10 Cedar Rapids Bars Will Compete in a Cocktail Competition in May

NewBo City Market in Cedar Rapids is preparing to host their 2024 Cocktail Classic next month! The event is set for Tuesday, May 21st from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Cocktail Classic is an annual competition hosted by NewBo City Market and Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery. Local mixologists from popular bars and restaurants come up with creative cocktails with the hopes of winning one of the night's coveted awards! The ten competitors in 2024 include:

• Bari Italian
• Black Sheep Social Club
• Chophouse Downtown
• Crosby's
• LP Street Food
• Goldfinch Tap + Eatery
• Ideal Theater & Bar
• Lacayo
• The Map Room
• Mezcal Tequila Cocina

For this year's competition, each bar/restaurants will be required to come up with a creative cocktail using Cedar Ridge's QuintEssential American Single Malt. The 2024 theme is "Garden Party." The official 'Cocktail Classic Champion' will be chosen by a panel of celebrity judges, but event attendees will choose the winner of the the 'People's Choice' Award. Last year's Cocktail Classic Champion was Caucho (now Lacayo), and Ideal Theater & Bar won the People's Choice Award!

In addition to sampling cocktails, ticket holders will also receive "a beautiful garden themed cupcake from Anh's Bread Therapy, plus popcorn from Almost Famous!" NewBo food vendors will also be open during the event.

The Cocktail Classic is for ages 21 and older, and a limited number of tickets are available. They are available for $55 and can be purchased on Eventbrite HERE.

The 2024 Cocktail Classic is just one of MANY events set for May in Eastern Iowa! You can check out a full list of festivals, concerts, markets, and other big events coming up in the area HERE.