THE SPIRIT OF
NORTH CAROLINA
COCKTAIL COMPETITION
Do you have what it takes to create the ultimate cocktail using a local North Carolina spirit as the main ingredient? If so, enter the online regional preliminaries for a chance to compete in the regional final. Winners of the regional final will move on to the state final in Asheville, during the NCCW festivities. Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your mixology skills!
How to Enter
Dates Coming Soon
To participate in the cocktail competition, share a picture of your cocktail on Instagram and make sure to tag @nccocktailweek in your post. Additionally, you need to upload all the details of your cocktail along with the image using the registration link provided.
Dates Coming Soon
Our panel of judges will test and evaluate all entries based on their use of local products, creativity, presentation, and flavor. The top 10 entries will then move on to compete in the in-person regional finals, where they will have the chance to showcase their cocktail-making skills in front of a live audience.
Dates Coming Soon
In each regional final, two winners will be crowned: the People's Choice, chosen by audience acclaim, and the Judges' Champion. Both victors will advance to the final AVL showdown, competing against the other regional finalists to take home the grand prize.
8 September FINAL
The top-performing participants from each region will go head-to-head in a final showdown to determine the ultimate winner of The Spirit of North Carolina championship. The competition promises to be fun and exciting as the best of the best compete for the final prize.
People’s Choice Vote
During the preliminary, and final competition stages, we will have both, a judge’s winner, and a people’s choice winner. This means that while the judges are tasting your cocktails and picking their favorite libation, the event attendees will also have a say.
Regional Prizes
Get ready for the ultimate showdown! The champions from each region will not only earn a trip to the vibrant city of Asheville for the final face-off but also go into contention for the grand prize! Get ready for a thrilling adventure and a chance to savor the sweet taste of victory!
The Spirit of North Carolina Cocktail Competition 2024
In our inaugural year, we are looking for the best bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts from all around North Carolina.
WHERE
Asheville’s cocktail revolution is shaking things up, infusing the city’s culinary scene with electrifying energy. Craft distilleries are crafting liquid masterpieces, and local mixologists are turning bartending into an art form. From inventive concoctions that defy tradition to locally inspired libations with a kick, Asheville’s cocktail culture is setting taste buds ablaze, adding a thrilling chapter to the city’s legendary beverage story.
WHEN
8th SEPTEMBER
In April, Asheville’s bars come alive with a vibrant spring vibe. Enjoy drinks on outdoor patios surrounded by pleasant weather. The season often inspires fresh, local ingredients in craft cocktails, adding a delightful touch to the bar experience. With a mix of scenic views and innovative drink menus, Asheville’s bars in April offer a perfect blend of seasonal charm and vibrant nightlife.
TIPS for SUCCESS
1 JAN – 14 FEB
To participate in the cocktail competition, share a picture of your cocktail on Instagram and make sure to tag @nccocktailweek in your post. Additionally, you need to upload all the details of your cocktail along with the image using the registration link provided.
15 FEB – 29 FEB
Our panel of judges will test and evaluate all entries based on their use of local products, creativity, presentation, and flavor. The top 10 entries will then move on to compete in the in-person regional finals, where they will have the chance to showcase their cocktail-making skills in front of a live audience.
1 FEB - 14 FEB
In each regional final, two winners will be crowned: the People's Choice, chosen by audience acclaim, and the Judges' Champion. Both victors will advance to the final AVL showdown, competing against the other regional finalists to take home the grand prize.
19 APRIL FINAL
The top-performing participants from each region will go head-to-head in a final showdown to determine the ultimate winner of The Spirit of North Carolina championship. The competition promises to be fun and exciting as the best of the best compete for the final prize.
THE ULTIMATE PRIZE
Due to the date change, we are updating our prize. Please follow @nccocktailweek for updates
THE JURY
Natalie Migliarini
Beautiful Booze
While you know Natalie as the boozy influencer behind Beautiful Booze and a contestant on Netflix's Drink Masters, Natalie has also judged and covered the worlds biggest cocktail competitions including the Diageo World Class and Bacardi Legacy.
Jeremy Hood
Urban Gastronome
Over the years Jeremy has hosted, judged, and participated in North Carolina's best cocktail competitions. As a leading wine and spirits connoisseur in Asheville, Jeremy has made a name for himself as a distinguished palate to please.
Local talent
mystery judge
At each round of the preliminaries there will be a local representative present from the events lead sponsor. We are also working with a surprise North Carolina industry legend to judge the final in Asheville.
