January 23 & 24, 2026
Albany Capital Center

Get ready for the Battle of the Bartenders, one of the Festival’s most buzzed-about showdowns. This high-energy competition brings together some of the Capital Region’s boldest and most inventive mixologists as they go head to head, crafting cutting-edge cocktails that blend premium spirits, fresh ingredients, and serious creativity.

Guests will taste each concoction and help crown the ultimate winner, because at this festival, the people’s palate always counts. It is a full-on celebration of local talent, cocktail artistry, and mixology magic.

This year, the Battle is turning up the volume with two themed throwdowns:

• Friday: Rock and Roll Pours featuring bold riffs and cocktails with attitude
• Saturday: Psychedelic Sips featuring groovy colors, unexpected twists, and out of sight creativity

The Battle of the Bartenders is part of the Grand Tastings and Seminars lineup, meaning you will need a Grand Tastings and Seminars ticket to enjoy a front-row sip of the action.

Stay tuned for the 2026 participants and winners.