The Rochester Cocktail Revival is back. The eighth annual event kicked off Monday and runs through Sept. 5. Rochester's event is the only weeklong cocktail festival of its kind in the state, with more than 20 bars participating. Despite the vibrant local scene, Rochester hasn't made the map when it comes to national recognition for its cocktails. Tales' Spirited Awards, which honor cocktails and spirits throughout the nation, have focused attention on New York City; the only bars awarded north of that are in Massachusetts and Canada.
This hour, we preview the Rochester Cocktail Revival, and we discuss how cities like Rochester -- smaller in population, but large in cocktail culture -- earn a place on the wider cultural map. Our guests:
- Leah Stacy, associate producer for the Rochester Cocktail Revival
- Donny Clutterbuck, head bartender at Cure
- Ralph Ditucci, co-owner of The Richmond, Bar Mecca, and Cristallino Premium Ice
