Below is a transcript of a letter sent to RCR bars a week before the launch of the tenth edition of this festival, which started out as nothing more than a modest experiment.
To our guests, who return year after year to revel with us—some of you have been part of RCR since year 1. Some of you will attend your first RCR this year, as we round out a decade.
Thank you.
As I imagine is the case so with many endeavors, we don’t set out on a path imagining what a new creation will be a decade later. Yet here we are...
As we approach what will undoubtedly be a chaotic, crushingly successful week, I wanted to take a moment to thank you personally for all of your and your team’s impressive hard work in helping to put together something so extraordinary as RCR. The amount of creativity I’ve watched pour into event planning – in addition to the raw spirit everyone puts forth – has literally found me emotional with how awed I am at everyone’s dedication.
The magic of RCR, this year as well as the cumulative 10, is in watching our cocktail bar scene coalesce, becoming one organism in celebrating hospitality from all angles.
Yes, we throw Rochester Cocktail Revival for our businesses; yes, we do it for a good cause, but we also do this because we know one thing, together: For one week in June, if you f*ck with cocktails, there’s simply no other place on earth you’d rather be than right here.
Let’s give ‘em a good show. Go RCR. “Champion.”
See y’all June 5-11.
With immense gratitude, C
Thank You
Admar
Bar Mecca
Black Button Distilling
Brian Haak
Hypebooth
Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club Rochester
Cinestill
City Blue
CITY Magazine
City of Rochester
CoAqua
Farley Financial Associates
Fee Brothers
Fever Tree
George Conboy
George Eastman Museum
Imbibe
Jackrabbit Club
K2 Brothers Brewing
Linda Moroney
Nazareth University
Robert Simonson
RocNet Supply
The Little Theatre and WXXI
Tiny Fish Printing
USBG
Vinepair
Visit Rochester
WROC News 8
WXXI
Yelp Rochester
Breaking The Barriers: Connecting You To Your Deaf Consumers
12PM - Jackrabbit Club
40 Anderson Ave.
Explore the importance of inclusivity within the cocktail scene and discover practical strategies to make yourself more accessible to the Deaf community. Through personal stories, insightful tips, and case studies, Joshua Mora and Blake Nitko of TRUBIZ Connections will inspire you to create more meaningful connections with the Deaf community. [Seminars sponsored by Haus Alpenz and Nazareth University.]
At Every Level: a Chat with Three Women in the Spirits Industry
1:30PM - Jackrabbit Club
40 Anderson Ave.
A lively discussion among peers and friends! Hear from three women in different positions within the distilling industry— Lorna Conrad, operations manager at Widow Jane Distilling Company in Brooklyn, NY; Elle Rhodes, national director of sales for Du Nord Social Spirits in Minneapolis, MN; and Devon Trevathan, cofounder and co-owner of Liba Spirits in Rochester, NY. In addition to her role at Du Nord, Elle is also the cofounder of Brewing Change Collaborative, an organization that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion in beverage. These women have a combined 25+ years in the industry; they’ll speak on their experiences and more during this educational seminar, plus tastings of some of their spirits! [Seminars sponsored by Haus Alpenz and Nazareth University.]
Low to High “Dark” Spirit Tasting
5PM - REDD
24 Winthrop Street
Whether you’ve wondered about the world of “dark” spirits or just love them on their own or in a cocktail, this tasting is for you. At this event hosted with Skurnik Brands, taste through and learn about the fantastic world of flavors featuring some of our favorite spirit categories: bourbon, rye, and aged rum!
10 x 10 Art Exhibit
5:30PM - Tiny fish printing 258 hayward Ave.
Ten local artists. Ten rolls of Cinestill film. One prompt. View a gallery of film prints shot by local photographers and commissioned by RCR to celebrate a decade of craft in the Photo City. Sponsored by Cinestill + Liba Spirits.
Solera and Cheshire Last Call
6PM - cheshire
647 South Ave.
After over 16 wonderful years, it’s Last Call for your favorite combination wine and cocktail bar! Solera Wine Bar and Cheshire are going out with a bang on Monday, June 5 ‘til late. Specials, shots, and stories before we lock up the doors behind us for good. The walls may be bare, the selections may be limited, but let our goodbye help welcome RCR 10!
Iron Smoke and Fee Brothers Presents Rochester Legends
6PM - ziggy’s
127 railroad st.
Roll up to Ziggy’s Good Times for a meeting of a few brands that make Rochester great: Zweigle’s, Genesee, Iron Smoke and Fee Brothers! Just outside Ziggy’s, in the “Open Air Hall of Champions,” enjoy free Zweigles hot dogs (while they last!), Genny Beer giveaways, Fee Brothers and Iron Smoke tastings, a “Rochester Legends” themed cocktail menu, an Iron Smoke / Fee Brothers cocktail competition, free “Rochester Legends” tattoos, and (of course) -- a hot dog eating competition!
Industry Beach Ball
6PM - playhouse
820 s. clinton ave.
Industry Night at Playhouse has been a staple for the Rochester service industry since we opened. We have teamed up with Albany Distilling Co. featuring ALB Vodka and now, for the first time ever, the overproof Quackenbush Rum. Please join us for an amazing evening at the beach featuring a tiki bar, pool noodles and sunscreen- don’t worry about getting sand everywhere! Free tokens with a drink purchase.
Terrativo Tennessee Bar Takeover
8PM - luchy’s 628 N. Winton Rd.
Swing by Lucky’s for a Terrativo Tennessee takeover and be transported to a honky tonk on Broadway in Nashville. Sip on cocktails featuring Terrativo Tennessee, the only bitter red aperitivo made from a bourbon base -- and bonus points if you’re rocking your best urban cowboy outfit.
TUESDAY 6/06
Hydrocolloids in Cocktails
12PM - jackrabbit club
40 anderson ave.
You don’t have to be a molecular bar to step up your technique game! Join to learn how to prepare stable and delicious creams, aerations, clarifications, and spheres. Join Eamon Rockey of Rockey’s Milk Punch for this informative industry seminar. [Seminars are sponsored by Haus Alpenz and Nazareth University.]
Short Precious Moments
12:45PM - jackrabbit club 40 anderson ave.
The importance of investing in your team before service, and every guest you greet. Practical techniques and strategies to elevate hospitality in your establishment. Join Eamon Rockey of Rockey’s Milk Punch for this informative industry seminar. [Seminars are sponsored by Haus Alpenz and Nazareth University.]
Cleaning Up Clarification
1:30PM - jackrabbit club 40 anderson ave.
Join Dave Arnold, founder of NYC bars Booker & Dax and Existing Conditions, for a demo that ranges alpha to omega regarding clarification and balance: how to properly clarify, why to do it, and what to do once you’re there. [Seminars are sponsored by Haus Alpenz + Nazareth University.]
Kentucky’s Finest: Tasting with Woodford Reserve
3PM - native 3 city center
$50
Explore some of the finest, most storied bourbons Woodford Reserve has to offer in a casual happy hour setting. Light appetizers will accompany the tasting to complement each spirit.
Nautical 100 Year Anniversary
4PM - daily refresher
293 alexander st.
Cutty Sark is celebrating 100 years of whiskey, and Daily is throwing a nauticalthemed centennial to honor them! Dress in your finest sailing attire and come drink some fantastic whiskey.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico
4:30PM - ox and stone
283 alexander st.
Ox and Stone presents a battle full of “Tequila shed” featuring Tromba tequila and Marie Brizard along with a Mexican-inspired menu of flavor explosions to pair with a film screening of “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.”
Meet the Makers Series: Spirits Profiles 101
6PM - black button distilling
1344 university ave.
We all know and love the components that make up a great cocktail – but what about the components that make up a great spirit? In this session Haley Churchill from Lallemand Distilling will deep dive into the workings of spirit production, exploring why and how our favorite spirits taste the way they do. She will discuss yeast selection and congener production, grain and feedstock types and of course, distillation and maturation. Additionally, we will look at what makes a flavor desirable, and open the discussion up to what makes unique flavors shine in a cocktail. By gaining a deeper understanding of building a flavor profile, we can grow our appreciation for unique and exciting craft spirits. Presenter Haley Churchill is Technical Sales Manager at Lallemand Distilled Spirits. Lallemand is a distilling industry supplier that specializes in the research, development, production and marketing of yeast, yeast nutrients, enzymes, bacteria and innovative solutions.
Iron Smoke Whiskey Dinner
6PM - cub room
39 s. clinton ave.
A five-course, Southern-style menu paired with Iron Smoke cocktails expertly crafted by Cub Room’s finest and using Fee Brothers
magic. This is a decadent dinner not to be missed! Camaraderie, Smokin’ libations, scrumptious food.
XO Garden Party
6PM - george eastman museum
900 east ave.
The George Eastman Museum’s newly renovated terrace garden provides a lush setting for guests to sip botanical cocktail creations, enjoy hors d’oeuvres, listen to live music, commission a custom poem, pose for the photobooth, and play games on the east lawn. Floral + linen attire, along with elaborate hats, is encouraged. Three cocktails included with ticket. 21+ only. Sponsored by Heaven Hill.
Taco Tuesday Yacht Rock Party
7PM - bitter honey
127 railroad st.
Enjoy bomb cocktails brought to you by Campo Bravo Tequila and Empress Gin while we kick back to some yacht rock classics.
Daiquiri Time Out
When was the last time you took a time out? Join Ten to One Rum and Ziggy’s for a “Daiquiri Time Out” and pass the time with the holy trinity of rum, lime and sugar. If the drinks don’t do it for ya, DJ Spanish Myke’s Jamaican vinyl set sure will. A bartender daiquiri competition at 7 p.m. will get the week going! Come on by, you deserve a time out.
Aperi-Trivia
7pm
This special edition of Lucky’s weekly Tuesday Night Trivia, hosted by Jake Cornfield of Game Night Rochester, will feature special aperitivo cocktails using Poli, Nardini, and Mirabeau lines of grappas and liqeuers. Aperitivo hour cocktails will be served all night, with aperi-trivia beginning at 8:30 p.m., featuring special themed trivia questions and categories.
WEDNESDAY 6/07
Leadership Lessons from a 25-year Career 1:30PM -
Join USBG Executive Director Aaron Gregory Smith for an open conversation about leadership culture in the bar and restaurant industry. Rather than a formal presentation, this session will encourage an open dialog with the audience while addressing the themes of the unique culture of hospitality workplaces, the ongoing leadership shortage, and how to build teams across differences.
Tanteo Tequila Cocktail Hour
4PM - bitter honey
127 railroad st.
Take a load off for happy hour! We’ll be mixing up Tanteo cocktails and pouring some of the finest flavored tequilas on the market.
Smoke ‘Em If You Got ‘Em
5PM - nosh
47 russell St.
A Texas BBQ happy hour smoked old fashioned, Manhattan, and espresso martini cocktails featuring Devil’s River Whiskey (the owners will be on site for the event) paired with BBQ specials from the Nosh kitchen.
classiques au parc
5PM - roux
688 park ave.
To highlight Pinhook’s beautiful whiskey portfolio, Roux will host a New Orleansthemed evening showcasing how their absinthe program is a perfect fit for Pinhook spirits in classic NOLA cocktails. Themed dinner specials, cocktails and a casual education on the spirits from Pinhook at the bar.
Locals in Wonderland
5PM - locals only
311 alexander st.
Get “curiouser and curiouser” for Locals in Wonderland, a tea party sponsored by
Coole Swan Irish Cream Liqueur! “Take some more tea,” and maybe add a little Coole Swan... Try a creamy espresso martini or hot chocolate with a kick. (Non-alcoholic options will be available as well.) Sample some pastries while you’re here, and hope you don’t double in size. This whimsical event will caffeinate you for the rest of your RCR events that evening, so “don’t be late”!
Dulce Vida Tequila and Owl House Ring in the Summer
5PM - the owl house
45 marshall st.
Back patio party. Street food. Eclectic cocktails featuring Dulce Vida organic tequilas. Come through Rochester’s top vegan spot to celebrate good food, good spirits, and the coming of summer. Reservations not required, but recommended.
Heatwave Happy Hour with Hartman’s
enjoy refreshing cocktails designed to help beat the heat! Indulge in summer sippers crafted using Hartman’ s Loganberry vodka, American dry gin, straight rye, bourbon, and their signature Loganberry Hard Seltzer -- all while nibbling on an assortment of complimentary tapas. Weather permitting, we may take this happy hour party to the patio for a real dose of summer!
On the RoX: A Cocktail Party with Rockey’s Liqueur
6PM - grace and disgrace 17 richmond st.
Join us for a sophisticated cocktail party with a spirit of refinement featuring Rockey’s Liqueur! We’ll be pouring clarified cocktails with Rockey’s over Cristallino Premium Ice, with a romantic backdrop of jazz and low lights. Cheers to 10 years!
Meet the Makers Series: Bitters 101
6PM - black button distilling 1344 university ave.
Why in the world would anyone want to put something called “Bitters” into a drink? In fact, Bitters are critical in the best drinks. The first publication of a bartenders’ guide which included cocktail recipes was in 1862 - How to Mix Drinks; The Bon Vivant’s Companion, by “Professor” Jerry Thomas. A key ingredient which differentiated cocktails from other drinks was the use of Bitters and are essential in making a proper Manhattan or Old Fashioned. Fee Brothers CEO Jon Spacher will discuss the history of this Rochester institution, how they make bitters and what makes this curious cocktail companion such a perfect pairing to bourbon. Presenter Jon Spacher is the CEO of Fee Brothers, a hometown Rochester company that makes fine bitters, botanical waters, mixes, brines, and cordial syrups for distribution around the world. Familyowned and operated since their founding in 1864, they are one of the few businesses that have lived to see a fifth generation.
Wet Hot Italian Summer: Camp Branca
6PM - branca midtown 280 e. broad st.
It’s Wet Hot Italian Summer: Camp Branca! This summer camp-themed party will have
yard games, craft cocktails, and arts and crafts, midtown-style! Challenge your friends to corn hole, giant Jenga, ring toss, flip cup and more. Make friendship bracelets around the fire while sipping on camp-themed cocktails brought to you by Zardetto Prosecco, Poli, and Nardini.
WhisXey the Redeemer Pairing Dinner
6PM - Good Luck
50 Anderson Ave.
Whiskey may not save your soul, but it sure will revive your spirits. During this dinner, you’ll be baptized in the portfolio of Redemption Whiskeys, enjoying expressions of Redemption Bourbon, High Rye Bourbon, Redemption Rye and Redemption Wheated Bourbon in neat and cocktail formats. The selections will be complemented by five courses of Good Luck cuisine from Chefs Dan Martello and Steve Eakins.
Sons of Mezcal: Film Screening and Talkback
7pM - the little theatre 240 east ave.
From director Stephan Werk and Rochesterborn editor Danny Doran comes a breathtaking documentary that chronicles agave production in a new way. Ingrained in the culture of Oaxaca, Mezcal is more than an intoxicating spirit - it is the sacred link that binds modern-day mezcaleros to their ancestors. “Sons of Mezcal” transports you into this living history as it follows four families passing their traditions on to the next generation. Sample agave from the brands featured in the film and grab a Little popcorn before you settle into your seat in the beautifully renovated Little Theatre 1. A brief talkback with Werk + Doran, moderated by Linda Moroney of the One Take Doc Series, will follow the film, along with an after party at Lucky’s at 9 p.m. Sponsored by Farley Financial Associates. *Talkback will be ASL-interpreted.*
The Daily Professors: A Trivia Night
7:30pM - the daily refresher 293 alexander st.
Join us in a rousing game of Twisted Trivia, hosted by Game Night Roc. Seating is limited, so it’s first-come, first-served. We will have games out for those of you who would
like to come early, hang out, and drink cocktails featuring Heaven Hill spirits.
Unhappy Hour
8PM - native
3 city center
A celebration of the emo glory days alongside spirit-forward twists on our favorite classics. Featuring live music by Cut Me Up Genny, your favorite emo ballads spinning all night, and a heavy dose of nostalgia.
Art of the (Re)mix
8PM - the revelry 1290 university ave.
Art of the (re)mix, featuring TEN to ONE rum and DJ Delano spinning the greatest hits, from classic coktails to legendary ‘00s remixes. This throwback Revelry party will have you bumping and grinding nostalgia like its 2003.
Night Lights
9PM - lucky’s 628 n. winton rd.
Sample a selection of light spirits – namely rum and agave – that illustrate the character and possibilities of distillates across a spectrum of price points. Brought to you by Skurnik Wine and Spirits, Night Lights is the after party for the film screening of ‘Sons of Mezcal’ at the The Little Theatre.
BUILDING AN EVENT
12PM - jackrabbit club
40 Anderson Ave.
Join Lindsey Johnson, Founder of Lush Life Productions, Camp Runamok, and Portland Cocktail Week as she peels back the curtain on developing and executing successful events in the beverage alcohol space. We will cover the process of designing an event that will attract sponsors, generate excitement, and function -- without bankrupting you.
[Seminars sponsored by Haus Alpenz and Nazareth University.]
NOTA goes NOLA
4:30PM - Nosh
47 Russell St.
A Mardi Gras carnival bar party focusing on classic New Orleans cocktails made with local Rochester and New York-based ingredients. Get ready for riffs on infamous Bourbon Street drinks using Samson and Surrey’s fine repertoire of spirits, such as Widow Jane 10 year Bourbon, Bluecoat American Gin, Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Vago.
Bantam Beach
5PM - bar bantam
1 s. clinton ave.
Wash up on the shores of Bar Bantam for a tropical happy hour featuring Chinola Liqueur. Made from distilled spirits and fresh, non-GMO passionfruit grown in Majagual, Dominican Republic, Chinola evokes a beach vacation free from email and phone notifications -- the perfect midweek escape.
Summer Slammer
5PM - redd 24 winthrop st.
OK, you’ve had a negroni. But have you ever had a slushee negroni? It’s a negronipocalypse at Redd... because Boulavardier is not just a road in France. Champagne negroni? You bet your sbagliato. Join us for low ABV cocktails and all your negroni dreams come true.
Palate Party Happy Hour
5PM - the revelry 1290 university ave.
Join The Revelry for delectable, palatequenching offerings from POLI, NARDINI and MIRABEAU. What better than a wonderful happy hour with your favorite crew of salty sailors at The Rev on this wonderful Thursday in the good ol’ Ro-cha-cha?
Breaking B(re)ad: A Cocktail Dinner
Much like a good meal, a quality story has its characters, action, and a creative arc
of events. We’re telling a story with this dinner, a series of dishes where thoughtful cuisine acts against the backdrop of inspired cocktails. Dos Hombres Mezcal is the star here, worked into each scene in cocktail form. Chef Paul Langlois directs the action across four courses. Multiple seatings from 5p.
Horsin’ Arxund: Cocktail Dinner
5:30PM - cure
50 public market
Pinhook releases a wide variety of low/medium and high-proof whiskeys each year - this cocktail dinner is an in-depth exploration of the most recent. Two seatings: 5:30p + 8:30p.
Bitter Honey Arm Wrestling Tournament
6PM - bitter honey
127 railroad st.
Enjoy a kickass cocktail list featuring Coole Swan liqueur and witness history in the making during this wild armwrestling competition held at your favorite Rochester agave bar!
Meet the Makers Series: Vermouth 101
6PM - black button distilling
1344 university ave.
New York is the birthplace of the cocktail and many classic bourbon cocktails require particular vermouth for their faithful preparation. This essential ingredient can now be counted among the other great spirits and libations made by local craft distillers and winemakers. Method Spirits founder Corey Fitzsimmons will discuss everything that goes into Vermouth including botanicals and recipes to wine varietals, techniques and tradition. Method marries 29 different roots, herbs, flowers, seeds, and spices with a blend of wine and brandy from the Finger Lakes of New York to make vermouth inspired by the Italian vermouths enjoyed by generations of cocktail makers. Presenter Cory Fitzsimmons is the Founder of Method Spirits. Corey is an accomplished barman with over a decade working in NYC bars; including as Head Bartender of Union Square Cafe.
Tradition X Innovation: A Cocktail Pairing Dinner
6PM - good luck
40 anderson ave.
Scotch: An ancient, moody, expressive whisky that demands respect and understanding. American Single Malt: A burgeoning category that dares to explore new definitions. We’d like to assert that, at its finest, our cuisine evokes the same comparisons. This pairing dinner will contrast the fierce elegance of Bruicchladdich Scotches and the intrepid poetry of Westland American Single Malt cocktails, matched with five courses of craftsmanship from the Good Luck kitchen. Seasonal preparations will allow Chefs Eakins, Martello and crew to tune cuisine to the intricate nuances and full range of expressions from the RémyCointreau Whisk(e)y portfolio.
Cocktails on the Promenade x CITY Magazine Launch
6PM - genesee riverway promenade
Bask in a summer sunset over the Genesee River while sipping cocktails on the newly formed promenade and meeting the creative forces behind the June issue of CITY magazine. Hors d’oeuvres and two cocktails are included with each ticket. 21+ only. Sponsored by Brown-Forman.
Black Tot Rum Pairing Dinner
6:30pmPM - lento
274 goodman st.
A tasting dinner presented with Baytowne Wine and Spirits, featuring five courses by Chef Art Rogers paired with Black Tot Rum cocktails and neat pours. Reservations required, but not ticketed.
Master of the Hunt: RCR x Thirst Thursdays
8PM - Radio Social 20 Carlson Rd.
The Radio Social crew stakes out a Jägermeister-fueled dance party featuring tunes from DJ Chreath. Camo somewhere in your ‘fit gets you a shot on the house!
50 W. Anderson
10PM - good luck
40 anderson ave.
Good Luck, a spirits parlor improbably situated on a street bookended by a strip club and violin repair shop, famous for fantastically complicated drinks and equally intricate characters, announces a fête for aficionados of the perfectly peculiar. Cocktails from the grand portfolio of Fratelli Branca accompany a dispatch of vinyl records from a DJ of wax royalty, a limited edition Branca coin for the first 100 attendees, and prizes for the best dressed in the style of Wes.
FRIDAY 6/09
Building a Menu that Works for Your Bar
12PM - jackrabbit club
40 anderson ave.
Esquire Magazine’s “Cocktail Guru of the Year 2022” and Fairport High School grad Colleen Hughes gives her tips on curating a cocktail menu to suit any bar. Use standard cocktail builds and common spirit categories to make a creative and thoughtful menu that appeals to guests and works with the theme of your establishment. From creating an entirely new menu to upgrading an existing one, she will cite a few specific examples from across the award-winning bars she currently oversees -- including Supperland and Haberdish -- in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Havana Nights
4:30pM - ox and stone
282 Alexander St.
Experience a true Havana Nights party: get dressed up, dance, smoke a cigar and drink Cuban-inspired cocktails featuring Pernod Ricard spirits.
Reciprxcity Cocktail Dinner
5:30PM - Cure
50 Public Market.
Tito’s is known for neutrality, but in a never-before-seen opportunity, we’ve been given a totally clean slate to create any cocktails (and food pairings) we’d like. Get ready. Two seatings: 5:30p + 8:30p.
Adult Swim at The Dive
6PM - Swan Dive
289 Alexander St.
Cocktails, cartoons, comedy, and characters. Join us in celebrating Casa del Sol tequila with specialty cocktails, music, and a comedy show from Shirelle Kinder at 7:30p. DJ tunes start at 10p!
A Night in Oaxaca
6PM - Recreo
350 East Ave.
Experience a New York spin on an Oaxacan Street Market, with mezcal drinks from YOLA Mezcal, Cafe de Olla, hot chocolate, and foods like churros, chocolates, and other spins on traditional dishes. As you imbibe, explore craft vendors in a bright, inviting environment sure to transport you to Oaxaca, Mexico. Get your tastebuds ready for sweet, spicy, and savory deliciousness!
Old Town Road: A Cxcktail Pairing Dinner
6PM - Jackrabbit Club
40 Anderson Ave.
The mysteries and traditions of mezcal are highlighted in cocktail and spirit form across five courses of culinary inspiration. This dinner explores the versatility of Dos Hombres in mezcal cocktails as well as a showcase of legendary Tobala 25 year. The matriarch of agave spirits, this intriguing, nuanced liquor provides the perfect foundation for pairing Jenna Cavigliano’s mixocological ideas with the cuisine of Chefs Martello and Evans.
Super Sounds with Extra Life
7PM - Daily Refresher
293 Alexander St.
The champion musical event of RCR features Extra Life Music with Matt + Chris O’Brian and Friends - the brothers behind two decades of popular, locally grown acts Giant Panda Guerilla Dub Squad, Thunder Body, Lightning Skeleton and more - for a night of sonic collaboration. Hear new original material, old favorites, and maybe some fun covers as a slew of friends and family joins them on stage. Sponsored by Ilegal Mezcal.
Bacchanalia: An Immersive Theatre Experience
7:30PM - The Historic German House 315 Gregory St.
Where a wild cocktail party and a night out at the theatre coincide. This interactive drama will whisk attendees into a world of revelrous whimsy, where they become part of a Greek celebration while sipping custom cocktails (two drinks included with each ticket). An original production written for RCR by The Company Theater. Togas welcome, but not required. 21+ only. Sponsored by Fernet Branca. [Performance runs ~30 minutes.]
Terrible 2s! Velvet Belly Birthday Bash
8PM - Velvet Belly 3 Public Market
Velvet Belly turns 2! Come ring in the beginning of year 3 with drink specials sponsored by Gray Whale, DJs, dancing, giveaways, and mayhem! No entry fee required.
Neon Lights
10PM - Good Luck 40 Anderson Ave.
Good Luck turns up so you can turn out. Neon vibes, Teremana tequila cocktails and DJ Delano pop things off for a Friday night done right.
DJ Chreath’s Nostalgia Nightsweat
10PM - The Revelry 1290 University Ave.
Cut scene: DJ Chreath fast asleep. Suddenly, he feels something growing deep within. Can it be? Must he fight this demon again? Can it not wait? No! He must battle..... His Nostalgia Nightsweats! Now, we must all join together to party away our Nostalgia Nightsweats. There’s no time to change! Our armor is pajamas, and partying is our game. With Cantera Negra fueling us, there’s no reason we can’t fight the good fight ‘til sun up (or, 2 a.m).
Life’s a Beach
10:30PM - Tapas 177 177 St Paul St.
Tapas transforms into a Tropical Paradise for one night only, so don’t miss the first beach party of the summer! Sip on island and tiki-inspired cocktails featuring exquisite selections from Remy-Cointreau, all while showing off your finest beachwear. The incomparable DJ Percussion will keep the party groovin’ ‘til 2 a.m.! Tickets may be available at the door.
SATURDAY 6/10
Call Me New-Fashioned: A Seminar with Robert Simonson
11AM - Good Luck 40 Anderson Ave.
Tommy’s Margarita. Espresso Martini. Paper Plane. These are all modern classic cocktails, created and popularized in our lifetime. But how did they get there? What does it take to become a modern classic and join the ranks of time-honored classic cocktails like the Martini and Daiquiri?
Robert Simonson explores the stories behind the most popular drinks to come out of the Second Golden Age of Cocktails. *This event will be ASL-interpreted.*
Spirit Tasting Spectacular
11aM - The Metropolitan 1 S. Clinton Ave.
Taste through more than 30 craft spirits, including national and New York State distillers, the toolkit of the RCR bartenders. Entry includes samples of up to 16 spirits. A cash bar featuring drink specials and bar snacks will be available at Bar Bantam in the lobby of The Metropolitan. $25 at the door. 21+ only.
RCR Recharge Retreat
12PM - Branca Midtown 280 E. Broad St.
Join us for a free hour of yoga (mats supplied by Tito’s Vodka or bring your own) with Brett Richardson at 12 p.m. on Parcel 5 (across from Branca Midtown), and then
enjoy a happy hour at 1 p.m. back at Branca Midtown featuring cocktails and mocktails and smoothies and snacks from Keepers Roc. A second happy hour will take place 6-8 p.m. at Branca Midtown, featuring additional Tito’s cocktails and samples outside on the patio.
Swan Block Party
1PM - Vern’s
696 Park Ave.
A mini block party with Leonore’s, Vern’s and Roux, sponsored by Pernod Ricard. Live music, street vendors, street food, and walking cocktails. A Queen’s Park Swizzle on Park Ave. to go? Yes, please!
Fxrest for the Trees Cocktail Dinner
5:30PM - Cure
50 Public Market.
Join the Cure team as for a stroll through a vast array of products in the Fratelli Branca portfolio paired with five courses of French-adjacent cuisine. Two seatings: 5:30p + 8:30p.
Analog at The Dive
6PM - Swan Dive
289 Alexander St.
Fresh summer vibes and patio pounder cocktails featuring Wheatley Vodka. Stick around ‘til 10p for a vinyl dance party with DJ Thievin’ Steven!
RCR Recharge Happy Hour
6PM - Branca Midtown
280 E. Broad St.
A happy hour featuring Tito’s Vodka cocktails and additional tastings, mocktails, and smoothies and snacks from Keepers Roc.
Grand Boar Roast x Cocktail Feast
6PM - Good Luck
40 Anderson Ave.
Created as an elixir blend of red wine and spices, Byrrh Grand Quinquina is classically combined with tonic and paired with roasted boar; a tradition in Roussillon, France that dates back to the 19th century. As a nod to this longstanding ritual, the Good Luck
culinary team will prepare a whole boar, slow roasted on a spit over an open fire. The meat will be presented with sides, then paired with summery Byrhh cocktails and a special selection of choice aged, oxidized wines from the French Catalan for an allyou-can-eat feast.
Hometown Funk
9PM - Daily Refresher
293 Alexander St.
A ‘Hometown Funk’ party featuring cocktails with Hartman’s Bourbon, Rye and Loganberry Vodka! Sip to two sets of live music on the outdoor patio from The Sideways -- boogie down starting at 9:30 p.m.
Heroes Ball x Antiheroes After Party
9PM - Radio Social
20 Carlson Rd.
Join RCR x Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club to close out the annual Heroes Ball fundraiser with drink specials, a dance floor, and a live band under the solar system in the backyard of Radio Social. 21+ only.
Y2K House Banger
10PM - Ox and Stone
282 Alexander St.
It’s time to rediscover your 16-year-old self. Your parents aren’t home and we’re doing everything they wouldn’t do. Featuring a ‘00s DJ music mash-up and your fave jean ‘fit.
Neon Beach Party
10PM - The Revelry 1290 University Ave.
Ever wondered what it would be like to party under neon lights on the beach? Samez. Vibe out with DJ Chreath and The Revelry crew as you explore forbidden summer fruit. Ever wondered what it would be like to party under neon lights on the beach? Samez. Vibe out with DJ Chreath and The Revelry crew as you explore forbidden summer fruit.
Events are 21+ / Revive Responsibly rochestercocktailrevival.com
Hair of the Dog
11M - Lucky’s
628 N. Winton Rd.
RCR bartenders from around the city go shaker-to-shaker in the annual Bar Room Battle Royale, but only one will claim mixological supremacy. Ticket price includes admission to the Bar Ninja competition, spirit tasting tables, and samples. Cash bar with drink specials and bar snacks will also be available, all set to a live DJ soundtrack. $20 at the door. Sponsored by Campari America and Fee Bros.
The Revelry’s Annual Hip Hop Brunch
11aM - The Revelry 1290 University Ave.
RCR bartenders from around the city go shaker-to-shaker in the annual Bar Room Battle Royale, but only one will claim mixological supremacy. Ticket price includes admission to the Bar Ninja competition, spirit tasting tables, and samples. Cash bar with drink specials and bar snacks will also be available, all set to a live DJ soundtrack. $20 at the door. Sponsored by Campari America and Fee Bros.
Bar Room Battle Royale
5PM - Radio Social 20 Carlson Rd.
RCR bartenders from around the city go shakerto-shaker in the annual Bar Room Battle Royale, but only one will claim mixological supremacy. Ticket price includes admission to the Bar Ninja competition and spirit tasting tables. Drink specials and snacks from Radio Social will also be available, all set to a live soundtrack by DJ Chreath. $25 at the door. Sponsored by RocNet Supply and Campari America. *This event will be ASL-interpreted.*
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR 2023 RCR BACK BAR SPIRITS
Ask for the official 2023 RCR BackBar Spirits in your favorite cocktail at any of our host bars.
ELIJAH CRAIG BOURBON
