From November 7 to 10, 2025, Stonington’s Veritable Distillery will host the inaugural Mystic Cocktail Classic, welcoming beverage industry legends such as cocktail historian David Wondrich and spirits educator Shannon Mustipher. The event features panels, dinners, bar takeovers, and book signings, aimed at providing in-depth educational experiences for bartenders and showcasing innovative cocktail recipes.

Finneas Pryor, who helps organize the event, explained that the idea emerged from their distillery’s tasting room, where it became clear there was a desire for a competitive yet educational platform. The Mystic Cocktail Classic seeks to honor the bartenders driving the industry forward while creating a memorable experience for attendees.

Highlighting the excitement is a book fair on November 8 at the Mystic & Noank Library, featuring authors who will sign their works and engage with guests. Proceeds from the event will benefit the library, recognizing its vital role in community life.

The general public can look forward to the Mystic Cocktail Competition, taking place on November 10 at the Jealous Monk bar. This live competition will feature semifinalists selected from 122 entries across 25 states. Bartenders were tasked with creating cocktails using specific ingredients, with the finalists showcasing their drinks live. Though no local bartenders made it to this stage, several semifinalists hail from regions like Kentucky and Rhode Island.

This first-of-its-kind event is poised to enhance Mystic’s reputation as a go-to destination for cocktail enthusiasts. Newcomers like Oscar Simoza, beverage director for a Boston hospitality group, are eager to explore what Mystic has to offer and appreciate the growing culinary scene, particularly the offerings of local executive chef Renee Touponce.

Simoza will be featured at the Classic’s Whiskey Night, slated for the evening of November 10, which promises carefully curated pairings crafted by chef Ken Arnone. Attendees can enjoy a tasting experience accompanied by a panel discussion, with a ticket option allowing them to stay for the cocktail competition afterward.

The Mystic Cocktail Classic aims to elevate the local bar scene and draw attention from across the nation, showcasing Mystic’s evolving status as a culinary hotspot.