When I moved to Key West, one of my goals was to get a job that allowed me to work outdoors and enjoy the warm island sun and gentle ocean breezes of my little slice of paradise.
Well, I’m ecstatic to say that dream is a reality. Today I write and handle professional tasks on my laptop, seated in an outdoor patio that’s the perfect sun-drenched office.
Bartenders from 17 North American cities will compete to create a fabulous libation in the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic finals in the island city.
My workspace with its palm trees and tropical flowers now replaces the drab indoor office spaces of my past. And except for the occasional clamor of roosters camping out in my neighbor’s yard, it provides for a very quiet and tranquil working environment.
Some of my tasks entail assisting with exciting outdoor entertainment events. One of the best is the finale of the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic, featuring 17 regional bartending champions from the U.S. and Canada. The challenge has been called North America’s largest annual LGBT bartender competition — and the final rounds take place June 7-11 right here in Key West.
Now in its fourth year, the cocktail classic is presented (as in the past) in partnership with the Key West Business Guild. Not surprisingly, it’s a highlight of our Key West Pride celebrations.
The jam-packed schedule features regional winners from LGBT bars in 17 North American cities, all competing to create an original Key West cocktail that reflects the island’s creativity and spirit. The first-prize mixologist receives $12,500 for charity — $5,000 for a Key West organization and $7,500 for the winner’s favorite hometown charity.
Cocktail fans can meet the Stoli contestants and judges (more on them later) at a 5 p.m. all-welcome Pride kick-off gala Wednesday, June 7, at the Island House Resort at 1129 Fleming St. The hunky hotel staff serves scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and bottomless libations for all attendees (trust me, this is one event I’m never late for!)
Two runoffs are scheduled Friday, June 9, with each featuring multiple bartenders battling for spots in Saturday night’s final round. Spectators can watch the cocktail creativity at 5 p.m. at the 801 Bourbon Bar, 801 Duval St.; and at 7 p.m. at the Sidebar, 504 Angela St.
Sean Fitzpatrick of Provincetown showed an exuberant flair and won the 2014 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic. (Photo by Steve Smith)
What’s next? A 9 p.m. pre-finals party at the Sidebar showcasing the artistry of the Luna Storme Aerial Performers — plus a Bayou Rum mini-competition where guests can sample Bayou cocktails created by the five “fan favorite” winners.
But the main attraction in the Stoli festivities is definitely the final round, held at 7 p.m. Saturday on an open-air stage in the 700 block of Key West’s legendary Duval Street. Hosts are Stoli USA’s national LGBT ambassador Patrik Gallineaux and “Real Housewives of Dallas” star LeeAnne Locken.
The dueling bartenders will be rated by celebrity judges including singer/actress and former “American Idol” finalist LaToya London, acclaimed Key West female impersonator Sushi and world-renowned spirits expert Nick Nistico. They’ll be joined by Stuart Milk, an international human rights activist, LGBT rights speaker and co-founder and board president of the Harvey Milk Foundation — AND the nephew of the late civil rights icon Harvey Milk.
For even more excitement, hit recording artist Kym Sims is slated to wow the audience with her latest chart-topping music.
The winning bartender will be the honorary grand marshal of the 2017 Pride Parade on Sunday, June 11. The all-welcome parade features a 100-foot section of Key West’s famed 1.25-mile-long sea-to-sea rainbow flag, created in 2003 by the late Gilbert Baker. It should start around 5 p.m. or so (we call it “Island Time”) and proceed up Duval Street from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic Ocean.
Afterward, Pride participants can attend Stoli’s official after-parade party at La Te Da (located at 1125 Duval St.), home of the popular Sunday Tea Dance. From the cocktail kickoff to “tea,” it’s an unforgettable five days in Key West.
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