St. Petersburg Gears Up for the Annual Highball Event

News Summary

The 2025 Highball Event in St. Petersburg is set for February 21, promising an evening of fierce competition among local bars showcasing unique highball cocktails. Hosted by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay at FloridaRama, attendees can enjoy a range of spirits and vote for their favorites. With tickets already on sale, craft cocktail enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration and support the bartending community.

Excitement Builds in St. Petersburg for the Annual Highball Event!

Get ready, St. Petersburg! The 2025 Highball Event is just around the corner, and it promises to be a night filled with thrilling competition, fantastic drinks, and the best local bartenders showcasing their talents. Scheduled for February 21, 2025, this lively event is hosted by none other than Creative Loafing Tampa Bay at the vibrant venue of FloridaRama.

Raise Your Glass to Local Talent!

The Highball event is not just any ordinary gathering; it’s a celebration of the immense talent within our local bartending community. There will be an array of participating bars eager to showcase their unique takes on the classic highball drink. This year’s contenders are American Social, Sonder Social Club, Bar Tiki, Highland House, and The Living Room. Each bar will whip up their own signature highball, which features two exquisite ingredients over ice. It’s safe to say that with these bars in competition, flavor is not going to be an issue!

Delicious Spirits Take Center Stage

What’s a Highball without some top-notch spirits to choose from? This year, you’ll get to taste the standout contributions from six high-quality spirits that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Meet the stars of the show:

Jack Daniel’s – Bringing Tennessee style with every sip
Woodford Reserve – A touch of bourbon elegance
Herradura – Celebrating rich Mexican heritage
Ford’s Gin – Showcasing a fine British legacy
Diplomatico – Transporting you to Venezuela with its sweetness
Chambord – Infusing a splash of French flair

Get ready to taste these delightful spirits mixed into highball cocktails that are bound to impress!

Cast Your Vote!

One of the highlights of the Highball event is the chance for guests to vote for the best highball creation in each spirit category. This is your opportunity to play a vital role in deciding which local bar takes home the coveted title. With previous winners like Flanagan’s Irish Pub, The Cask and Ale, and District Tavern, you can bet the competition will be fierce this year!

A Tradition of Fun Since 2017

The Highball Event kicked off back in 2017 at the Rialto Theatre and has steadily gained popularity year after year. As it enters its eighth year, the event continues to be a beloved occasion for both cocktails and community spirit. Typically, hundreds of attendees gather together to support and celebrate the incredible bartending talent in Tampa Bay.

Tickets Available Now!

If you’re just as excited as we are, you’ll be pleased to know that tickets are already on sale! Here’s what you need to know about ticket prices:

Regular tickets: $25
VIP tickets: $50 (Guests gain early entry, free parking, snacks, and a delightful swag bag)
Designated driver tickets: $20 (For those who want to enjoy the event without the drinks)

Make sure to grab your tickets soon so you can bask in the festive atmosphere with your fellow cocktail enthusiasts!

Mark Your Calendars!

Whether you’re a long-time enthusiast of craft cocktails or just looking for a fun night out, the Highball Event in St. Petersburg promises an unforgettable evening. Join in on the celebration of mixology, community, and the passion of exceptional local bartenders. We can’t wait to see you there — raise your glass, and let the competition begin!