Official Drink of Santa Barbara Cocktail Competition

In the spirit of further elevating Santa Barbara’s cocktail culture, Visit Santa Barbara joined forces with the Santa Barbara Independent, and Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara to designate an official signature Santa Barbara mixed drink that celebrates the distinctive attributes of The American Riviera®.  The Official Drink of Santa Barbara cocktail competition calls upon local restaurants, bars, lounges, tasting rooms and breweries to craft their libation interpretation of Santa Barbara’s one-of-a-kind sense of place. The public will vote for their favorites online and the top 5 finalists will be invited to the live competition on January 26 where they will create their cocktail for a panel of 5 esteemed judges who will select the winning drink. Come and cheer on your favorites and see which drink/business is crowned as the "2017 Official Drink of Santa Barbara".

Event ticket includes 2 drink tickets (select from beer, wine or cocktail) along with small bites and the chance to sample a few of the finalists' cocktails. Must be 21+ to attend the event and tickets must be purchased in advance. Please note the event is at the Upper Arts Terrace of Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (2nd floor of Paseo Nuevo).

FINALISTS: 
Alcazar Tapas
"Ginspiration Point"

Boathouse
"La Reina"

Loquita
"Montecito"

Olio e Limone Santa Barbara
TRUE NORTH, The Quintessential Santa Barbara Cocktail

Rodney's Grill, The Fess Parker
The Passion of the Pacific

Event Emcee:
Gabe Saglie, Television personality and Senior Editor of Travelzoo

Contest Judges:
Meredith Garofalo, Meteorologist/Reporter for KEYT News Channel 3
Leslie Dinaberg, Managing Editor and Cocktail Corner columnist for Santa Barbara Seasons magazine
Patrick Reynolds, Santa Barbar Independent Cocktail Writer and Founder of Farm to Bar
George Yatchisin, Freelance food, wine and cocktail writer 
Gwen Stauffer, Executive Director of Ganna Walska Lotusland and outgoing Board Chair for Visit Santa Barbara 

Presenting Sponsors:
Visit Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara Independent
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara

Event Sponsors:
Cutler's Artisan Spirits
Paseo Nuevo
Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co.
Santa Barbara Vintners
Classic Party Rentals