Jan. 1, 0001
For decades, Stoli Vodka has been a big part of America’s vibrant gay bar culture, and this year brings another reason for Stoli to take pride in that relationship. For the seventh consecutive year, Stoli will be hosting the championship for their annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic during the city’s Pride Week, June 1 - 8.
The competition is going on now, at cities around the country, and will culminate in the national championship in Key West. Bartenders from all over the nation will compete to win a variety of prizes, including $15,000 for a hometown charity of the winner's choice, a dream vacation to anywhere in the world, and the title of the 2020 SKWCC Champion.
We are the Champions
In keeping with the other major competition this summer, this year’s theme for Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic is "The Stolimpics." As the competition moves across the country, "Stolimpians" will be asked to build brilliant new cocktails inspired by the people, places and things that make their own hometowns rise above the rest.
In all, the Stolimpics will visit 14 cities, with one winner from each city earning an eight-day trip to compete in the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic in person. The competition started in Dallas on March 4, and will visit cities such as Philadelphia, Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Washington D.C., among others, before wrapping up in Key West.
Extending the competition's spirit of inclusivity, Stoli is introducing for the first time in 2020 a WILD CARD campaign presented by OUT.com, which opens the competition up to bartenders nationwide. Bartenders can apply by video submission for a chance to represent a yet undecided 14th city at the June finale. Further details on how to enter will be available at OUT.com/keywestcocktailclassic. Bartenders and cocktail artists interested in competing should visit OUT.com/keywestbartenders for more information.
At the Gay Bar
In a recent statement from Stoli Vodka, Patrik Gallineaux, National LGBTQ+ Ambassador and Manager, discussed what gay bars mean for Stoli.
"For more than 35 years, Stoli has celebrated gay bars as the original safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community,” he said. “We are committed to championing these community centers and the individuals who are central to advancing them. I am thrilled to report that through this initiative, Stoli has had the opportunity to positively impact LGBTQ+ supportive non-profits across North America, with more than $120,000 awarded to LGBTQ+ charities to date."
"The Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic was one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” said 2019 Champion Sam Benedict. “It is wonderful to be part of a program like this that celebrates our heritage while creating a powerful platform to empower us to celebrate, educate and make positive change for the future."