Events
Inspired by our Bartender Awards, we are hosting monthly live competitions that will take place at a different local venue each month. You don’t have to be nominated or experienced to take part.
Participation is first-come, first-served. Depending on the competition, the number of entrants may be limited, usually to 6-8 participants, but there will always be attendee voting and something fun to do, even if you’re not part of the competition!
Each month will feature a different sponsor and theme. Contestants will be provided the sponsored product of the month and basic mixers (lemon, lime, simple syrup, soda, ice); other ingredients are your responsibility. Each contestant will receive $20 in reimbursement for supplies. We’ll provide a bar space and sample cups for attendees and judges to use to taste your creations.
First prize for each month is $100 cash plus at least that much in gifts/certificates from sponsors. Prizes will also be awarded for 1st and 2nd Runners Up, as well as People’s Choice (as voted on by attendees).
Sponsors include R1 Indoor Karting, Trinity Brewhouse, Jerry’s Artarama, and more.
2025
February‘s challenge took place at Deadbeats. Main product Diageo Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur. Congrats to Mel Lopez of Meld Pop-Up Bar for her winning entry.
March‘s challenge took place at Kimi’s. Main product Pernod Ricard Codigo Blanco Tequila. Congrats to Max Prussner for the winning drink.
April’s challenge took place at Y Noodle Bar. Main product Moet Hennessy. Congrats to Jimmy Vithaxay from Clementines for mixing the award winning Grand Palanquin
May‘s challenge took place at The Knight Library. Main product Sazerac Traveller Whiskey. Congrats to Fox for mixing the winning cocktail.
June’s challenge took place at Troop. Main product Titos Handmade Vodka.
July’s challenge took place at Newport Harbor Island Resort in collaboration with Newport Cocktail Wars
2024
January‘s challenge took place at B’z community bar using Bootblack Brand’s smoky agave syrup for delicious mocktails.
March‘s challenge took place at Kimi’s using Smoke Lab Vodka to create St. Patrick’s Day inspired cocktails.
April‘s bartending challenge was in celebration of 🌷Spring🌷 at Rose Alley Ale House in New Bedford. Bartenders are tasked to create a cocktail using Smoke Lab Vodka.
September: Cocktail competition at Provys using RI Spirits.
October: Cocktail competition at Y Noodle Bar using Obrien and Brough Gin.
2023
The May challenge was to produce a mixed drink using SmokeLab’s Aniseed Vodka, a distinctive flavor with strong character.
June’s challenge featured Dystopian Drinks made with Bootblack Brand’s Cranberry Jalapeño Lime Cocktail and Soda Syrup. Photos and video coming soon!
July was our annual awards!
August’s challenge focused on beer cocktails taking place at PVD Brewing Company using their beer and seltzer selection.
September’s challenge took place at Galactic Theatre and was in celebration of September being bourbon month using Puppy Bourbon from White Dog Distilling.
October‘s challenge was held at The Dean Hotel in Downtown Providence with bartenders being tasked with making a spooky cocktail using Tuck Gin.
November’s challenge was held at Kismet Improv with bartenders whipping up cocktails with Tapped Apple Cider while musical improv was performed based on their drink creations.
December’s challenge took place at ISCO Spirits using their range of sustainably sourced spirits.