Presented by Adriatico Amaretto. It was the worst of times! The 1960s and 1970s are commonly regarded as a lowpoint in the history of cocktails. Even the most nuanced accounts tend to brush off these two decades as merely a precursor to the barbarism of the '80s and '90, as just another dip in the long decline of a once hallowed craft. But the truth is more complicated. This wasn’t just the era of disco drinks, fern bars, and a watered down tiki revival. It was the best of times! It was also the time of Stan Jones, Mario's Playboy Cocktail Book, and amaretto. Drawing on personal research, drink analysis, and a whole lot of almonds, this seminar takes a more reverent look at a few of the cocktail’s so-called “lost years” and a couple of overlooked saints who kept the fires lit in the darkness. [BIO] Al Sotack is a bartender, writer and brand developer with two decades in hospitality and beverage. Presently he works as the United States brand developer for Bellaventura Spirits, who produce Adriatico Amaretto. SPONSORED BY Haus Alpenz. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

Jackrabbit Club

Bright Spirits in the Dark Ages: Amaretto, Mid-Century Cocktails and the Forgotten Years of Cocktology

In this interactive seminar, attendees will work with staffers from RESTORE learn practical ways to step in and make a difference when they witness sexual harassment in and out of the workplace. Using the "5 Ds" of bystander intervention—Direct, Delegate, Distract, Delay, and Document—they’ll gain tools to recognize warning signs of harassment and learn how to support both patrons and staff who may be affected. The session includes hands-on activities, real-world examples, and space for open discussion, giving participants a chance to share their insights and build confidence in being an active bystander. SPONSORED BY Haus Alpenz. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

Bystander Intervention with RESTORE

Hang out on the patio before the RCR Launchpad with Empress Cucumber Lemon Gin and an oyster shuck-off. Our professional shuckers are going to see who can shuck those oysters the best, each making their own mignonette to go with them — and you get to be the judge! 

Lila's

Patio Party Pregame and Oyster Shuck-Off

 Join us for a never-ending industry happy hour you won’t want to miss, hosted in collaboration with Ten to One Rum! We’re serving up industry specials all night long, with Tiki Pedro on the grill slinging his legendary Cuban sandwiches and nothing but good vibes on deck. Heading to the RCR Launchpad at GVC? We’re just a short walk down the road! So swing by, fuel up, and kick things off with Ten to One and the crew. It’s industry night — when you’re here, you’re industry... and happy hour is all the hours!

Aqua Vitae

Never-ending Industry Happy Hour with Ten to One

A dinner with Nonino torch-bearer and 'grappa influencer' Francesca Nonino showcases Cure's Italian side, featuring amari-based cocktails from Wyatt Brennan and seasonally inspired Italian cuisine from Cure chefs Dan Martello and Andreas Petsos.

Cure

Cure Italienne: A Nonino Cocktail Dinner

We’re kicking off RCR 12 with a party dedicated to spirits making their Rochester debut. Six booze brands – Bellavenura Spirits, Dalla Terra, Conniption Gin, Fee Bros., Albany Distilling, Agua Mágica and Heaven Hill – are teaming up with RCR bartenders at the Genesee Valley Club for a live showcase of cocktails created with their *brand new* spirits. Rock to 80s metal covers from The Perrin Yang Quartet, and be ready to vote for your favorite iteration of a new hooch! Snacks from GVC will be available; seven tastings included with each admission ticket. Must be 21+ and show ID for entry. Sponsored by Fee Bros.

Genesee Valley Club

RCR Launchpad

Getting the band back together!! Hang out at Martine after the Launchpad. Will is bringing in his old pals Jared, Stacy, and Triston from Radio Social to bartend with him once again. Haus Alpenz is supplying the good spirits and Discolobos is DJing the night away! 

Martine

Industry Late Night

Slide out of RCR 2025 and into a funkier time of velvet ropes, platform shoes and amaretto. For one night only we'll be celebrating a throwback of disco, funk and Italo while featuring an original menu of 70s classics pulled from the Jones Bar-Guide and Playboy Cocktail Book. Special guest Al Sotack (formerly of Jupiter Disco, Death and Co., Vice and Epicurious) will be there, along with Adriatico Amaretto, a modern generation of amaretto firmly rooted in history. Throw on a gold chain or some glitter sparkle and get ready for a late night boogie.

Ziggy's

DO NOT GO GENTLY: An Italo Disco Extravaganza 

6/2/25 - Monday

Bridging communication gaps in the bar and restaurant industry, this lively workshop for bartenders, hosts, and wait staff will teach basic ASL bar vocabulary and some do's-and-don'ts of interacting with the Rochester-area Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing community. [BIO] Profoundly Deaf since birth, Marissa Woodruff is a dedicated advocate for the Deaf community and is highly proficient in American Sign Language and Deaf culture. Marissa holds a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management and an MBA from the Saunders College of Business at the Rochester Institute of Technology where she serves as the Director of Dyer Arts Center. Marissa is active in the Rochester community, presenting on Deaf language and culture, playing volleyball, and finding new adventures. SPONSORED BY Tito's Handmade Vodka and Haus Alpenz. 

Hands-On Hospitality: Sign-Language in the Service Industry

Rob Krueger and Eamon Rockey will dive into this two-part seminar: first, the physical creation of a drink (tins, glasses and batches), followed by the best way to represent it in written form on menu (themes, expectations and sales). Enjoy a nitty-gritty discussion, ask questions, and sip tasty drinks with two industry vets! SPONSORED BY Haus Alpenz. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

Building & Naming Cocktails Revisited

Taco Tuesday, Iron Smoke Hot Honey Whiskey and Fee Brother’s infamous lineup!! Come enjoy taco specials, live music and some hot cocktails. Nobody puts the ‘Honey’ in ‘Hot Honey Whiskey’ like Bitter Honey on a Tuesday!

Bitter Honey

Taco Tuesday Takeover

Absinthe has a storied history imbued with myths galore. Join Altamar Brands at Roux to enjoy Kübler Absinthe drips and cocktails while demystifying The Green Fairy with hosts Leanne Favre and Daniel Rehor. Absinthe tasting and cocktails may be purchased a la carte. 

Roux

Absinthe: The Green Fairytale

Vintage loving friends! Celebrate on the back patio with food and drinks from grandma’s epic family bar-b-cues. Does anyone remember a Blue Lagoon? Harvey Wallbanger? Tang? Zima?? We’ll be serving American Classics with an Owl-ish twist.

The Owl House

Vintage Decades Patio Party

 Is your wagon so, so dirty? The kind of dirty that only a strapping, sexy firefighter could ever make clean? If you're in need of trunk detailing — or more than one hose is called for — come to the Firefighter Car Wash hosted by Cutty Sark Scotch x Jack's Extra Fancy; 5 p.m. til dark. Each wash is $20, all proceeds from the wash benefit Gilda's Club Rochester and the Fire Folk keep just their tips, so bring cash. No whip? No problem, grab a patio table and a refreshing Cutty Sark cocktail as you watch; thirsty b*tch. P.S. no waxing after midnight.

Jack’s Extra Fancy

Firefighter Car Wash

Gather ‘round the campfire at Camp Locals featuring smoked cocktails, s'mores and live music. Wear your favorite flannel and cut-offs. 

Locals Only

Camp Locals

Join us on Park Avenue for a Kentucky-inspired pairing dinner highlighting Yellowstone’s Kentucky-made Bourbon collection, which will thoughtfully mixed and paired with a four-course dinner featuring elevated Southern comforts. Join chef Ryan Jenner and bartender Shane Kleinschmidt and connect with fellow bourbon lovers across two seatings, 5:45p and 8pm. Call (585) 319-5649 to reserve seats, and we’ll give you something to call home about.

The Classic

Sippin’ South: A Kentucky Pairing Experience 

Grace & Disgrace hosts a very special happy hour showcasing the brilliant versatility of The Pathfinder! Featuring an array of cocktails, including NA collaborations with Rochester non-alc pioneers AltBar, this party offers an inclusive environment and elegant offerings for drinkers and teetotalers alike. 

Grace & Disgrace

Grace & Disgrace Presents: The Pathfinder Sessions featuring AltBar

Celebrate the spirit of summer and RCR 2025 with an open-air evening of flavor and rhythm. Enjoy a four-course tasting, happy-hour style, featuring four petit cocktails crafted with Rockey’s Botanical Liqueur — each perfectly paired with a delectable tapas dish. As the sun sets, a live jazz session brings Bourbon Street flair to Rochester’s St. Paul Quarter.

Tapas 177

Sips, Sessions and Tapas

Learn how to celebrate cocktails at home! Our group of talented bartenders will show you how to make cocktails that made participating RCR bars famous. Tickets include light fare, four cocktails, a history of alcohol and mixology, and guided instruction on cocktail making.

Daily Refresher

RCR Flower City Drinksmiths Class

Celebrate all things Derby with a whiskey-fueled night of trivia centered around horses, bourbon, and the bold spirit of Pinhook Whiskey. Join us for a night where racing silks meet neat pours! Compete in teams, sip curated Pinhook whiskey, and test your knowledge across categories that mix Southern tradition with spirited fun. And don’t forget your Derby finest—there’s a special prize for the best hat in the house!

Lucky's

Bourbon & Bridles: A Pinhook Derby Trivia Night

A dive into distortion, denim, damn-good drinks and killer glassware. Guest bartenders Leanne Favre (Altamar Brands) & Katie Kennedy (Cocktail Kingdom) channel the angst and artistry of the Grunge era with a tightly curated menu of nostalgic riffs — served in Cocktail Kingdom tools, mugs, baby doll head and glassware as moody as the music (think Nirvana, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins...) Dress code is optional — flannel, ripped jeans, Docs encouraged — and Best Dressed wins a Cocktail Kingdom baby doll mug!

Smells Like GOOD Spirits: A 90s Grunge Cocktail Experience

Join us for Ten To One cocktail specials and a night of Rochester’s fastest bartenders going head-to-head for the fastest daiquiri time, emceed by Patrick Stetzel. 

Good Luck

TEN TO ONE POST-SHIFT DAIQUIRI TIME OUT

6/3/25 - Tuesday

Enjoy blossoms, blooming flowers, and botanicals as you soak in the early summer sun for an aperitivo lunch at Vern’s. Cocktails inspired by the botanicals of Italy from the Dalla Terra portfolio are thoughtfully paired alongside a menu of hyper-seasonal dishes in partnership with Squash Blossom Farm. After lunch, bring home fresh blooms from Stony Lonesome Floral! Reservations recommended.

Vern's

Vern’s in Bloom

The trends and traditions exchanged between neighbors can create friendships ranging from convivial to intoxicating, and the US and Mexico personify this courtship with libatious reciprocation! Join Skurnik's Spirits Team and a bevy of American and Mexican producers and suppliers for a walk-around tasting of American whiskey, tequila, mezcal, and other spirits of Mexico, along with a seminar presentation by Justin Lane Briggs, Spirit Portfolio Manager of Skurnik Wines & Spirits. [HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ONLY]

Spirited Neighbors: A Tasting of American Whiskey & Mexican Distillates [HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY ONLY]

You shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but you can probably judge this spirit that way… For one night only, Leonore’s turns into a full-on bookstore, celebrating otherness, escapism and fantasy through diversity and inclusion. Swing through to buy ink from Archivist, the Unreliable Narrator and Writers & Books, or GET inked by Hayden and Shawnee of Hinterland Studios. We’re taking you on an adventure — what to read, where to read, and how to read critically, all with a great drink featuring The Pathfinder in your hand. 

Leonore's

Spill the Ink: Tattoos, Tales, & Tonics

The trends and traditions exchanged between neighbors can create friendships ranging from convivial to intoxicating, and the U.S. and Mexico personify this courtship with libatious reciprocation! Join Skurnik's Spirits Team and a bevy of American and Mexican producers and suppliers for a walk-around tasting of American whiskey, tequila, mezcal, and other spirits of Mexico. SUPPORTED BY retail partners Pinnacle Liquor, Lisa's Liquor Barn, East Ave Liquor Store, Webster Wine & Spirits, Baytowne Wine & Spirits, Parkway Discount Wine & Liquor, Hoffends Discount Liquor & Wine. Ticket price includes a walk-around spirit tasting, light hors d'oeuvres, hospitality and tax.

Spirited Neighbors: A Tasting of American Whiskey & Mexican Distillates

Get out your cowboys boots - Nosh is headed south! We’ll be serving up porch pounders and smooth sippers featuring Conniption Gin all night long. Taking some inspiration from our partner, we’ll be line dancing and smoking a whole pig in the parking lot, North Carolina-style. Yes, we did say a WHOLE pig! Get ready for some good Southern BBQ with our signature Nosh flair and even better cocktails. We can’t wait to see you at the hoedown. 

Nosh

Smoke and Spirits 

Get wild for the night — we’re heading out on a tequila-fueled safari with Tromba Tequila, and we might not come back! Join us deep in the tropics for jungle-inspired cocktails that’ll unleash your wild side. So let loose, throw on your best animal print or jungle gear and fend off the poachers with a drink in hand! No map. No rules. Just Tromba Tequila and wild vibes. Adventure awaits!

Lost in the Jungle

Learn about this musically inspired, beautifully blended local whiskey headquartered here in Western New York! Try these spirits neat or in a cocktail carefully curated by one of our craft bartenders. Listen to the story inspired and championed by Neil Geraldo in Three Chords's quest to increase accessibility to music for individuals of all ages.

Make Some Music with Three Chord Whiskey

Join us at Lucky’s Lounge: A 1960s Supper Club Affair — a night of Mad Men-inspired elegance featuring an à la carte menu of classic supper club dishes and cocktails straight out of the golden era featuring Yellowstone Bourbon, Bowling and Burch Gin, and Saint Brendan's Irish Cream Liqueur Reservation includes a welcome cocktail from our featured spirits. The night's featured dinner menu, beverage specials, and our full bar offerings will be available for purchase a la carte. Please note that accommodations for dietary restrictions may be limited, but will be honored to the best of our ability. 

Lucky’s Lounge: A 1960s Supper Club Affair (Part 1)

A classic cocktail jam session accompanied by jazz from the New Dawn Trio. Explore the harmonics of the Manhattan to the vibe of the Vieux Carre to the reverberations of the Remember the Maine. Experience the the semitones of the Sazerac and the Southside, and more Big Fun.

RIFF RAFF: Jazz x Cocktail Improv

Grace & Disgrace and Hollerhorn Distilling unite to host an evening of elegant and experimental cocktails centered around Hollerhorn's beautiful craft spirit catalogue. Featuring a collection of specially selected spirits, Grace & Disgrace has composed a menu of one-of-a-kind cocktails designed to accentuate Hollerhorn's unique offerings in true G&D style. 

Grace & Disgrace Presents: The Hollerhorn Sessions

Join us for a tour of elevated Mexican cuisine alongside our bar team's most inspired take on tequila cocktails featuring the essential spirit of Mexico tequila from Cantera Negra. This event will take place in the Private Dining Room in Good Luck at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Ticket price includes a five-course dinner with spirit pairings, hospitality and tax. We kindly request that you inform us of any dietary restrictions a minimum of 24 hours in advance. 

Adoración del Agave: A Cantera Negra Cocktail Dinner

The George Eastman Museum's terrace garden provides a lush setting for guests to sip botanical cocktail creations and travel through time in celebration of GEM’s 75th anniversary. Dance to the folksy tunes of A Girl Named Genny, commission a custom poem from J.R. Taylor, pose for a Hypebooth photo, make and photograph a Morning Altar with the Eastman staff and play croquet or cornhole on the east lawn. A la carte boards from Cheese & Charcuterie and sweets from CakeLani will be available for purchase. Break out your finest diamond, floral & linen attire and top with a hat that George himself would want to photograph! Two cocktails and a complimentary museum pass for later use included with each ticket; additional cocktails will be available for purchase. VIP level includes a welcome drink + garden tour (arrival at 5:15p). 21+ only. Sponsored by Heaven Hill + Segura Viudas.

George Eastman Museum

Captured Time: A Diamond Jubilee Garden Party

Join Patron Saint for an exquisite four-course pairing dinner crafted by our talented team in collaboration with Fee Bros. and Iron Smoke Distillery. Each dish will be expertly paired with small-batch bourbons from Iron Smoke and artisanal bitters from Fee Brothers. A curated signature cocktail will accompany every course, beautifully elevating each bite and sip. This exciting collaboration brings together the best of what three Rochester mainstays in food, beverage and hospitality offer our community. 

Patron Saint

Barrel & Blade 

Martiki is back! Since you're already out and all dressed up from the Garden Party, you might as well swing by Martine for some late night tiki drinks featuring Ten to One. Guest bartender Delano on deck? Heard Will Cornfield might try to DJ?? Find out for yourself. 

Martiki Garden Party Afterparty

6/4/25 - Wednesday

John Henry takes a look back — and ahead — at brands like Maker's Mark, St. Germain, Mr Black, Penelope Bourbon and El Buho Mezcal. If Malcolm Gladwell is right: after 10,000 days, on the street, building brands from the ground up, John might have a handle on this brand building thing. But, don't assume anything. (Especially carved stone commandments from up on Mount Hope.) Come share and sip for yourself, please. John Henry was there at the West Point Mess Hall for the 45-minute standing ovation offered to the returning Iranian hostages in 1981. He rode quarter horse, Oscar, in the 1988 Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. Was told by Robert DeNiro that he had good instincts when DeNiro directed John in a Washington, D.C. scene with William Hurt in “The Good Shepherd” in 2006. Oh, and he is a diehard NY Mets fan. But John is most proud of being part of RCR since Year 2. SPONSORED BY Haus Alpenz. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

10,000 Days: Confessions & Commandments

Embark on a sensory journey into the captivating world of Barbados rum with Alexandre Gabriel, the esteemed Master Blender of Maison Ferrand. In this insightful seminar, Alexandre unveils the unique beauty of Barbados rums, exploring diverse fermentation methods and still types that define their character. Discover how these intricate processes lay the foundation for exceptional blends, as Alexandre eloquently illustrates the blender's artistry. Like a painter layering colors on a canvas, master blenders artfully combine different rum styles to create harmonious and expressive spirits that are true works of art. Join us as we delve into this fascinating intersection of craftsmanship and creativity. SPONSORED BY Haus Alpenz. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

Barbados Rum: A Palette of Colors

The American cocktail hour has embraced the spritz and the negroni — but it didn’t happen overnight. It was a 20-year campaign, planned and executed with perfect timing. Join “King Cocktail” Dale DeGroff for a late afternoon seminar and happy hour focused on the surprising history of the Italian spirits that conquered the cocktail world with La Dolce Vida. [BIO] Master Mixologist DeGroff — the 2009 James Beard Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional Award winner, and the 2015 James Beard Who’s Who in food and Beverage — developed his extraordinary techniques and talent tending bar at the legendary Rainbow Room. DeGroff partnered with renowned absinthe distiller Ted Breaux to develop his own brand of bitters: Dale DeGroff’s Pimento Aromatic Bitters, as well as Degroff Spirit Company’s New World Amaro and Degroff Bitter Aperitivo. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

Italian Spirits that Conquered the Cocktail World: A Seminar & Happy Hour with Dale DeGroff 

Another Derby party? Absolutely. Saddle up for a night of Kentucky charm, complete with bluegrass beats, Southern-inspired bites and — of course — bourbon. We’re pouring the good stuff, courtesy of our friends at Woodford Reserve and Jack Daniel’s. Bring your friends, your boldest hats, and your best Derby spirit. We’ll see you at the starting gate!

Off to the Races!

Be the among the first to taste Gazoz — an extravagant, botanical, grown-up soda (pop!) often made with fermented ingredients and popular in Turkey and Tel Aviv. Gather on Radio's backyard patio and build your own (spiked or not) concoction, soda-fountain style, while enjoying bites from the RS kitchen, playing a round of corn hole and listening to live music. 

Radio Social

Gazoz: Garden in a Glass

Last year was a blast—so we’re running it back! The crew from Buffalo’s Hydraulic Hearth is sailing into Rochester for another night of tropical cocktails and good vibes. Join Danny and the gang as they serve up tiki magic, warm-weather incantations, and bold island flavors. With Albany Distilling bringing the rum, there’s no better way to celebrate summer early. Tiki night is back—don’t miss the boat!

Buffalo Tiki Takeover Part 2: Hydraulic Hearth Edition

This dinner will showcase the intricate ways American heritage in distilling complements the fine flavors of French cookery. Yellowstone Bourbon cocktails from Will Cornfield and Maddie Roberts will be paired with the inspired cuisine from chef Andreas Petsos.

Sauvage et Sauvage: A Yellowstone Bourbon Cocktail Dinner

Part II - Join us at Lucky’s Lounge: A 1960s Supper Club Affair — a night of Mad Men-inspired elegance featuring an à la carte menu of classic supper club dishes and cocktails straight out of the golden era featuring JP Wiser's Canadian Whiskys. Reservation includes a welcome cocktail from our featured spirits. The night's featured dinner menu, beverage specials, and our full bar offerings will be available for purchase a la carte. Please note that accommodations for dietary restrictions may be limited, but will be honored to the best of our ability.

Lucky’s Lounge: A 1960s Supper Club Affair (Part 2)

Join us for our Spaghetti Western Patio Party — an evening of rustic Italian grill out, Western beats from DJ Chreath and signature Heaven Hill cocktails from our fresh lemonade and iced tea spirit bar. Saddle up for sunset sips, smoky bites and a little bit of Western mischief, Branca style. 

Branca Midtown

Spaghetti Western Patio Party

A five-course dinner inspired by the American South and paired with a combination of cocktails and neat pours of different selections from Three Chord Bourbon. Call (585)-271-3470 to book.

Lento

Bourbon on the Bayou

 The champion musical event of RCR features the Rochester-based jam band Judah and Scoulive, a tribute to the music of John Scofield and Soulive, together for a night of sonic collaboration. 21+ only. Sponsored by Jagermeister & Teremana Tequila.

Anthology

Super Sounds

$5 Jagerbombs, $10 Teremana margaritas and everything in between. Join us at Bitter Honey for a night of flash tattoos, delicious cocktails, hot jams and hotter company. Let’s party!! Possible guest appearance by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson himself! (Prolly not, though.)

Teremana & Jager Jam

It's dance night at Martine and we are making a big splash with Gray Whale Gin. Special kocktails and DJ Ease on deck. Bring a friend, because we're doing 2-for-1 gimlets! 

Gimme Gimlets!

 The Hoff: Hey, are you going to the Planteray Rum party on Thursday at Jack's Extra Fancy? Pamela: Oh for sure! I couldn't miss that! I hear there's a DJ and a costume contest. The Hoff: Tubular! But, how do you win the contest!? Pamela: That's the best part! We just have to dress in our Baewatch Best! Could be our lifeguard uniforms, a mermaid outfit, or as a yellow sea sponge! Anything beachy fits! I heard first prize is a Planteray Cut & Dry Letterman Jacket! It looked totally bitchin'. Hoff: Like that's it? Just come in beach attire and enjoy Planteray cocktails made by the excellent Jack's Extra Fancy bartenders? I'm so totally in. What time are you going? Pam: The invite said 10:00PM to 2:00AM but I think I want to grab food first, so I'll probably get there a little early. Hoff: Hell yeah, everyone knows I love a good burger.

Baewatch

Four to the floor beats and funkified cocktails join the late night party for this jawn featuring the spirits of MS Walker. 

Disco Bunny

6/5/25 - Thursday

A lively Q&A between The Dead Rabbit's fourth favorite regular, Tim Herlihy of Lost Irish; Monica DeJesus, head bartender in the taproom (TDR's high volume Irish pub, serving a good mix of pints, Irish coffees and cocktails); and Shane O’Neil, who works in the TDR Parlor cocktail bar focusing on high-level cocktails and a more elegant service style. The seminar will be a talk through The Dead Rabbit, their approach to Irish spirits and balancing two concepts within the same bar. ASL interpreting services available upon request; please contact cheers@rochestercocktailrevival.com.

The Dead Rabbit Trifecta

Step into the streets of Oaxaca for one unforgettable night! Chef Leo from Maizal is taking over our kitchen with bold, street-style bites straight from his hometown. We’re pouring Rosaluna mezcal and shaking up our own spins on Mexican classics. Come hungry, come thirsty, come to the streets of Oaxaca! — vamos!

Streets of Oaxaca

You’re not going to want to miss this patio party! Half-priced oysters, sushi specials, and perfectly curated cocktails featuring Jefferson’s Ocean and Absolut Vodka. Dress up in your best nautical attire to sip 'n’ sail the night away!!

Velvet Belly

High Tide Happy Hour

Ever been to Martinique or St. Lucia? Time to taste the islands—no passport needed. Join Spiribam for sun-soaked vibes, Rhum JM and Chairman’s Reserve cocktails, and the ultimate island classic: the Swizzle. Iced up, frothy, and handcrafted—no shakers allowed. Just you, a killer drink, and some serious sunshine. Don’t miss your chance to sip like you’re seaside.

Swizzles Only: Martinique vs. St. Lucia

Perhaps the spirit most ubiquitous in classic cocktails, gin will be the centerpiece of this dinner pairing classic cocktails with French cuisine. Expect nuanced takes on classic cocktails from Will Cornfield and Maddie Roberts using Warner's Gin, alongside the artful French cooking of chef Andreas Petsos.

Cuisine et Classiques: A Warner's Gin Cocktail Dinner

Add a few stamps to your passport - Leonore’s is going global! Chef Liyam Ezer from Picalili in L.A. and Chef Ana Northrop from Lee's are joining forces to create a menu that joins local, hyper-seasonal produce with flavors of Asia and the Middle East! Dishes will be paired with cocktails that embrace the same themes, and highlight some of our favorite farms and spirit brands! Packing list: passport, stretchy pants, good vibes. Don’t forget your appetite at home! Reservations recommended. <3

Lee’s x Liyam

Located in the historic Brown's Race District, the 858-foot Pont de Rennes Bridge soars above the Genesee River Gorge at the base of High Falls. This iconic Rochester landmark will be the setting for RCR’s newest event — an outdoor happy hour and street fair featuring 20+ New York State-only brands, from fashion, gaming and food to beer, wine and spirits. Stroll down the bridge to shop, sip, vote for your favorite local busker (who wins a cash prize!) and chat with the team behind CITY Magazine's June “Adrenaline” issue. All ages welcome; must show 21+ ID to partake in cocktails, beer, wine and spirit samples. Parking is available on street in Brown’s Race, at Innovative Field lot and in the High Falls Garage. Presented by WeTheHobby, with additional support from Garber Automotive Group, 98PXY and CITY Magazine. 

Pont de Rennes Bridge

High Falls Happy Hour 

Place your bets — it's time for Studio Lounge’s second annual Casino Night! Enjoy spirit tastings from Albany Distilling, hors d’oeuvres and DJ beats for free; or $25 gets you $1000 in "play money" to gamble. Chips will be converted to tickets at the end for a raffle entry — prizes include top shelf spirits, local restaurant/bar gift cards and more! 

Studio Lounge

Casino Night in the Studio

A tiki takeover at The Alexander featuring Forbidden Fruit Tropical Affair with Maria Stojanova and CJ Loiacano — sip your Tiki favorites like Jungle Birds, Mai Tais, and Zombies. Enjoy Polynesian fare from Chef Tony. Vibe with island eats and tiki treats like summer is forever!

The Alexander

Tiki on the Patio

Step into an evening of refined indulgence at The Empress Affair., with Empress Gin as the star of the night. Guests will enjoy a curated menu of signature Empress cocktails — featuring a chilled-to-perfection martini ice luge — each designed to showcase the spirit’s exquisite botanical flavors. Set against a backdrop of elegant decor, the evening invites you to sip, savor, and socialize in a sophisticated atmosphere. Specialty tastings, live mixology demonstrations, and a few regal surprises promise to make this a night to remember. Dress to impress — it’s not just a party, it’s an experience.

The Empress Affair 

Join us for an evening of martinis and caviar with Tito's Handmade Vodka at the Good Luck Chef's Table. We'll explore the pairing as it transforms with each variation of this classic cocktail of the moment. This event will take place at the Chef's Table at Good Luck at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Ticket price includes a five-course dinner with spirit pairings, hospitality and tax. We kindly request that you inform us of any dietary restrictions a minimum of 24 hours in advance. 

Make Mine a Martini: A Tito's Handmade Vodka Cocktail Dinner

Party like it's 2077! Join us as we rave against the machine at our Cyberpunk themed event. Live music, costumes, custom cocktails featuring Redemption Whiskey, and lots and lots of neon. Embrace the retro-futuristic styles that inspired Blade Runner, Fifth Element, and the Cyberpunk Table Top and Video Game series. See you IRL, noobs.

Cyberpunk: The Redemption Arc

Speakers blaring, asses shaking, and ribbons flowing. Nothing new, we’re throwing a rager! Come celebrate the terroirs/expressions of Planteray rums the only way we know how. DJs,, DTOs, and laybacks are guaranteed. You know the drill. We're all champs when we're sauced.

Swan Dive

Restless Idealism 

Roll the dice, take a gamble and win some Singria — a brand new canned sangria cocktail from Three Brothers. Hear music by DJ Chreath and dress to impress, because there will be prizes for anyone who shows up in their best "Kasino" 'fit! 

Kasino Royale

Step into the Middle Ages. Our halls shall be transformed! Lords and ladies, wizards and wenches — prepare thyselves for a night of magick, music, and merriment. Sip on alchemical cocktails crafted just for the evening, arrive in thy finest medieval garb to win prizes fit for a king! Expect surprises, mystical decor, and maybe even a fortune teller lurking in the shadows... DJ Allan and DJ Duppyy will ensure the most legendary dance party this side of the kingdom! One night only – reserve thy place!

Potions and Elixirs: A Medieval Dance Revel

You have the book, you've split the G; now experience a Fancy facsimile of the world's greatest Irish pub: The Dead Rabbit. Hosted by Lost Irish Whiskey and Jack's Extra Fancy, the legendary Grocery & Grog is popping up in Rochester to sling streams of whiskey and excellent Irish hospitality from 10p-2a.

Jack's Rabbit

From margaritas to pakeroos, swim on up to this Good Luck beach party with Lalo Tequila and DJ Delano. 

Playa de Good Luck

6/6/25 - Friday

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; DJs Delano and Small Mouth bring the daytime party on the patio. 21+ only.

The Metropolitan

Spirit Tasting Spectacular

Feeling nostalgic for those summer camp days? Camp Swill invites you to relive the thrill with enticing water sports, exciting scavenger hunts, and creative arts and crafts. Join us from 12 to 8 p.m. for a day of adventure! Meet new friends, make new memories, and enjoy our refreshing cocktails to keep cool in the summer heat. Don’t forget your SPF.

Playhouse

Camp Ontario Lake

Enjoy a FREE yoga class @ Parcel 5, followed by Tito’s cocktails, healthy mocktails and snacks on the Branca Midtown patio. First 15 guests to arrive receive a free Tito’s branded yoga mat and goodie bag. Come recharge with us so you can head into the weekend of RCR refreshed and ready to go!

RCR RECHARGE

This indoor-outdoor bash will celebrate two of life's greatest pleasures: a perfectly mixed martini and a delicious hot dog. From afternoon sunshine to late-night jams, enjoy a lineup of creative martinis featuring Long Island Spirits, wildly topped weenies, and live music that honors The Richmond’s history alongside local artists on the rooftop patio.

The Richmond

Dirty Dog: An All-Day Celebration of Martinis, Weenies, and Live Tunes

Join Leonore’s, William Grant & Sons and Vin Diesel for a Rochester take on the Fast Franchise. Step out in your best streetwear or pit-crew attire because tonight, we’re taking Tokyo by storm. We’re talking cocktails to match your favorite Fast & Furious characters. Tokyo-style street food. Tats. Cuts by GVIII. Club hits from Ludacris. Get ready for Tokyo Drift all day — tonight, we’re familia forever. 

Familia Forever: Tokyo Drift 

Velvet Belly turns 4! Come celebrate the best way we know how — with expertly crafted cocktails incorporating Toki Whisky, Haku Vodka and Roku Gin. Fizz, clink, repeat!

Year 4: Poured to Perfection

Created as an elixir blend of red wine and spices, Byrrh Grand Quinquina is classically combined with tonic and paired with roasted boar; a tradition in Roussillon, France that dates back to the 19th century. As a nod to this longstanding ritual, the Good Luck culinary team will prepare a whole boar, slow-roasted on a spit over an open fire and served al fresco. This meat will be presented with sides, then paired with summery Byrhh cocktails and a special selection of choice aged, oxidized wines from the French Catalan for an all-you-can-eat feast. This event will take place at 6 p.m.; dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Ticket price includes a boar feast, paired beverages, hospitality and tax. Please note that we are unable to accommodate individual dietary requests.

Good Luck Boar Roast & Cocktail Feast

Step back in time to an invite-only movie premiere during the height of midcentury Hollywood. Dress in your red carpet finest and prepare to sip your way through a film with a supernatural twist… Next stop: The Twilight Zone. Rochester-based performance company Cat + The Coyote brings the Fifth Dimension to RCR with this immersive reimagination of the beloved midcentury series. Wander through psychedelic scenes featuring Rod (or, is it?) and other surprise guests while you sip craft cocktails from Rumble + Stir. Midcentury and/or red carpet attire; wear functional shoes as the show is not seated. 21+ over. 6:30p arrival for 7p show | 8:30p arrival for 9p show $45 ticket includes immersive theatre performance + two cocktails featuring Old Forester Bourbon, el Jimador Tequila and other elixirs. (﻿Additional cocktails will be available for purchase.) Sponsored by Brown-Forman.

Undisclosed

Silver Screen: An Immersive Cocktail Dimension

Dreaming of a white Christmas already? We might not be able to beat the heat, but we can bring some holiday cheer! Join us for our summer Christmas extravaganza with themed cocktails featuring Pernod Ricard spirits, swag giveaways for those not on the naughty list, live music to uplift even the Grinch's sour mood and, of course, all the holly jolly anyone could ever want! 

The Absolut Definitive Summer Christmas Party

You know what goes great with Nonino? Italian beach club music. Try special kocktails whle DJ Delano takes you all the way to the beach parties of Torino and Riccione. Music starts at 10p!

Nonino Beach Party

Tuck into Cure after a long RCR week for a rewarding meal paired with renditions of espresso martinis. Reservations made for 9 p.m. or later will receive a buy-one, get-one first round of cocktails. Music will be a Mike Bailey-curated listening party.

Cafe à Minuit: A Late Night Dinner at Cure

Nickel City Fancy is back! The raucous return of Travis Tober and his band of micreants will take over Jack's Extra Fancy from 10p to close. Sponsored by additive-free Lalo Tequila, these titans of taste are pouring refreshing agave cocktails and popping off confetti cannons. Dust off your Bills jersey and warm up your vocal cords as we welcome the Captain of the Texas chapter of the Bills Mafia to sunny Rochester. 

2025 Schedule of Events

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