Get your spirits high at Distilled Festival 2016

San Diego is well-known for its immense population of craft breweries popping up on every corner, but there’s more than that going on in America’s Finest City. Yep, there’s also a huge amount of specialty cocktails made by talented mixologists and bartenders all across the city.

For anyone fascinated by those making booze or the process of creating a cocktail, get to Distilled: The San Diego Spirit & Cocktail Festival on Saturday, June 25 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Watch the top local contenders duel at the Distilled Cocktail Competition, judged by the San Diego United States Bartenders Guild. This year’s competitors include Brian Prugalidad of Bracero Cocina de Raiz, Seth Marquez of Coin Op, Stephen Kurpinsky of George’s Level 2, Eric Giger of Sycamore Den, Evgeny Anisimov of Tidal and Michelle Willard of URBN Coal Fired Pizza/Bar.

Once you’ve gained some liquid courage, dance to live music performed by ZB Savoy, Leftover Cuties and Kenny Eng throughout the outdoor event.

If you’re looking to learn more about whiskey, sausage and spirits or farm-to-table distilling, among other topics, head to the educational presentation area at Paddock Tavern. A different class will be offered every 45 minuets, from 1:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Each attendee will get free admission to the San Diego County Fair with their ticket purchase. General admission tickets are $38 and include a 10-tab wristband that allows for sampling four-ounce distilled spirits and one-ounce mixed cocktails; VIP tickets are $125 and include unlimited samplings of spirits and cocktails, access to two VIP patios on the festival floor, admission to the San Diego County Fair and a four-course food menu.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit distilledsandiego.com

Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar. sdfair.com

Source: DiscoverSD