Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.
Bartenders from Dayton’s bars and restaurants will compete, bringing their own bloody mary mix and garnishes to the table. Guests will have a chance to sample the different cocktails and then vote for their favorite.
At the very first Showdown, held in MacKenzie Manley took the title. She described her winning cocktail as Mack’s BBQ Burger Mary- a smokey, hearty, beefed up BBQ bloody mary that has a spicy sriracha salted rim and garnished with a sweet lil smokey wrapped in yummy caramelized bacon slice.
The next year MacKenzie tied with Scott Conrad, from The Vue Ultralounge. In year 3 Scott took the undisputed top prize. Since then Conrad has gone on to launch a commercial business selling his award winning RADS Bloody Mary Mix.
In 2019 bartender Jenn Elsass from TJ Chumps in Miamisburg took home top prize thanks to an impressive garnish that included a large shrimp, a deviled egg and a shot of beer back.
In 2020 the winning cocktail was “Papi’s Sassy Bloody Mary” by Vicki Wedworth of Papi Joe’s Tennessee Pepper Sauce Company.
Then that pesky pandemic hit and we took a couple years off. We came back strong in 2023 with Loose Ends Brewing Company walking away the winner!
The event takes place this year from noon – 2pm on Sun, Feb 4th at Top of the Market on Webster Street. There are two options to purchase your judging credential:
There are two options to purchase your judging credential:
VIP Tickets: Include a buffet breakfast of eggs, bacon & sausage, and toast and an exclusive VIP hour from 11:00 AM and 12 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $75.
General Admission: Includes 8 Bloody Mary sampling tickets and judging credentials for $30. Doors open for GA at noon, and the event concludes at 2:00 PM.
Purchase your tickets here.
Guests will also vote for the best garnish and best table decor. Best Bloody Mary walks with bragging rights and a $500 cash prize!
