10+ Reasons to Buy a Ticket to The Cocktail Classic

Our annual Cocktail Classic is back and better than ever—shaking things up at The Exchange Raleigh Nov. 15. Trust: you’re not gonna wanna miss it. The toast of the town promises to once again be the party of the year—this time with a host of new elevated experiences, luxe surprises and a few fun twists in store. 

If you’ve been waiting for a sign to snag your tix… here are 10 (plus a few extras). 🍸 So, skip the FOMO and grab the hottest ticket in town before they’re gone.

Unlimited Pours? Say Less. 
RM’s fresh class of Best Bartender nominees will go head-to-head behind the bar for People’s Choice Award—and it’s up to you to sip, savor and vote for your fave. Each ’tender is mixing up a riff on a classic (think old-fashioned, martini, daiquiri) in tandem with a top-shelf liquor brand:

• 1000 Piers Coastal Carolina Gin
• Buffalo Trace
• Bulleit Bourbon
• Cook’s Mill American Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Corralejo Tequila
• Durham Distillery’s Damn Fine Vodka
• Hennessy V.S
• Moonbird Gin
• Outer Banks Distilling’s Kill Devil Silver Rum
• Weldon Mills House Vodka

Vino Break
As if the 10 ’tails weren’t enough, Vitis House will be pouring bubbly all night long in the Cava Cave—plus red and white wine + rosé—because what better way to toast Raleigh’s finest?! (P.S. water and mocktails will also be flowing–stay hydrated!)

Mic’d & Mixed
Thanks to sponsor Elm Partners, each of our 10 Best Bartender noms will take the stage throughout the night to showcase their mixology chops—mic’d up and ready to spill (secrets, not drinks).

Drop the Beat
A live DJ will keep the vibes on high with all your favorite jams—so don’t hesitate to get down with your bad selves!

Glam & Glow
Upping the glam factor, ILŪMRA Skin has you covered—literally—with the Renew & Refresh Lounge to primp, pamper and prep for those mando photo opps! 

Rolls-Royce Roll-Up
This is how Raleigh rolls. Expect a luxe welcome by the High Rollers Club (aka Rolls-Royce of Raleigh), dishing out welcome drinks amid a fleet of vehicles—then make your way inside to jot down your dreams and aspirations. Manifest that ish!

Fuel for the Fun
We know you’re gonna need some nosh to balance all those bevs. Expect a spread of delicious bites—think the likes of last year’s BYO taco bar, Nashville hot chicken sliders, lettuce wraps and other snacky fare)—plus the giant charcuterie board of your dreams. No empty stomachs here!

Good Times, Safe Rides
Important PSA: Don’t drink and drive! 🚫 Thanks to Whitley Law Firm, guests will get rideshare code to and from The Exchange on event day. Now that’s good lookin’ out.

Bag It Up
You didn’t think we’d let you leave empty-handed, did you? Every attendee gets a spirited swag bag, which includes a full-size bottle of liquor (!) and a cocktail recipe book featuring all the evening’s creations so you can shake things up at home.

Pour It Forward
To top off the entire Cocktail Classic event, ticket sales benefit the RDU Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild, which supports the hospitality community we all love. Drinking for a cause? Don’t mind if we do!

Spirit(ed) Sponsors
Huge gratitude and cheers to our partners who make it all possible: Killjoy, Whitley Law Firm, Vitis House, Elm Partners, Rolls-Royce, ILŪMRA Skin—and of course The Exchange for playing host. 

See you Nov. 15!