Arizona Cocktail Week’s annual Last Slinger Standing contest to feature top bartending teams from across Arizona, Colorado and Nevada, plus one surprise wildcard entrant; winner receives $1,500.
Who: Cocktail lovers, spirits sippers and anyone else interested in attending Arizona’s finest cocktail competition.
What: Forget shaken or stirred, the real question is who’s going to be the Last Slinger Standing? Hosted on February 16, 2015 as part of the fourth annual Arizona Cocktail Week, join 15 of the finest bartenders across Arizona, Colorado and Nevada as they compete in the premier bartending competition of the Southwest, the Last Slinger Standing. The final lineup was determined after months of in-state competitions organized by the local United States Bartender’s Guild chapters (USBG) to determine each state’s top mixologists. Plus, new for 2015, one “wildcard” bartender will be selected from any participating USBG chapter to compete in this year’s contest, and that state’s chapter will be invited to compete in 2016.
Hosted at Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour, the Last Slinger Standing is Iron Chef America meets the NCAA meets some of the top bartenders in the country. Competitors go head-to-head in this fast-paced “winner takes all” competition full of twists, turns and curve balls as bartenders try and make the best cocktail with secret ingredients and challenges. The winner takes home a cool $1,500 for themselves and $500 for their chapter; plus, bragging rights and their name emblazoned on the Champion Trophy. Judges will include some of the industry’s top movers and shakers. Plus, guests at the AZCW’s preferred resort, Hotel Valley Ho, will be able to take advantage of free shuttle service to Bitter & Twisted via AZCW’s partnership with Uber, the popular smartphone-based, on demand car request service, to offer special discounts and help attendees get home safely.
When: Monday, February 15, 2015 Time TBD
Where: Bitter & Twisted Cocktail Parlour (1 W. Jefferson St., Phoenix, AZ 85003)