As Dragon Con marks its 40th anniversary, Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery is toasting the occasion with two commemorative products crafted in Marietta. The distillery, which returns as the Official Vodka of Dragon Con for a second year, has introduced Dragon Con Vodka and a new Dragon Con Apple Pie Craft Cider. These beverages will be available throughout downtown Atlanta from September 3 to 7, welcoming fans from around the world to the city’s Labor Day tradition.
Mark Deno, founder of Atlanta Distillery, emphasized the local connection: “We make everything in Marietta, so there’s something special about welcoming Dragon Con fans with products made right here. This partnership lets us share a little more of Atlanta with people coming from all over the world.” The collaboration extends the distillery’s presence at the convention, offering fans a taste of Georgia’s craft beverage scene.
The products will be featured at major Dragon Con host hotels. 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 showcase both products at The MarketPlace, offering a Dragon Con Bundle that includes a bottle of vodka and four Bloody Mary pouches. Trader Vic’s at the Hilton will host a tasting event on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a Dragon Con Vodka and Red Bull cocktail. The Westin Peachtree Plaza will serve the beverages at Bar 210, its convenience store, and through room service, while the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown will offer them in its grab-and-go area.
Beyond hotel locations, the spirits will be available at Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery, which will offer Apple Pie Cider and a specialty vodka cocktail. Additionally, the Red Phone Booth will transform into a Doctor Who-inspired experience for Dragon Con, with a collectible comic-book-style cocktail menu featuring Dragon Con Vodka, Apple Pie Cider, and Short Barrel’s Dragon Con Whiskey. The venue will host the Dragon Con Cigar Group Kickoff on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., including specialty cocktails and giveaways. On Saturday morning, fans can attend a Parade Watch Party and Disco Breakfast in the Grand Ballroom.
For those who wish to take the experience home, Dragon Con Vodka and Apple Pie Cider can be purchased from participating Atlanta-area retailers such as Peachtree Package Store, Sol’s Liquor, Green’s on Ponce, Publix at Piedmont, and Kroger on Ponce de Leon. Online ordering is available at DragonConSpirits.com through September 30, with limited supplies.
This year’s collaboration underscores the growing trend of local partnerships that enhance the convention experience, offering attendees a unique way to engage with Atlanta’s culture. As Dragon Con celebrates four decades, the availability of locally crafted spirits adds a flavorful dimension to the festivities, strengthening the bond between the event and its host city.
