raised in Glade Spring. I moved to Abingdon shortly after high school and started working in the restaurant industry at 15, first hosting and then waiting tables at 18. I started my job at the Tavern and eventually made my way into the kitchen. I worked in the kitchen during the day and waited tables at night, loving every second of it. Then I found the bar and never looked back. I love what I do, and I love my community.
Henry Hill, Jr.
The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center | Western, Va. | Take 5
Take 5 borrows ingredients from each of the 5 regions represented in this competition to make the “Virginia Rings!” This cocktail incorporates 3 incredible Virginia-made spirits: Brady’s Distillery Prohibition Gin; Mount Defiance Cassis Liqueur; and Belle Isle Yuzu-Ginger Moonshine! Pawpaw juice, aquafaba and honey syrup round out this gin-based, tiki-inspired cocktail. Learn how to make it.
What is your favorite part about working behind the bar?
Welcoming people into my ‘home’ and providing a safe space to not only discuss challenging situations but celebrate the highlights. Cocktails happen — sometimes when there’s laughter and sometimes when there are tears — but through it all, we realize we’re all bonded together as human beings on this journey called life!
What is your favorite ingredient to work with?
Whatever my guest dislikes… unless they’re allergic, of course. I love rewriting past experiences and ‘righting’ how someone may have been wronged! My favorite ingredient changes by the month, but right now it’s aquafaba (chickpea liquid), a vegan substitute for egg white!
Drop by the restaurants of the competitors to meet the finalists and order a delicious cocktail! While you’re there, don’t forget to ask for Virginia-made.
And be a part of the final action of The Virginia Cocktail Games by purchasing tickets to Virginia Distilled. These bartenders are counting on your support!