Raleigh Magazine’s Cocktail Classic is back shaking things up at The Exchange Nov. 14, bringing together the city’s cocktail heavyweights for one seriously spirited night. This year, RM’s 10 Best Bartender nominees—all owners and founders behind some of Raleigh’s finest cocktail bars—will go head-to-head across 10 bars, each putting their own spin on a classic cocktail.

The evening unfolds with unlimited pours, top-shelf spirits, live mixology demonstrations, luxe experiences and a few surprises worthy of the city’s ultimate holiday kickoff. Need a reason to snag your ticket? We’ve got 10. Here’s why you don’t want to miss it.

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

• Angel’s Envy
• Belvedere Vodka
• Durham Distillery
• End of Days Distillery
• Garrison Brothers Distillery
• The Hackney
• Moonbird Gin
• Outer Banks Distilling
• Patrón Tequila
• Rémy Martin

Liquor Break
Don’t love cocktails? We have an experience for you too. A-Vin-Garde will keep the wine flowing all night in the Bubbly Room. And for those pacing themselves, water and mocktails from Killjoy’s spirit-free bar will be available throughout the evening.

Mic’d & Mixed
Go behind the bar with Raleigh’s best. Thanks to sponsor Elm Partners, all 10 nominees will take the stage throughout the evening for live, mic’d-up demonstrations—showing off their craft and spilling a few secrets along the way.

What’s the Deal
Feeling confident? Thanks to Live! Casino Virginia, each guest will have the chance to beat the dealer in a game of blackjack. Winners get an invite to the Cafe Royale afterparty.

On the Record
A live DJ will keep the energy high all night, setting the scene for a little dancing between pours.

Renew & Recharge
Take a beat at the Renew & Recharge lounge–courtesy of OriginPoint—stocked with mints, phone chargers, water and more.

Fuel for the Fun
Southern-inspired bites will keep you fueled between cocktails, with savory stations throughout the venue (bonus: half the menu is gluten-free!)—plus the return of the giant charcuterie board of your dreams.

Good Times, Safe Rides
Your ride home? Consider it handled. Thanks to Whitley Law Firm, guests will receive a rideshare code for travel to and from The Exchange on event day. Prefer to drive? Complimentary event parking is also available—just plan for a sober driver.

Spirited Send-off
The night doesn’t end with your last sip. Thanks to Cary Consulting Group, guests will head home with a special gift, including a cocktail recipe book featuring all 10 creations—so you can recreate your favorites long after the party’s over.

Pour It Forward
Even better? Ticket sales benefit the RDU Chapter of the U.S. Bartenders’ Guild, supporting the hospitality community we all love. Drinking for a cause? Don’t mind if we do!

And to our partners who make it all possible, our sincerest gratitude: Killjoy, Whitley Law Firm, A-Vin-Garde, Elm Partners, Cary Consulting Group, OriginPoint, Live! Casino Virginia—and, of course, The Exchange for hosting.