RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY)- Starting June 4, Virginia Spirits invites bartenders from across the Commonwealth to participate in the first Virginia Cocktail Games to win the title of “Virginia’s Best Cocktail” in 2024.
Through June 20, bartenders can enter the two-round cocktail competition by submitting a creation that pays tribute to the Summer Olympics. A panel made up of representatives from the Virginia Spirits Board, the Virginia bartending community and Virginia distillers will select 25 submissions, five from each region of the state, to square off in the digital round of the Cocktail Games.
Once chosen, the 25 semi-finalists will have two weeks to develop content for VirginiaSpirits.org and their Instagram showcasing their cocktail creation.
Then, from July 26 until Aug. 11, Virginians will be encouraged to view the content online and to visit the establishments in their region to try the Olympic-themed cocktails. They will then cast their votes to determine five finalists, one from each region, to advance to the next round.
Staring Sept. 14, the finalist will have a live, in-person cocktail showdown during Virginia Spirits Month at the Virginia Museum of History & Culture in Richmond, as part of its annual “Virginia Distilled” event.
“Just as the Summer Olympics highlights the best athletes from around the globe, the Virginia Cocktail Games will feature the finest mixologists and most talented distillers in the state,” Jack Gorman, the executive director of the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office said. “We’re excited to foster collaboration and innovation between bartenders, distillers and licensees and to educate Virginians about the incredible diversity of spirits and mixology in the state.”
The winning mixologist will be credited with the 2024 “Virginia Cocktails of the Year,” which will be promoted on their website and social media channels, and in Virginia ABC stores.
The winners will receive registration, accommodation and travel stipend to attend Bar Summit 2025.
The 25 semi-finalists will receive:
- A Virginia Spirits swag bag with a custom embroidered jersey and other fun swag
- A copy of “Cocktail Theory” by Dr. Kevin Peterson
- Complimentary registration to the Virginia Spirits professional development conference in Richmond October 7-9, 2024
The five finalists who advance to the live competition will receive:
- $250 cash prize
- $160 travel stipend and complimentary hotel accommodation for the “Virginia Distilled” event on September 14, where the final round will take place
- Feature in regional media
- Professional headshots, action shots and videography during “Virginia Distilled”
For rules, eligibility and to submit an application, bartenders should visit virginiaspirits.org/virginia-cocktail-games.
Applications will close June 20.
