Raise a Glass to Santa Barbara’s Cocktail Culture
When it comes to local libations, Santa Barbara may be best known for its wines and craft beers. But the town has also cultivated a serious cocktail culture that continues to up its game year after year, to the delight of visitors and locals alike. Our bars and restaurants are always serving up innovative and delicious seasonal sips—be it the upscale classic Finch & Fork, the tiki-licious Test Pilot bar or the modern speakeasy, The Bobcat Room…to name just a few!
Presented by Visit Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Independent, the 3rd annual “Official Drink of Santa Barbara” cocktail competition will shine the spotlight on our talented local mixologists as they vie for the winning title. All local restaurants, bars and lounges are encouraged to take on this “tastemaker” challenge. Click here for details on how to enter.
Contenders are tasked with crafting their libation interpretation of Santa Barbara’s one-of-a-kind sense of place. Judges focus on the use of local ingredients and how the mixologists take inspiration from Santa Barbara’s dramatic landscapes, architectural landmarks and abundant culinary riches. Previous winners included Alcazar Tapas Bar’s “Ginspiration Point” and the Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara’s “Biltmore Fuerte.”
The 2019 live competition is open to the public and will be held on Thursday, June 20 at El Paseo Restaurant from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. The five finalists will battle for the title of “2019 Official Drink of Santa Barbara,” before a panel of expert judges. Event ticket holders get to sample the finalists’ submissions, watch masterful mixology in action and vote in the “People’s Choice” category. Last year’s event sold out, so stay tuned for ticket sales information.
Once the “Official Drink of Santa Barbara” is declared, it will be on the menu at the winner’s place of business through June 2020. It’s going to be a delicious competition! For more information on the contest, please click here.
