Hey, Virginia Bartenders! You’re Invited to Compete in The Virginia Cocktail Games.

Virginia Spirits is pleased to announce the inaugural Virginia Cocktail Games! 25 mixologists from across the commonwealth will battle it out in two rounds of competition for the title of “Virginia’s Best Cocktail in 2024.” Here’s how it’ll work:

Round 1. From July 26 – August 11, 2024, this regional, virtual round will feature five bartenders from each of the five regions across the state (25 competitors in total). Each bartender will design a cocktail and submit the recipe and photo for two weeks of online voting. One winner will be determined from each of the 5 regions.

Round 2. The top 5 regional finalists from Round 1 will move on to compete before a panel of judges and Virginia spirits enthusiasts in a live cocktail showdown at Virginia Distilled, an event held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture on September 14, 2024, in Richmond, Va. (accommodations and travel expenses paid).

• All Virginia Bartenders Eligible – Bartenders from all on-premise Virginia ABC licensees are eligible to participate.
• Mix Up Local Flavors – All cocktails will incorporate “hero ingredients” produced by Virginia distillers, showcasing the creativity and diversity of flavors that abound in every corner of the state.
• Win Exciting, High-Value Prizes – Gifts and prizes will be issued to those who advance to each round, with the grand prize winner awarded a complimentary trip to the 2025 US Bartender’s Guild Bar Summit, cash prizes, your cocktail named “Virginia’s Cocktail of the Year 2024” and other great prizes.
• Licensee and Bartender Promotion – Virginia Spirits will extensively promote participating bartenders, Virginia ABC licensees and distilleries across social media throughout the competition, encouraging guests to visit participating establishments and vote for their favorite cocktail in each region. Winners will be featured in a comprehensive public relations campaign spanning local, regional and statewide media channels in early 2025.

Applications close Friday, June 21, 2024. DEADLINE EXTENDED! Please apply by Monday, June 24, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Before you apply, please review The Competitor Guide.