This fall, Mystic will host the Mystic Cocktail Classic (November 7–10), a new event celebrating the creativity and craftsmanship that define modern mixology. Presented by Veritable Distillery, the festival will bring together some of the most respected voices in the spirits world for conversation, competition, and coastal hospitality.
Organizers recently announced the 12 semi-finalists who have advanced to the next round of the Mystic Cocktail Competition, which takes place during the event’s finale on Monday, November 10.
Bartenders and mixologists from across the country were invited to submit entries across four key spirit categories: liqueur, gin, rum, and whiskey. Submissions arrived from over 25 states, reflecting the competition’s nationwide appeal. Entries were evaluated on originality, balance, technique, presentation, and storytelling, by a panel of industry experts.
The 2025 Mystic Cocktail Classic semifinalists are:
Liqueur
- Riviera Cove Swizzle: Justin Brody (@whoisjustinbrody), Juniper Bar - Providence, RI
- Herbal Eclipse: KC Brooke (@kc.andtherainstormband), Sauvage - Winter Haven, FL
- Spill The Tea: Patrick Cull (@PatrickNerdsOut), GCB (Grad Center Bar) - Providence, RI
Gin
- Fractions: Lauren Pellecchia (@elvissips), Merchants Club - Newport, KY
- Something’s Fishy: Tobias Steeves (@t_somthin), The Tucked Tie - Spearfish, SD
- Forager’s Martini: Nikki Stein (@_nikkils_), Willa - Millerton, NY
Rum
- Oki Doki: Mitchell Hardee (@mitchhardee), Parliament - Dallas TX
- Razor Grass: Andrew Boimila (@mixinguptiki), Wusong Road Tiki Bar & Restaurant - Cambridge, MA
- Bajan Daydream: Justin Brody (@whoisjustinbrody), Juniper Bar - Providence, RI
Whiskey
- Maude & The Monkey: Breannah Carr (@hautelikewasabii), Maude & The Bear - Staunton, VA
- Chalet Cinema: Justin Brody (@whoisjustinbrody), Juniper Bar - Providence, RI
- Thump: Jason Valdez (@anotherroundwithjay), Drinking With Jay - San Marcos, TX
Next, semifinalists will submit video presentations of their cocktails for a final round of review, leading to the selection of four finalists who will compete live in Mystic on Monday, November 10 at Jealous Monk. First prize is a trip for two to Barbados with a private educational tour of Foursquare Distillery, with the following three winners receiving educational opportunities from Forthave Spirits, Trillium Spirits, and Veritable Distillery.
The Mystic Cocktail Classic features a lineup of renowned experts and authors, including:
- Sother Teague of Amor y Amargo & Author, “I’m Just Here for the Drinks”
- Hannah Chamberlain, Author, “How To Be a Better Drinker: Cocktail Recipes and Boozy Etiquette”
- David Wondrich, Drinks Historian & Author, “Imbibe!”
- Shannon Mustipher, Spirits Educator & Author, “Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails”
- Oscar Simoza Miszlai of The Wig Shop & BCB3 Hospitality
The weekend also includes “Spirited” dinners and panel discussions at local restaurants, a book fair at the Mystic Noank Library, and various bar events and guest bartender takeovers throughout the town.
Event sponsors include Faccia Brutto, Forthave Spirits, Fruitful Mixology, Grand Wine & Spirits, Hartford Flavor Company, Matchbook Distilling Company, The Ocean House, The Real McCoy Rum, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Rum Fire, Sails Up 4 Cancer, South County Distillers, Spiribam, and Trillium Brewing & Distilling.
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Plan to Attend or Participate in Our Events:
- Register Now for the 2025 Bar & Restaurant Expo Colorado, October 26-28, 2025, Denver, Colorado
- 2026 Bar & Restaurant Expo, March 23-25, 2026, Las Vegas, Nevada.
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