As Dragon Con marks its 40th anniversary, Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery is toasting the occasion with two locally crafted products: Dragon Con Vodka and Dragon Con Apple Pie Craft Cider. The Marietta-based distillery, which returns as the Official Vodka of Dragon Con for a second year, is expanding its collaboration with the new cider release, both available throughout downtown Atlanta from September 3 to 7.
The partnership highlights the economic and cultural significance of Dragon Con, which draws fans from across the country and around the world to Atlanta each Labor Day weekend. By offering products made in Marietta, the distillery aims to share a piece of local craftsmanship with visitors. "We make everything in Marietta, so there's something special about welcoming Dragon Con fans with products made right here," said Mark Deno, founder of Atlanta Distillery. "This partnership lets us share a little more of Atlanta with people coming from all over the world."
The products will be available at key hotels and venues within the Dragon Con footprint. At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, guests can find them at the Lobby Market, seven satellite bars, and Twenty-Two Storys Lobby Bar, where they can also try The 1986, a specialty cocktail made with Dragon Con Vodka. The Hilton Atlanta will feature a display at The MarketPlace and offer a Dragon Con Bundle including a bottle of vodka and Filthy Bloody Mary pouches. Trader Vic's will host a tasting and promotion on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a cocktail with Dragon Con Vodka and Red Bull Energy Drink.
At the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Bar 210 will serve cocktails and cider, with the cider also available via room service. The Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown will offer both products in its grab-and-go area, and Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery will feature the cider and a specialty cocktail. These placements ensure fans have easy access to the commemorative beverages throughout the convention.
Beyond hotel bars, the collaboration extends to special events and activations. The Red Phone Booth will transform into a Doctor Who-inspired experience, with a collectible comic-book-style cocktail menu featuring Dragon Con Vodka, Apple Pie Cider, and Dragon Con Whiskey across four venues. The Dragon Con Cigar Group Kickoff on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. will offer specialty cocktails and giveaways. On Saturday, a Parade Watch Party and Disco Breakfast from 9 a.m. to noon will be held in the Grand Ballroom.
For fans wanting to take the experience home, the products are available at several Atlanta-area retailers, including Peachtree Package Store, Sol's Liquor, Green's on Ponce, Publix at Piedmont, and Kroger on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Online ordering is available at DragonConSpirits.com through September 30, while supplies last.
This initiative not only enhances the fan experience but also supports a local business, demonstrating the synergy between major events and regional economic growth. As Dragon Con celebrates four decades, the partnership underscores the convention's role in showcasing Atlanta's hospitality and local enterprise.
