Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Manhattan Cocktail Classic founded? The concept dates back to the late 1800’s, but the first proper festival took place in 2009.

Who runs the Manhattan Cocktail Classic? Is it affiliated with any suppliers, distributors, or media channels? The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is independently run by one cocktail-fueled insomniac named Lesley Townsend and a small army of overwhelmingly talented freelancers and consultants. The Classic is not affiliated with any suppliers, distributors, media channels, or other entities, and has no agenda, political or otherwise, beyond encouraging the world to drink better cocktails.

Is the Manhattan Cocktail Classic a non-profit organization? No. The Manhattan Cocktail Classic is a mission-driven social enterprise, set up as an LLC in the state of New York.

Does the festival benefit a charitable partner? Yes. Sort of. Rather, it benefits many. In lieu of naming a single charitable partner for the entire festival, we have created a structure that allows sponsors to support charities of their own choosing. Everyone has a cause – and we want to enable people to support what they believe in.

When and where does the festival take place? The next Manhattan Cocktail Classic will take over New York City next May 11 – 15, 2012. It’s a decentralized festival: individual events take place in bars, restaurants, art galleries, museums, barbershops, theaters, libraries – basically anywhere and everywhere in the five boroughs that will tolerate our shenanigans. The opening night Gala will once again take place at the spectacular main branch of The New York Public Library; our professional programming will take place at the Andaz 5th Avenue Hotel; and all other events and activities will take place at various and sundry bars, restaurants, museums, galleries, and event spaces throughout the boroughs.

Wait – so it takes place in Brooklyn and Queens, too? Then why is it called the Manhattan Cocktail Classic? It’s a pun. For the last time, people – it’s a pun.

Who attends the Manhattan Cocktail Classic? Enthusiasts? Professionals? Enthusiasts, professionals, and people who are neither enthusiastic nor professional but who enjoy a proper drink now and again are all welcome to attend the festival. Whether you’re looking to improve your palate for pre-Prohibition era punches, to sample some of the city’s most creative cocktail and culinary pairings, or just to kick up your heels at some dangerously decadent cocktail parties, the Classic really does have something for everyone. (Well, everyone over the age of 21. Sorry, kids.)

What kinds of events take place during the festival? The events run the gamut from purely educational to wildly experiential, and everything in between. In addition to the opening night Gala, we're adding another large-scale event to the calendar on Saturday night - not tipping our hand on this one just yet, but trust us, you won't want to miss it. The full line-up will be revealed in the spring of 2012 when we release tickets for sale. Just put yourself on our mailing list if you’re not already (or follow us on Facebook or Twitter) and we promise to keep you in the loop.

How much are tickets to these fabulous-sounding events? Tickets will range in price depending on the specific event, but generally run about $50 for a daytime seminar and $150 for a nighttime soiree (such as the Gala). Don't hold us to that just yet though - we're still drumming up a few new ideas, which may fall outside those parameters.

But I want to do more than just attend! I want to sponsor/host/organize/present/volunteer/bartend/generally have a hand in making this the greatest festival on earth. How can I get involved? Oh so many ways! Visit the Contact page to sort out which category of inquiry best suits your ambitions, and then drop us a line.