While we’re all dreading the heat wave of the summer, a cool cocktail will help take the exhaustion away. The Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival, which began in 2019 and is sponsored in part by the Memphis Flyer, will be an evening filled with community and fun that you won’t want to miss. Summer-inspired cocktails, mocktail samples, options from food vendors, entertainment, and more will be on hand.
“This is our way of kicking off and celebrating summer in Memphis,” said Lynsie Shackleford, team member and director of media for Willmott Events, the event’s host.
The entertainment will feature DJ Zetta, an open dance floor, a cigar lounge in the courtyard, and a mixology showcase with different summer-inspired cocktails. There will be food for purchase from vendors such as 901 Eats and Treats, Green Beetle, BBQ X, and The Genre. Signature cocktails will be served by Hennessy, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Empress Gin, Bulleit Frontier Whiskey, Ketel One Vodka, Liba Spirits, Delta Dirt Distillery, Old Dominick, and Volcan Tequila. You can also make your own tequila with a choice of a spicy or classic taste in it. All proceeds will go to Volunteer Memphis, which helps connect people with opportunities to serve throughout the Greater Memphis area. So every sip counts!
The festival will be resort wear-themed and will take place at the Kent, which has recently been greatly renovated with plenty of parking and a nice courtyard to enjoy. Only adults 21 and older can attend this event; no kids or pets are allowed.
General tickets start at $49, which includes a sampling passport with 12 mini cocktail tastings and access to the whole event. The party pack is $45 each for a party of six people or more, which will also include a discount. Lastly, tickets at the door will be $65 until sold out.
Memphis Summer Cocktail Fest, The Kent, 61 Keel Avenue, Saturday, July 12, 6-9 p.m., $45+
