Twelve local restaurants and bars will compete to create Redlands' 2026 Signature Orange Drop Cocktail during the Aug. 20 tasting event at the Mitten Building.
Trustees will receive a presentation on artificial intelligence, consider more than $1.1 million in adult education funding and discuss proposed parental notification and "No Deception" policies.
Twelve local restaurants and bars will compete to create Redlands' 2026 Signature Orange Drop Cocktail during the Aug. 20 tasting event at the Mitten Building.
REDLANDS, Calif. — Local bartenders will put their creativity on display next month as the Redlands Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Cocktail Competition, where one drink will earn the title of the city's official 2026 Signature Orange Drop Cocktail.
The competition will take place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Mitten Building, 345 N. Fifth St. Guests ages 21 and older will have the opportunity to sample cocktails and mocktails from participating Redlands restaurants and bars before casting their votes for their favorites.
Tickets are limited and available through the Redlands Chamber of Commerce website.
This year's competition features 12 local restaurants and bars:
Each establishment will create an original cocktail or mocktail inspired by Redlands, with attendees voting for the People's Choice Award while a panel of judges selects select the Best Cocktail, Best Mocktail and Taste of Redlands. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m.
The event celebrates Redlands' growing restaurant and hospitality community while highlighting the creativity of local bartenders. Participating establishments are encouraged to decorate their tasting stations to reflect their business and featured drink.
Now in its fourth year, the competition has become the Chamber's signature summer event, drawing hundreds of attendees to sample original cocktails and mocktails while celebrating Redlands' growing food and beverage scene. The winning drink will be featured as the city's official Signature Orange Drop Cocktail during the Chamber's New Year's Eve Orange Drop celebration.
Proceeds from the event support the Chamber's Orange Drop New Year's Eve celebration, which marks the arrival of the new year with the ceremonial lowering of a giant illuminated orange in downtown Redlands.
Admission includes tastings of the competition entries, voting privileges and light snacks. Organizers encourage attendees to sample responsibly.
Sign up for our weekly newsletter
