Ocean City- A well-known resort town in Maryland that showcases miles of beaches, restaurants, bars, and people both young and old looking for a good time. While many locals and tourists look for theme park attractions, Republic National Distributing Company and Pernod Ricard brought a different attraction to the Bartenders and Bar Managers in Ocean City. Yes, the first annual Ocean City Cocktail Conference designed to educate Bartenders in their own backyard…or beach.
On June 4th, 2017, Republic National Distributing Company’s Corporate Mixologist, Sly Cosmopoulos and Maryland/DC Local Mixologist, Charles Tappan held a full day summit discussing topics such as service and the Bartender, what it takes to make a winning cocktail, how to properly set up a bar, and what next steps are for a Bartender in their career path. Hand Crafted Cocktails were served at each discussion session along with an entire tasting room of spirits such as ABSOLUT, Malibu, Avion Tequila, Olmeca Tequila, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martel Cognac, Chivas, Plymouth Gin and much more!
With expanding palates, bartenders/mixologists are the catalysts in most drinking trends pushing consumers beyond their comfort zone through education and experimentation. It is at beverage trade events such as Ocean City Cocktail Conference where local talent comes together in one venue to listen and learn from an assortment of speakers while being able to drink endless flowing cocktails all afternoon. Sly and Charles’ main message to the attendees is the idea that the future of the beverage industry is not only in the product but in the people- The Bartenders. 2017 has shown to be a landmark year for Bartenders/Mixologists, and the world is starting to see how much influence they have on people everywhere. Bartenders have reached the level of influence and respect they had pre-prohibition, and these cocktail experts are expected to introduce consumers to new and existing cocktails – to tell the story behind the cocktail and the spirit.
We look forward to the 2nd Annual Cocktail Conference in Ocean City and hope to see you there, but in the meantime, dust off your shaker and enjoy a refreshing Morning Glory.
