Three Richmond cocktails vying for 2024 ‘Cocktail of the Year’ in Virginia Cocktail Games

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Three cocktails crafted by Richmond mixologists are among the five Central Virginia semifinalists in Virginia Spirits’ first-ever Virginia Cocktail Games.

These cocktails are all gunning for the title of 2024’s “Virginia Cocktail of the Year,” among other various prizes and accolades . Per Virginia Spirits’ contest rules, each crafted cocktail needed to be inspired by the Summer Olympics. They also had to showcase at least one “Hero Ingredient,” or local product, from the bartender’s region.

Of hundreds of initial entries from across the Commonwealth, only 25 semifinalists have advanced to the next voting round — five from each of the five regions as determined by Virginia Spirits.

The regions outlined by Virginia Spirits include Northern Virginia, Western Virginia, Central Virginia, Southern Virginia and Coastal Virginia. Three of the Central Virginia region’s finalists are from Richmond.

These semifinalists are now focused on one thing — getting your votes. Virginia Spirits is encouraging Virginians to visit these establishments and try out their cocktail entries. Once you’ve tasted the cocktail, you’re encouraged to cast your vote for the best drink per region.

Keep scrolling to learn more about Central Virginia’s five standout cocktails.

“Lasting Legacy” from Richmond

Dom Giannelli from The Jasper in Richmond submitted the cocktail “Lasting Legacy” as his contest entry.

This cocktail reportedly aims to capture both local and international cuisine and flavors. While the spirit in this drink — Laird’s 10th Generation 5-Year Bottled in Bond Apple Brandy — comes from New Jersey, it is paired with native Virginia strawberries and homemade coconut cream. These flavors are then paired with other global flavors, like Tarragon and quinquina.

“Tarragon and quinquina are a strong nod to France, the host country for the 2024 Olympics, adding a slight savoriness and complexity to the cocktail,” reads the cocktail’s description on Virginia Spirits’ website.

You can try the Lasting Legacy by visiting The Jasper at 3113 W. Cary St. in Richmond.

“Breakfast of Champions” from Richmond

Paul Polk from Charlotte’s Southern Deli in Richmond presented the “Breakfast of Champions” cocktail as his contest entry.

This cocktail was reportedly inspired by research stating that three out of four Olympic athletes start their day with a cup of coffee — like Michael Phelps, who is said to drink two cups before training.

Polk used the Belle Isle Coffee Moonshine , a Richmond – distilled spirit , to introduce that coffee taste to his cocktail. He also used aged Barbados rum, vanilla liqueur, passion fruit syrup and pineapple juice.

“[The added flavors bring] out the fruity notes in the coffee moonshine, which would satisfy any champion (or anyone at that!) and give them that extra boost they need to win gold medals,” the cocktail’s description reads.

You can try the Breakfast of Champions by visiting Charlotte’s Southern Deli at 200 S. 10th St. in Richmond.

“Triple Jump” from Richmond

Ernesto Gonzalez from the Grisette in Richmond submitted “Triple Jump” as his contest entry.

This cocktail, named for the Triple Jump Olympic event, is reportedly themed after the fact that Olympians typically train their entire lives so they can shine during an event that, on average, lasts 15 to 20 seconds.

Gonzalez created a simple Saturn build gin tiki cocktail, using two products from Richmond’s own Virago Spirits — the Modern Gin with Oolong Tea and the 151 Rum . The Virginia cucumber falernum on the drink was made with that second spirit.

“The amount of work and time put into it improves the freshness and brightness of the classic,” the cocktail’s description reads.

You can try the Triple Jump by visiting the Grisette at 3119 E. Marshall St. in Richmond.

“Glorious Victory” from Charlottesville

Chetta Vilaicharoentrakul with the Monsoon Siam in Charlottesville submitted a cocktail called “Glorious Victory” as his contest entry.

This cocktail is reportedly meant to embody the passion and determination of Olympic athletes. It uses two Virginia spirits — the Virago Spirits Modern Gin with Oolong Tea from Richmond and the Vitae Spirits Orange Liqueur from Charlottesville. With added lemon and pineapple juice, Vilaicharoentrakul’s creation boasts a mixture of both tea and fruit flavors.

“Overall, its sweet, tart, floral and citrusy profile embodies the energy, excitement and competition of the Summer Olympics,” the cocktail’s description reads.

You can try the Glorious Victory by visiting the Monsoon Siam at 113 W. Market St. in Charlottesville.

“Pour l’amour du gin” from Nelson County

Breannah Carr with the Devils Backbone Brewpub and Restaurant in Nelson County presented the “Pour l’amour du gin” as her contest entry.’

This cocktail is reportedly a fusion of two drinks, the 1900s American Gin Fizz and the White Negroni. Carr aimed to honor global cocktail traditions by marrying these classics. The Virginia spirit included in this drink is Devils Backbone Brewpub and Restaurant’s own Foxfield Gin .

“With this drink, Breannah combines her love for great Virginian spirits with an enthusiasm to honor timeless traditions, worldwide brilliance and devotion to craft, much like our cherished Olympic Games,” the cocktail’s description reads.

You can try the Pour l’amour du gin by visiting the Devils Backbone Brewpub and Restaurant at 200 Crandall Run in the Roseland area of Nelson County.

Voting is open from July 26 to Aug. 11. You can cast your votes here .

Once voting closes, five finalists — one from each of the five regions — will participate in an in-person showdown on Sept. 14 during Virginia Spirits’ annual “Virginia Distilled” event, which will be held at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture.

Just for becoming semifinalists, these mixologists will receive a Virginia Spirits swag bag containing, among other swag, a custom embroidered jersey and a copy of Dr. Kevin Peterson’s “Cocktail Theory.” Additionally, they will be given complimentary registration for the Virginia Spirits professional development conference , which will be held in Richmond from Oct. 7 to 9.

Further prizes, as well as more information on this contest in general, can be found here .

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