The Cocalero Mixology Bartender Contest is set for 7-8:30 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.) at SpringHill Suites, 12513 Front Beach Road, in Panama City Beach, followed by an awards ceremony and after-party.
Competing bartenders include Eric Dunn at Newby’s Brew & Booze House, Sam Cumbest at C-Level Bar & Grill, Logan Franks at Craft 850 (formerly Fishale), Ryan McKinney at Salty Hobo, Jake Flowers at Los Antojitos and Asia Donopria at Slapsticks Cue & Brew.
Competitors will be judged on taste, presentation and creativity. The first-place prize is $150, second-place prize is $100 and third is $50 plus a bottle of Cocalero. The Cocalero liqueur pays homage to cocaleros, traditional cocoa leaf farmers.