Because nothing says “North Carolina summer” quite like high-stakes mixology and a side of smoked meat.
Round out your weekend on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Longleaf Swine for the latest installment of the Local Spirit cocktail competition. Boatman Spirits Co. is pitting five of Raleigh’s heavy hitters—including bartenders from Mala Pata, William & Co., and Foundation—against a wild-card challenge: crafting the perfect cocktail using Kill Devil Rum and our state’s unofficial nectar, Cheerwine.
The best part? You aren’t just a spectator; you’re on the jury. Attendees get to sample the entries alongside a panel of judges to help crown the cocktail king of Edenton Street. It’s a high-energy, local-heavy showdown that perfectly blends the Oak City’s craft cocktail scene with its deep-rooted love for a good cookout vibe…