STATELINE, Nev. – Creativity, craftsmanship, and whole lot of Tahoe Blue vodka – this Saturday’s 15th annual Tahoe Bloody Mary Festival, presented by Visit Lake Tahoe, returns to the Golden Nugget pool deck as top bartenders from around the region strive to rack up the most votes for their Bloody Mary creation and show folks why Bloody Marys have been a staple brunch cocktail for decades.
“The energy is high, you’re going to get full and you’re going to catch a buzz,” said Mike Peron, producer of the Tahoe Bloody Mary Festival.
First created as a way to celebrate Matt Levitt’s Tahoe Blue Vodka, the event has grown into one of Lake Tahoe’s most anticipated traditions, offering live music through bands and DJs, access to the South Shore’s largest outdoor pool, and those epic summer vibes only Lake Tahoe can offer.
This year, 15 bartenders from around the region, including Lake Tahoe, Carson City, Reno and Virginia City, will be bringing their A-game to Stateline, showcasing their Bloody Mary creations which will feature Tahoe Blue Vodka, handcrafted recipes, artistic flair, unique glassware and creatively outrageous garnish pairings.
“There’s two categories [of voting],” Peron said. “There’s the Judges’ Choice and the People’s Choice.”
As guests get unlimited tastings to determine their favorite, an esteemed panel of judges, composed of a few past winners and experts like Yelp’s senior community and marketing director, Michael Tragash, editor-in-chief of edible Reno-Tahoe magazine, Jessica Santina, and more, will weigh in to determine who they think deserves bragging rights for their Bloody Mary concoction.
Participating contestants include:
- Golden Nugget (Salt Grass)
- Bruschetta Restaurant (South Lake Tahoe)
- Tahoe Cruises (South Lake Tahoe)
- The Woods Tahoe (South Lake Tahoe)
- McPs Taphouse (South Lake Tahoe)
- Golden Nugget (Bill’s Sportsbook)
- Paddle Wheel Saloon (Incline Village)
- Sage Leaf (Incline Village)
- Overland Saloon (Fallon, NV)
- Ps & Qs Tavern (Fallon, NV)
- Gold Hill Hotel (Virginia City, NV)
- Delta Saloon (Virginia City, NV)
- Lucky Spur Saloon (Kingston, NV)
- 2MCs Mixers (Placerville)
- J Resort (Reno)
The festival is more than just a cocktail competition and summer bash, it’s also a chance to give back to the community as Peron helps determine a different beneficiary each year.
“There’s going to be a benefit raffle for the Boys and Girls Club of Lake Tahoe and chances to win some really cool prizes,” said Peron.
Some of the prizes include standup paddleboards, an e-bike from South Shore Bikes, a VIP getaway/staycation at the Golden Nugget, and a Spirit of Tahoe yacht cruise for four people.
The 15th annual Tahoe Bloody Mary Festival is open to visitors and locals alike, and runs from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on August 22. General admission includes unlimited Bloody Mary tastings from competing bartenders, Golden Nugget pool access, live entertainment and more. Tickets sell out every year so be sure to purchase yours at www.eventbrite.com.
For more information about the Tahoe Bloody Mary Festival, visit TahoeBloodyMary.com and check out the event’s Facebook page for alerts and prizes.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both longtime fans and first-time attendees for another year of amazing cocktails, live music, and great memories,” Peron said.
