Photo courtesy of SMO.

Representatives of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals (SMO) announces the return of the in-person Set The Bar Cocktail Competition, scheduled for Friday, October 15, 2021 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Ed Smith Stadium. Designed to showcase the creative beverage talents behind the area’s locally-owned, independent restaurants, Set The Bar’s 2021 cocktail contention will highlight 25 accomplished mixologists representing establishments from the northern tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern shores of Venice Beach. 

“Set the Bar was created as a playful platform to showcase the enormous talent of our local bar programs,” states SMO Executive Director Sarah Firstenberger. “Like the Chefs in the kitchen, our local bartenders are an integral part of today’s struggling service industry, playing a vital role in creating an exciting atmosphere and enjoyable guest experience. We can’t wait to shine the well-deserved light on them.”

During the Set the Bar Cocktail Competition, “The Best” libations will be decided by an expert panel as well as event attendees who will be tasked with sampling and savoring each creation before judging the competitors on Flavor, Appearance, Bartender Presentation and Imagination. The contenders will present innovative concoctions in five spirit categories featuring Waterloo Gin, New Amsterdam Vodka, Hiatus Tequila, Papa’s Pilar Rum and Treaty Oak Bourbon Whiskey. 

“The 2021 Cocktail Competition will be the finale of the week-long Set The Bar Cocktail Week,” added Veronica Perrelli, SMO’s Events and Community Outreach Director. “From Friday, October 8 through Friday October 15, 2021, natives, newcomers and travelers to our area are encouraged to ‘Sip Like A Local’ with an abundance of featured drink specials, cocktail events and limited-time food and beverage pairings available at Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ Member restaurants throughout Florida’s sparkling Suncoast.”

Guests at the Set the Bar Cocktail Competition will also enjoy raffles and delicious dishes presented by fellow Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ Member restaurants. Tickets for Set the Bar Cocktail Competition are now on sale and available to purchase online at eatlikealocal.com/setthebar. Tickets are priced at $60 per person plus a ticketing fee. (Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event).

Photo courtesy of SMO.