New Holland Artisan Spirits is proud to continue the tradition of the Art of the Cocktail competition. Twelve bars and venues from the Grand Rapids community created cocktails using at least one of our Michigan-made spirits and one fresh, Michigan ingredient. Other than these parameters, it was left up to the imagination and skill of each venue. We’re sure you’ll enjoy the innovative drinks coming from your favorite local bartenders and mixologists. Now, get out there, get to tasting, and vote here for your favorite. Participating venues: Bar Divani City Sen Lounge J. Gardella’s Louis Benton Monkey Bar Reserve San Chez Stella’s Lounge Sundance Grill Tre Cugini Trillium Haven Vitale’s Ada How to participate: Each venue has drink cards with their QR Code printed on them. After you try their drink, if you’d like to vote for them, you can scan a card and if it’s your first one, you’ll be asked to register as an Art of the Cocktail user. Once registered, the details of the drink will be in front of you, and you can share it, comment on it or vote for it. You’ll be able to vote once for any of the cocktails you like, however we recommend that if you’d like your vote to carry some weight, you only vote for your favorite four. If you don’t have a QR reader, the URL for that drink is printed on the card. You can take it with you, type the URL into your browser and you’ll have the same options available. First round voting extends through October 7th, at which time the top five finalists are invited to come pour their drinks at the final party at Louis Benton’s, “L & B Lounge” on October 15th at 7 pm. This party is open to the public, but will also be loaded with several qualified, “Cocktail Judges”. The judges will taste and rate the cocktails, eventually recognizing only one as the Art of the Cocktail 2012 Champion. So get yourself to these participating bars and restaurants, have yourself a drink, and tell us which ones you think belong in the finals!