11 of the best Tampa Bay cocktail events of 2019

USBG Tampa Bay Repeal Day Conference

When: December
Tampa Bay’s chapter of the United States Bartenders’ Guild has turned what was once a small gathering into a multiday conference. However, the grand gala at the historic Cuban Club is really where it’s at for cocktail nerds, because you toast to the end of Prohibition while dressed the part.
Photo via Kevin Tighe

HighBall

When: January
Local bartenders use whiskey, gin, rum and vodka to battle it out during this CL cocktail contest. There are generous tastings poured throughout the night, and we’re not just saying that.
Photo via Nick Cardello Photography

Summer of Rum Festival

When: Labor Day weekend
The booze-soaked affair brings a healthy dose of rum drinks — everything from Rum Runners to frozen daiquiris to Cuba Libres — to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park.
Photo via Facebook

Cupcakes & Cocktails

When: Feb. 13, 7-9 p.m.
A signature soirée hosted in the Epicurean Hotel’s culinary classroom almost every month. As you’re treated to adult beverages from Élevage, Cloud 9 Confections chef-owner Beth Lukens shows you what it takes to pull off whoopie pies. Two types of pies are on the menu, but Lukens leaves the fillings and garnishes up to you.
Photo via Epicurean Hotel

Margarita Wars

When: July 26, 7-10 p.m.
What can I say? Our staff loves to drink. But this CL effort is my personal favorite. You sample your way around marg stations throughout TPepin’s Hospitality Centre to ultimately determine which area bartender dreamed up the tastiest take on the classic. Also, there’s guacamole.
Photo via Nick Cardello Photography

MAD for March: Cocktails and Dinner with Dick Vitale

When: Feb. 19, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Leading up to the NCAA Basketball Tournament, sip and eat alongside the Hall of Fame sportscaster, who’s about to celebrate 40 years with ESPN. Net proceeds benefit pediatric cancer research
Photo via Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

Taco & Margarita Crawl

When: April 6, noon-6 p.m.
Hop from stop to stop in search of exclusive margarita and tequila specials, plus tacos. Participating bars include Thirsty First, MacDinton’s and Yard of Ale.
Photo via Unsplash

Tampa Bay Beer Week

When: March 2-10
Yeah, yeah — we know this isn’t really cocktail-related. But it’s still one big celebration of the beverage that us locals sure do love: craft beer.
Photo via Unsplash

Tampa Bay Bloody Mary Festival

When: April 28, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Part of Tampa Riverfest, the Tampa Garden Club soirée showcases unlimited helpings of Bloody Marys from restaurants across town. The “Golden Celery Award” goes to the cocktail you and your fellow imbibers enjoyed the most.
Photo via Facebook

Tampa Bay Margarita Festival

When: May 25, noon-11 p.m.
As if you needed another reason to down a ’rita. Basic and flavored interpretations of the traditional recipe collide with live entertainment at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park.
Photo via Facebook

Love Potion #9: Creating Herbal Tinctures & Bitters

When: Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m.
Join Emelia’s Apothecary of Dunedin for the lesson in cocktail bitters and tinctures — inspired by love (’tis the season and all). Expect a discussion and demonstration on how to make these alcohol-based solutions at home, plus samples. You leave with recipes, too.
Photo via Facebook