GWINN & TONIC

GWINNETT COUNTY COCKTAIL & MOCKTAIL RECIPE CONTEST RULES

1. PURPOSE

To celebrate creativity, flavor, and presentation in both alcoholic (“cocktail”) and non-alcoholic (“mocktail”) beverages, and to engage mixology enthusiasts across the county. The winning signature beverage will serve as a unifier and be served in restaurants across the county.

2. ELIGIBILITY

Open to residents of Gwinnett who are at least 21 years old to enter, and must submit both cocktail and mocktail recipes.
Multiple entrants from one household permitted, but each recipe entry must be unique, and each entrant submits their own entry.

3. ENTRY CATEGORIES

Cocktail: must contain alcohol at least 2 ounces of gin, and at least two unique ingredients, and a garnish.
Mocktail: non-alcoholic (no spirits; can include juices, syrups, non-alcoholic bitters, etc.) and garnish

4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Each recipe entry must include:

Recipe name
Full list of ingredients, with approximate measures (ounces, milliliters, etc.)
Preparation method (shake/stir/blend, etc.)
Garnish(s)
For mocktails: clearly state that the entry is non-alcoholic, and all ingredients must conform.

5. RECIPE RULES & INGREDIENTS

All entries must be original creations, not simple copies of existing recipes. If inspired, the differences must be clearly described.
Limit the total number of ingredients to 5 (excluding ice and basic garnishes) to encourage clarity and flavor balance.
All ingredients must be food-safe and suitable for consumption.
For the Cocktail category, follow all applicable laws regarding alcohol (proof limits, permitted substances, etc.).
For the Mocktail category, entrants are permitted to simply remove the alcohol from their original cocktail recipe.
All entrants must submit both a cocktail recipe and a non-alcoholic mocktail version.

6. ENTRY DEADLINE & TIMING

Entries must be submitted by November 4th at 11:59 pm
Late entries will not be accepted.
After judging, the winner will be contacted via email no later than November 12th, and the winner will be publicly announced on the 14th via Explore Gwinnett's social media channels with a celebratory event on November 21st @ The Hudgens Center for Arts & Learning from 2 pm - 7 pm (open to the public)

7. PRIZES

One winner will be selected and will win a $250 Visa gift card, recognition in the 2026 Explore Gwinnett Magazine, mention and credit for the cocktail on our website and social media, and a 1-minute, professionally filmed and produced video about the mixologist and their creation.

8. COPYRIGHT, PUBLICITY, & USE OF RECIPES

By entering, participants grant the organizing committee rights to use their recipe name, description, photographs, and any promotional quotes for publicity in print or digital media.
Entries become the property of the organizers; organizers may publish winning recipes.
Participants must represent that their entry is original and does not infringe any copyrights or trademarks.

Gwinn and tonic