Cocktail lovers from all over the country are preparing to flock to San Antonio for the hugely successful and versatile San Antonio Cocktail Conference (SACC). The event takes place from January 14 - 17, and in its purest sense, is a celebration of all things craft cocktails.

Cocktail delights — Photo courtesy of San Antonio Cocktail Conference

With almost 200 different kinds of cocktails being served, nearly 100 spirit brands and over 100 bartenders working their magic, it really is a premier event. Still, the event has many facets and layers and appeals not only to casual drinkers, but also to cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals.

Here are a few parties you won't want to miss:

-Paired Dinners take place throughout the event and will include Bohanan’s, Citrus, Cure, FOLC, Il Sogno, Lüke, Market on Houston, Mixtli, Nao, Ruth’s Chris and Shuck Shack. 

-Scotch Dinner at Biga on the Banks on January 14. 

-Tasting Suites at the Valencia Hotel from 12:00 to 4:00 pm on January 16. 

-Stroll on Houston Street, which includes The Palm, Bohanan’s, The Gunter Hotel and Valencia Hotel, on January 16.

-The USBG’s “Ultimate Bartender Championship,” in partnership with Monkey Shoulder at Paper Tiger from 2:00 to 6:00 pm on January 17.

This one-of-a-kind event includes four days of parties, featuring the best cocktails and food you can find in the city, as well as a wide variety of seminars and workshops.

Although the SACC is a lot of fun for the casual drinker, it's also an event that's taken very seriously by industry professionals. Presenters and guests from all over the country come for the educational seminars that delve into all aspects of craft cocktails. 

Some of the upcoming classes include Mixology 101: Build Your Own Cocktail, The Physiology of the Shake, Flavors of Mexico, Herbal Remedies, The Art of Blending, Cigar Pairing: Cocktails and Otherwise, The Cocktails of Ian Fleming and James Bond, and many, many more.

With all this revelry and excitement going on, it's easy to forget that the whole purpose of the SACC is to raise money for children's charities. In fact, 100% of the profits benefit children. It's something that everyone involved is very proud of. It seems there is nothing more rewarding than partying for a cause! 

For more information or to buy tickets, visit the San Antonio Cocktail Conference website. Also, make sure to check out the 10Best River Walk hotels to find the perfect place to stay during the event.