A Look Ahead at the 5th Annual Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic

OUT is very pleased to introduce, for the fifth year, the Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic- the annual competition to find North America's Number One Bartender. Stoli will host LGBT bartenders and allies across the U.S. and Canada in local competitions to find out who will be competing for a championship title. These bartenders will be asked to create an original cocktail using Stoli Vodka as the primary ingredient for a panel of judges and audience members. The top talent of each of the 14 cities will then represent their hometown during Key West Pride Week, June 5-11th in Florida, to win the title of North America's Number One LGBT Bartender.

Stoli Vodka has always been a committed supporter of the LGBT community, so we are thrilled that OUT will again be the official source for all upcoming information on Stoli's international competition in partnership with the Key West Business Guild, who is celebrating its 40th anniversary of serving the community in Key West.

Last year's champion, NYC's own Kayla Hasbrook, raised the bar very high with a Stoli cocktail named "No Sleep 'til Sunrise" that included turmeric infusions, cucumber, and pineapple, all paired with Stoli Premium and a show-stopping stage performance! All LGBT bartenders and allies who wish to compete this year are encouraged to apply directly at OUT.com/KeyWestBartenders. 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.

You'll be able to follow all the local champions to the Finale events during Key West Pride Week, with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and pictures from OUT as the contestants compete to be crowned the 2018 Champion. As if the title weren't enough, the 2018 Champion becomes Honorary Grand Marshall of the Key West Pride Parade, and receives a portion of $20,000 for their charity of choice, for a total of $55,000 given to date, with $5,000 of this winning donated to a local Key West non-profit. This year's champion will also win an all-out victory party/charity check presentation in their home city, and a trip to San Diego or Vancouver Pride in 2018.

Keep up with each step of the 2018 Stoli Key West Cocktail Classic through OUT's Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, including how to apply, attend an event near you, and get the scoop on all the competitors. 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!

Find out more at OUT.com/KeyWestCocktailClassic.