Mystic, CT (October 29, 2025). The shakers are ready! The Mystic Cocktail Classic (November 7-10) has announced the four finalists for the cocktail competition, a live mix-off finale to be held November 10th at the Jealous Monk in Mystic, CT.
Bartenders and mixologists from across the country were invited to submit entries across four key spirit categories - liqueur, gin, rum, and whisk(e)y. Submissions arrived from over 25 states, and entries were evaluated on originality, balance, technique, presentation, and storytelling by a panel of industry experts. 12 semifinalists were selected, who then submitted video presentations of their cocktail for this final round. The four finalists are:
Liqueur: Riviera Cove Swizzle — Justin Brody, Juniper Bar (Providence, RI)
Gin: Forager’s Martini — Nikki Stein, Willa (Millerton, NY)
Rum: Purple People Eater — Nathaniel S. Colby, Milestone (Mystic, CT)
Whiskey: Maude & The Monkey — Breannah Carr, Maude & The Bear (Staunton, VA)
They will face off in an exciting live competition on November 10th, where industry experts and the audience will vote for the winner. First prize is a trip for two to Barbados with a private educational tour of Foursquare Distillery, with the following three winners receiving educational opportunities from Forthave Spirits, Trillium Spirits and Veritable Distillery.
Presented by Veritable Distillery, the Classic brings together some of the most respected voices in the spirits world for conversation, competition, and coastal hospitality. The lineup includes:
Sother Teague of Amor y Amargo & Author of “I’m Just Here for the Drinks”
Hannah Chamberlain, Author of “How To Be a Better Drinker: Cocktail Recipes and Boozy Etiquette”
David Wondrich, Drinks Historian & Author of “Imbibe!”
Shannon Mustipher, Author of “Tiki: Modern Tropical Cocktails”
Oscar Simoza Miszlai of The Wig Shop & BCB3 Hospitality
Dale DeGroff, Author, “The Craft of the Cocktail,” known as the “King of Cocktails”
The weekend also includes “Spirited” dinners and panel discussions at local restaurants, a book fair at the Mystic Noank Library, and various bar events and guest bartender takeovers throughout the town.
Event sponsors include Faccia Brutto, Forthave Spirits, Fruitful Mixology, Hartford Flavor Company, Matchbook Distilling Company, The Ocean House, The Real McCoy Rum, Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur, Sails Up 4 Cancer, South County Distillers, Spiribam, and Trillium Brewing & Distilling.
ABOUT VERITABLE DISTILLERY
Veritable Distillery is a Connecticut-based spirits producer dedicated to creating authentic, farm-to-glass spirits using traditional methods and natural ingredients—without industrial additives. With a focus on small-batch production, local sourcing, and radical transparency, Veritable reflects the best of New England craftsmanship and community spirit.
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