Virginia Spirits has announced the inaugural Virginia Cocktail Games, an Olympic-inspired competition celebrating the talent of mixologists and distillers across the Commonwealth.
Inspired by the Summer Olympics, this statewide event will see 25 mixologists compete for the prestigious title of “Virginia’s Best Cocktail in 2024.” Alongside the title, the winning mixologist will receive extensive promotion on Virginia Spirits’ website, social media platforms, and in Virginia ABC stores statewide.
Additionally, the champion will be awarded registration, accommodation, and a travel stipend to attend Bar Summit 2025.
Jack Gorman, Executive Director of the Virginia Spirits Board Marketing Office, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “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.”
Bartenders holding on-premise Virginia ABC licenses are invited to enter the competition by submitting a cocktail creation that pays homage to the Summer Olympics, featuring at least one locally distilled product from their region. Submissions are open until June 20.
A panel comprising representatives from the Virginia Spirits Board, the Virginia bartending community, and Virginia distillers will select 25 semi-finalists, with five chosen from each region of the state, to progress to the digital round of the competition.
Semi-finalists will have two weeks to develop content for VirginiaSpirits.org and @vaspirits on Instagram, showcasing their cocktail creations. Each semi-finalist will also receive a Virginia Spirits swag bag, including a custom embroidered jersey and other exclusive items, as well as professional development resources.
Later in the summer, Virginians can view online content and sample Olympic-themed cocktails at regional establishments, voting to determine five finalists, one from each region.
The finalists will face off in a live, in-person cocktail showdown on September 14, during Virginia Spirits Month at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture in Richmond. The event will be part of the annual “Virginia Distilled” celebration.
Finalists will receive a $250 cash prize, $150 travel stipend, complimentary hotel accommodations, regional media exposure, and professional photography and videography during the event.
Bartenders interested in participating can find rules, eligibility criteria, and application details here. Applications close on Friday, June 21.
