Announcing the 2017 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic

OUT is beyond excited to introduce the 2017 Key West Cocktail Classic, Stoli's annual competition to find North America's Number One Bartender! LGBT bartenders and allies across the U.S. and Canada will compete to represent their home city on the grand stage of cocktail mixology during Pride Week, June 7-11th, in Key West, Florida.

Stoli Vodka has always been a committed supporter of the LGBT community, so we are thrilled that OUT will be the official source for all upcoming information on Stoli's national competition in partnership with the Key West Business Guild.

Last year's national winner Rocky Collins set the bar high for this year's competitors with his "Key West Kitty Kat" and show-stopping stage presence, so we're here to help make sure the best of the best show up to the challenge. All LGBT bartenders and allies are encouraged to apply directly at OUT.com/KeyWestCocktailClassicSubmission; at least one competing bartender in each city will be selected from online submissions as "Wild Card" contestants. OUT's Facebook, Twitter and Instagram handles will also be providing updates on all pre-finale events in each city, since all are welcome to attend! And when each major city has its winner, OUT readers will have a chance to elect one fan-favorite.

OUT will follow all local champions to the Finale events during Key West Pride, providing exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and pictures as the contestants compete to be crowned the Key West Cocktail Classic's 2017 champion. As if the title weren't enough, the 2017 Champion becomes Honorary Grand Marshall of the Key West Pride Parade, and also wins $7,500 for his/her favorite hometown charity, PLUS an additional $5,000 for a partner charity in Key West. The first-runner up also gets an additional $2,500 for their hometown charity for a total of $15,000 going back to the community courtesy of the Key West Business Guild.

You can keep up with each step of the 2017 Key West Cocktail Classic through OUT's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, including official deadlines to apply and details on all local competitions. Plus - all those who RVSP for one of Stoli's pre-finale events will be entered to win an all-expense paid trip to Key West to watch the best cocktail show on earth!

For more information, full tour schedule, to apply to compete, or to RSVP to attend an event near you, visit OUT.com/KeyWestCocktailClassic!