Detroit Cocktail Week showcases bars, restaurants and bartenders

For those who like to drink or make craft cocktails, Detroit Cocktail Week is growing into a must-attend event. 

Held Monday through Oct. 7, the promotion includes seminars from those in the industry, ticketed cocktail dinners and free happy hours. Cocktail-centric establishments from all over Metro Detroit participate, from Corktown’s Sugar House — which is celebrating its 7th anniversary next week — to suburban favorites like Ferndale’s Imperial and the Laundry in Fenton. 

The main event of Cocktail Week is the Detroit Cocktail Classic, 7-10 p.m. Oct. 5 at Eastern Market. There, dozens of Detroit bars and restaurants will showcase a signature cocktail using a top shelf spirit brand. General admission tickets, $40 in advance and $50 day of, include 10 sample cocktails. VIP tickets, $65, get you 15 samples, light appetizers and entry an hour early at 6 p.m. 

There’s a food truck rally happening nearby at the same time for those looking to cleanse their palate between drinks.  

A portion of proceeds from the Oct. 5 event will benefit O.A.T.S., a nonprofit that provides equine-assisted therapy to adults and children with physical and/or emotion disabilities. 

Another highlight of Detroit Cocktail Week is 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Detroit City Distillery (2462 Riopelle) when Ferndale’s Otus Supply will take over the kitchen and the bar, and the distillery will celebrate the release of its new Talon Gin. 

Kraken Black Spiced Rum will host a karaoke night at the Mutiny at 8 p.m. Oct. 4. The Southwest Tiki bar is at 4654 Vernor and there is no cover for the event.  

Visit detroitcocktail.com for a full schedule or to purchase tickets to the Detroit Cocktail Classic and other events. 

mbaetens@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @melodybaetens