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Meet Quinton Chandler: The Atlanta Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic 2017 Champion

Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Atlanta Winner

"It feels really good to be proud of myself after such a rough 2016."

Congrats on being named the Atlanta Champion in the 2017 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic! How does it feel?
Feels like I'm on top of Atlanta and I shine like the top of the BOA building. I must say that it feels really good to be proud of myself after such a rough 2016.

Can you tell us a little bit about the drink, and your inspiration behind it?
My theme this year was Willy Wonka. I wanted something that had a deep taste but still light enough to reach a bigger crowd of palette. Blueberry and pomegranate was such a nice mixture and with a little glitter, won the Atlanta vote!

The Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic honors the unique legacy of gay bars as original safe spaces and community centers and the role our bartenders have played as hosts and caretakers throughout history. Tell us about what your role as a nightlife professional means to you.
This is what I'm meant to do. its such a small gesture to make someone genuinely smile. You can order a bud light anywhere but you choose to come see me and I love that. I've been at Felix's Atlanta for 5 years now and the family there is absolutely incredible.


As you know, part of your prize for winning the Atlanta competition is an all-expense-paid trip to Key West, FL this June. Have you ever been to Key West before?
I've never been to Key West and it's wild to think that someone is willing take to pay for me to be a part of something because of what I did! I feel so fancy! Key West is going to SLAAAYYYY and I can't wait to find the local nudist beach.

And in Key West, you'll be competing for a chance to win $2,500 to $7,500 for your hand-picked charity, anything you want to mention on your relationship to them, or why you picked them to represent?
Mister Center in Atlanta. We have many incredible charities that we raise money for year 'round at Felix's Atlanta but Mister Center is in the Ansley Square parking lot every weekend giving free HIV/STD tests and counseling. They've given incredible amounts to our community and have helped numerous of my close friends. They deserve the world.

Any advice (or trash talk!) for your competitors as you head into the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic Finale - June 7th - 12th in Key West, FL?
Let's raise hell and kill this competition and may the best woman, WIN!

P.S. You're never fully dressed without a smile!

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