Representatives of the Sarasota-Manatee Originals (SMO) are pleased to announce the return of the Set The Bar Cocktail Competition, scheduled for Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00PM at Ed Smith Stadium. Designed to showcase the creative beverage talents behind the area’s locally-owned, independent restaurants, Set The Bar’s 2022 cocktail contention will highlight 25 accomplished mixologists representing establishments from the northern tip of Anna Maria Island to the southern shores of Venice Beach. SMO has partnered with Children First to host the 2022 Set the Bar Cocktail Competition. A limited number of Early Bird Set The Bar tickets will be available on Tuesday August 23 at 9:00AM for $65 each. Once those are sold, regular price tickets will be offered at $75 per person. “Set the Bar was created as a playful platform to showcase the enormous talent of our local bar programs,” states SMO Executive Director Kim Davis. “Like the Chefs in the kitchen, our local bartenders are an integral part of today’s service industry, playing a vital role in creating an exciting atmosphere and enjoyable guest experience. We can’t wait to shine the well-deserved light on them.”

During the Set the Bar Cocktail Competition, “The Best” libations will be decided by a hand-picked expert panel as well as event attendees who will be tasked with sampling and savoring the creations before judging the competitors on Flavor, Appearance, Bartender Presentation and Imagination. The contenders will present innovative concoctions in five spirit categories. This year, SMO is proud to offer the winners in each category a display plaque, and gift basket valued at over $250, as well as enviable bragging rights. The restaurant awarded “Best Overall Cocktail” will also have the opportunity to demo their signature cocktail on ABC7 Sarasota’s Suncoast View television talk show. In addition to exclusive access to the most skilled beverage innovators in Sarasota and Manatee Counties, guests at the Set the Bar Cocktail Competition will enjoy raffles and delicious light bites presented by Sarasota-Manatee Originals’ Member restaurants. Tickets for Set the Bar Cocktail Competition are available on August 23 to purchase online at https://www.eatlikealocal.com/events/setthebar. Space is limited so there is no guarantee that tickets will be available “at the door.” Guests must be 21 years of age or older to attend this event.

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