The 2026 Rochester Cocktail Revival, New York State's only weeklong festival celebrating craft cocktail culture, is back for its thirteenth year. Rochester boasts a booming scene of cocktail bars and top-tier mixology talent. Each year, 30+ cocktail bars in the downtown area take part in RCR, showcasing the spirit brands that make the exciting local craft culture possible. RCR exists to highlight this culture through education and celebration, significant contributions to the Rochester economy, and displays of camaraderie between its bars to both the trade and consumers.
This year, the Rochester Cocktail Revival is set for June 1-7, 2026 with a full schedule of events (21 and older) happening at different host bars and special event locations around Rochester. Participating bars include: Aqua Vitae, Bar Bantam, Bevy, Bitter Honey, Branca Midtown, The Cocktail Lab, Cure, The Daily Refresher, Easy Sailor, Flora, Good Luck, Grace & Disgrace, Jack's Extra Fancy, Lento, Leonore's, Lila's, Locals Only, Lucky's, Martine, Nosh, Patron Saint, Radio Social, Rev BBQ, The Richmond, Roux, Shell, Studio Lounge, Tapas 177, Velvet Belly, Vern's, and Ziggy's.
Highlights of the 2026 Rochester Cocktail Revival include:
Camp Lucky's | June 1-7
Camp Lucky's is open for fun all week long! With games, crafts, and all the bug juice you can drink to help beat the RCR heat. Hit the canteen for summer camp inspired cocktails, with discounts at the bar for anyone wearing an RCR wristband.
RCR Launchpad Party | June 1
Kick off RCR 13 with a party dedicated to spirits making their Rochester debut. Seven brands – Fee Brothers, Acid Sprits, Toki Black, Chamberyzette, Living Roots Sour Grapes, Battle Rattle, and Tres Agaves – are teaming up with RCR bartenders at the Genesee Valley Club for a live showcase of cocktails created with their brand new products.
Flower City Drinksmiths | June 2
Dive into a fun class all about Rochester Cocktails. Brought to you by Rochester Brainery, this cocktail class showcases Rochester Cocktail Revival bars and offers light appetizers, a welcome drink, a brief history on alcohol and cocktails through history, a tutorial on the tools and proper usage of the tools needed for the class.
Sagra degli Spiriti: Taste of the Spirts | June 2
An evening celebrating the flavors of Italy with a four‑course tasting dinner and cocktail pairing. Expect housemade pastas and regional specialties; cocktails will showcase traditional Italian bitter/sweet botanical liqueurs from the Skurnik Wines & Spirits portfolio.
Cocktail Trivia with Game Night ROC | June 2
Think you know your cocktails? Time to prove it. Join us at Ziggy’s for a high-energy Cocktail Trivia Night, hosted by Game Night Roc and featuring Keeper’s Heart Whiskey as part of Rochester Cocktail Revival. This isn’t your typical trivia night. You’ll taste your way through five mystery cocktails, testing both your palate and your knowledge as you compete for bragging rights (and maybe more).
Kentucky Derby Dinner | June 3
The Derby might be over, but let's have another reason to put on our best and favorite hat. Join us for a Kentucky Derby-themed dinner you will not want to miss as Chef Cruz Nieves and Shane Kleinschmidt craft a special menu highlighting Willett Distiling's best products. You’ll be transported right to the South during this five-course pairing dinner. Giddy up and secure your seat, reservations will go renegade fast!
Delphinium Garden Party | June 3
The George Eastman Museum's terrace garden provides a lush setting for guests to sip botanical cocktail creations and admire the delphinium, a focus of the museum’s current exhibit “Edward Steichen and the Garden.” Dance to the folksy tunes of A Girl Named Genny, commission a custom poem from J.R. Taylor, pose for a Hypebooth photo and make origami flowers with the Eastman Museum staff. A la carte boards from Cheese & Charcuterie and sweets from CakeLani will be available for purchase. Break out your finest floral & linen attire and top with a hat that George himself would want to photograph. Two cocktails included with each ticket; additional cocktails will be available for purchase.
The Modern Classic Challenge | June 3
Probitas Rum is challenging the Rochester mixologist community to create the next modern classic: a cocktail distinctive enough to travel beyond the bar where it was born and continue to be ordered years — even decades — after its creation. Five bartenders will be selected to present their entry to a panel of judges; join us to watch the showdown, try the drinks for yourself, and be in the room where the next modern classic comes to life.
Riposo Lunch | June 4
Riposo is the Italian version of a siesta Riposo is the Italian version of a siesta. Escape the hustle and bustle of the week — take a break from work and the stress of life as you escape to an effervescent, relaxing afternoon at Vern’s. Think lunch filled with bubbles and low ABV, icy, beautiful cocktails paired with creative but comforting dishes.
Tides & Tonic: A Four Pillars Gin & Cocktail Dinner | June 4
Four Pillars, an Australian distillery, crafts gins as diverse as its home's landscape. We're matching their passion for flavor and fun with cocktails from bar manager Wyatt Brennan served alongside an inspired 5-course dinner from the Cure culinary team.
Fee Brothers x Iron Smoke Pairing Dinner | June 4
An evening of expertly curated cocktails and an exceptional pairing menu, where craft spirits and culinary artistry meet. Velvet Belly is proud to showcase the debut of an innovative (top secret 'til June 1!) new line from Fee Brothers, perfectly complemented by the bold character of Iron Smoke whiskeys.
Nitrate Picture Show Movie Trivia | June 4
Step out of the glow of the screen and into a night where cinema comes alive! Join Rochester Cocktail Revival, the George Eastman Museum, and MovieJawn for a cinematic trivia experience at Radio Social to close out the opening night of the 10th Nitrate Picture Show. Come solo or with any number of friends (you'll be grouped into teams of 6-10) and dive into three lively rounds of movie trivia where every point brings you closer to trivia glory. Sip on themed craft cocktails as you journey through categories spanning film history, iconic actors, and even beloved big screen snacks.
A Mano Y Corazon: A Tequila Ocho Cocktail Dinner | June 5
Made by hand and heart, Tequila Ocho is crafted with the utmost care and passion from just three ingredients: blue weber agave, water and natural airborne yeast. Our bar team will showcase inspired tequila cocktails, crafted with care, alongside a 5-course menu from the Good Luck kitchen.
I Love 585 | June 5
I ♡ 585 celebrates everything we love about our city. We’re teaming up with Woodlawn Distilling to create a cocktail menu inspired by the flavors, people, and spirit of the 585. Expect a lineup highlighting unique Woodlawn spirits alongside locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. If you’ve got love for Rochester like we do, raise a glass and celebrate the place we call home.
Young Lioness of the West | June 5
Rochester-based performance company Cat + The Coyote brings whimsy and wonder to RCR with this immersive historical interpretation. Move through narrative scenes in several different locations throughout the Rochester Public Market while you sip craft cocktails from the crews at Bitter Honey, Ziggy’s, Cure and Rumble + Stir. Vintage and/or black attire is preferred; wear functional shoes as the show is a progressive performance on the Public Market grounds. 21+ over.
Spirit Tasting Spectacular | June 6
Taste through more than 30 craft spirits — including national and New York State distillers — the toolkit of the RCR bartenders. Entry includes samples of up to 16 spirits. A brunch menu and cash bar featuring drink specials will be available at Bar Bantam in the lobby of The Metropolitan. $15 online, $20 at the door, 21+ only.
Ren Faire x RCR | June 6
Hear ye, hear ye! Come one, come all to celebrate the Renaissance (both cocktail and faire) at the Daily! Join our merry band as we pour libations, sing with the minstrels, concoct potions, attempt games of skill, don costumes, role play, and cheer to celebrate the guild of mixologists!
Good Lucky Boar Roast & Cocktail Fest | June 6
Celebrating the traditional French Catalan boar roast, we'll dine al fresco in the Good Luck Garden enjoying cocktails, aperitifs, and wine. The Good Luck culinary team will prepare a whole boar, slow-roasted over an open fire, and serve it alongside a feast of family-style sides. Enjoy a selection of beverages from Haus Alpenz, including cocktails with Hayman's Gin and Byrrh Grand Quinquina: an elixir of red wine and spices.
90s Grove Kickback | June 6
We’re throwing it back to a real '90s kickback party in the Grove between Branca and Patron Saint — firepits going, Tito's drinks in hand, music up, and no real plan except having a good time. Jell-O shots passed around, spiked huggie drinks, and other 90s throwback sips and bites. DJ Pepi on the throwbacks to keep the party going all night. Wear your best 90s attire and bring your people for good drinks, good music, and good vibes. The kind of night you’ll be happy you didn’t miss.
Bar Room Battle Royale | June 7
RCR bartenders from around the city go shaker-to-shaker in the annual Bar Room Battle Royale, but only one will claim mixological supremacy. Ticket price includes admission to the Bar Ninja competition and spirit tasting tables. Drink specials and snacks from Radio Social + other vendors will be available, all set to a live soundtrack by DJ Chreath, and emceed by your fave dad duo Chuck Cerankosky + Patrick Stetzel.
Find the full schedule and many more exciting events here!
