This event celebrates a classic cocktail
Today the third annual Bloody Mary Showdown will take place at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds. It’s a signature event that mixes the ultimate brunch cocktail and curated food together in an event meant to deliver a small meal, several cocktails and entertainment in one reasonably priced ticket package.
There are plenty of these events that will roll out starting in the spring and summer, but the chillier months coming up have several worth noting to consider including the event today honoring a drink that at its best can double as a vodka infused entree.
Here’s a short list of some of the events focused on specific drink categories that will be serving food alongside the featured drinks.
If it’s time for a winter warm-up, you can always start with a Bloody Mary today or mark your calendar with some of the other cocktail events that are coming up in the next few months.
JAN. 14 Bloody mary showdown
after tasting the bloody’s they vote for the winner, as well as best garnish and best decor. Purchase your judging credentials for $25 which gives you the chance to taste eight 4 oz. Bloody Mary’s and one vote for your favorite. Upgrade to VIP tickets for $40 and you’ll get early entry at 11 a.m. and 12 tasting tickets as well as two votes for your favorite.
FEB. 2-3 11Th annual cincy winter beerfest
Breweries and beer enthusiasts from across the region will gather in early February in Cincinnati to sample hundreds of craft beers (more than 400 according to organizers) in all styles and flavors. The weekend event has many components, but at the end of the day, regular admission purchased in advance is $45 and will buy you 25 samples in a 5 oz. souvenir acrylic mug. Admission day of is $55.
FEB. 10 End of prohibition celebration
Celebrate the end of prohibition with the Chardon Polka Band at Dayton Liederkranz Turner German Club. There will be door prizes, a costume contest (think 1930s), Charleston contest, drink specials and merriment. $3 members, $5 guests and some of the best deals on beer in town.
FEB. 24 Jungle jim’s whiskey fest: prohibtion-style
days of speakeasies and a drink on the sly, Jungle Jim’s Whiskey Fest: Prohibition-Style is taking on a new name, but promises the same satisfying experience with a few surprises along the way. A general admission tickets provides eight samples and a bonus cocktail, access to master distillers, and, of course, some delicious bites to eat throughout the night. All ticket options feature music by The Dirty Shirleys, food from the inhouse Oscar Kitchen, and the opportunity to purchase hand-rolled cigars to enjoy throughout the night.
MARCH 7 Buckeye vodka’s 5th annual battle of the bartenders
More than 10 area bartenders will create their own signature Buckeye Vodka cocktail. You vote for who you think has the best drink. Each restaurant will also have food as well. Restaurants include: Basil’s On Market, Carvers Steaks & Chops, Coco’s Bistro, elé Cake Co. Bistro, Wine Bar, El Meson, Lily’s Bistro, Meadowlark, Mr. Boro’s Tavern, Roost,, Watermark Restaurant, Wheat Penny Oven and Bar and more. Tickets are just $20 in advance and include food samples from each restaurant and four drink samples. Additional flight cards are just $5.
MARCH 8-9 Cincinnati international wine festival
The Cincinnati International Wine Festival is the nation’s second longest running charitable wine festival. Half of your ticket immediately goes to support 36 different charities. Over the past 27 years, the Cincinnati International Wine Festival has raised $5.3 million for local charities.
There are special winery dinners, grand tastings, a charity auction and luncheon. More than 700 new, rare, and exciting wines from more than 250 wineries around the world are available to sample, while guests enjoy delicious food and a silent auction. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or an intrigued beginner, winemakers and winery representatives welcome you as they pair their useful knowledge with exquisite samples of their art. The education sessions are definitely worth checking out if you are looking to learn.
MARCH 10 10TH ANNUAL ALEFEAST DAYTON
The details so far on this are slim, but the date has been posted and organizers promise more information on beer, food and ticket information. This is a must for craft beer lovers, so save the date and stay tuned.
APRIL 20 BOURBON & BUBBLES
Celebrate spring with an artsy cocktail party in the beautiful setting of the museum’s Shaw Gothic Cloister and Great Hall. Bourbon & Bubbles features handcrafted bourbons, refreshing bubbly, gourmet bites, tasty treats and entertainment. Tickets are on sale now and priced at $60 for museum members and $75 for nonmembers. Last year was this event’s first year and it sold out weeks before, so get tickets now while you still can. Watch for more information in January about an exclusive VIP package. More event info can be found by visiting http://bit. ly/2gYX9p7
Dayton Eats looks at the regional food stories and restaurant news that make mouths water. Menu updates, special dinners and events, new chefs, interesting new dishes and culinary adventures. Do you know of new exciting format changes, specials, happy hours, restaurant updates or any other tasty news you think is worth a closer look at? E-mail Alexis Larsen at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com with the information and we will work to include it in future coverage. Celeste Ng
6. The Wanted Robert Crais
7. The People vs. Alex Cross James Patterson
8. Artemis Andy Weir
9. Tom Clancy: Power and Empire Marc Cameron
10. Hardcore Twenty-Four Janet Evanovich Oprah Winfrey
3. Obama Pete Souza
4. The Whole30 Fast & Easy Cookbook Melissa Hartwig Ree Drummond Ron Chernow Neil deGrasse Tyson O’Reilly/ Dugard Biden Kilmeade/Yaeger Walter
Joe Ruth Ware
7. Twisted Helen Hardt
8. 16th Seduction Patterson/Paetro
Anthony Doerr Roy Fisher