Tickets on Sale Today for Art of the Cocktail – October 1-3, 2011

August 15, 2011. Victoria, BC.  Get ready cocktail lovers, Art of the Cocktail tickets go on sale August 15th.

Art of the Cocktail is a three-day cocktail festival celebrating art, craft, and tradition. Join us at the Crystal Garden, Chateau Victoria and local restaurants for a journey into cocktail culture, where you can sample sophisticated cocktails from around the world, savour the newest artisan spirits and explore adventurous cocktails.

In the spirit of other local festivals, such as the Wine or Whisky Festival, the Art of the Cocktail Grand Tasting is an opportunity to explore the vast world of spirits and cocktails, learn tricks from top mixologists, and experience new flavours.

On Monday, August 15th tickets for Art of the Cocktail go on sale at http://boxoffice.victoriafilmfestival.com and at the Victoria Film Festival office at 1215 Blanshard Street. There are a limited number of tickets available, so make sure to buy them early.

Art of the Cocktail Events:

The Grand Tasting – $45 +HST (includes 5 sample cocktails) Saturday, October 1st, 7pm – Crystal Garden.

The main event. An evening of cocktail sampling introducing nearly 70 different flavours from the world of elegant spirits. Along with the big players, the Tasting will also highlight artisan, small and regional distillers who will present cocktail demonstrations and samples of the most exciting and colourful cocktails from around the world. While on your cocktail journey, savour delicious complimentary appetizers from some of the most innovative chefs on the West Coast. Additional cocktail samples are available for $1. Drinking and driving is not allowed and a ride home is available from Art of the Cocktail volunteers.

Cocktail Workshops – $25 +HST – Saturday – Monday, October 1st-3rd – Chateau Victoria.

Learn tips, tricks and recipes from world-class spirit masters in these seminars and workshops. Explore everything from the history of Gin, and how to mix a real Martini, to the Science of Citrus. Dabble in Barrel-Aging, experiment with carbonation, explore the spirituality of Mezcal, and learn how cocktails survived through prohibition.

The Best Bartender in the Pacific Northwest Competition – Monday, October 3rd – Veneto Tapas Lounge.

Watch as top mixologists gather to compete and share their tastiest elixirs. See how the pros mix, muddle, shake, and zest their way to the top. Who will bring home the title of “Best Bartender of the Pacific Northwest?”

Times Colonist Home Bartenders Competition – Saturday, October 1st. – Crystal Garden.

Watch and cheer as non-professional cocktail enthusiasts and home bartenders dazzle the judges with their creations and win prizes.

Tour de Cocktailia – $5 – Sunday, October 2nd – Various.

Guests will be given a passport to the 5 finest cocktail bars in town, and invited to travel around the city and enjoy a cocktail at each place. Only after the passport is stamped at all 5 locations will guests gain access to the Bartender’s Brunch, an exclusive late-night gathering with savoury treats.  * ticket does not include beverages at particpating lounges.

Tickets are only available in advance, and can be purchased at the Victoria Film Festival Office at 1215 Blanshard, weekdays from 10-4, and online at boxoffice.victoriafilmfestival.com.

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Have better things to do than worry about taxis or designated drivers? Treat yourself. Stay downtown at the 4-star Chateau Victoria, the exclusive Art of the Cocktail host hotel. Mention “Art of the Cocktail” and receive a special room rate, complimentary parking, plus a late checkout time to ease into the day. Contact reservations@chateauvictoria.com to book your room.