The Virginia Cocktail Games have kicked off with 25 craft drinks in the running to be named Virginia’s 2024 Cocktail of the Year. Three finalists in the Central Virginia region are from Richmond.
Meet the River City drinks in the running:
- Lasting Legacy | Made by bartender Dom Giannelli of The Jasper, this cocktail has brandy, Virginia strawberries, homemade coconut cream, tarragon, and quinquina.
- Breakfast of Champions | Paul Polk of Charlotte’s Southern Deli created this drink with Belle Isle Coffee Moonshine, rum, spiced vanilla liqueur, pineapple juice, and passion fruit syrup.
- Triple Jump | Ernesto Gonzalez of Grisette crafted this bright drink with Virago Spirits Modern Gin With Oolong Tea, Virginia cucumber falernum, lychee syrup, and lemon juice.
Voting is open through Sunday, Aug. 11.
The public vote will determine who moves on to the next round, an in-person competition to be held in September at the Virginia Distilled festival at the VMHC.
