Key West’s reputation is not exactly one of restraint and moderation. Alcohol has long been inevitable at island events, from fundraisers and festivals to garage sales and game nights.
And while drinking is never mandatory, it is customary. Or, at least it has been.
The mocktail movement has made its way to the Southernmost City, where alcohol-free cocktails are creating a different kind of buzz.
The inaugural Hemingway Mocktail Classic took place March 6 at the Hemingway Home & Museum, drawing more than 100 thirsty guests, eager to taste expertly crafted upscale beverages with no boozy downside.
Museum owners Andrew and Jaylin Morawski acknowledged the irony in hosting the alcohol-free affair given the inebriated image of its namesake author.
“Remember Hemingway’s quote, ‘I only drank to make others more interesting’?” event co-chair Jaylin Morawski wrote in a social media post describing the event. “Well, here’s the deal. We’re making NOT drinking just as interesting. Great experiences don’t always need alcohol.”
The Mocktail Classic was a resoundingly great experience — and a much-needed fundraiser for the Anchors Aweigh Club, 404 Virginia St., which for 40 years has hosted 12-step meetings and other events.
Co-chair Betina Justice, who serves on the board of Anchors Aweigh, was considering ways to expand the club’s fundraising to reach different crowds. She knew the so-called “mocktail movement” had been making headlines since 2022, and mentioned the idea of a mocktail event to the Morawskis. They were in — alcohol was out.
The Mocktail Classic was an instant success, featuring a competition among top Key West mixologists, food pairings, live music and artistic performances, all spread out on the grounds of the Hemingway Home & Museum, 907 Whitehead St.
A panel of six judges scored the drinks on a scale of 1 to 5 for best taste, best food pairing, originality and best presentation.
“We can’t wait to see what everyone brings to the table next year,” Jaylin Morawski said.
Mocktail Classic winners:
- Jessica Larson of Coasting Cocktails won Best Presentation and Best Overall Mocktail for her Sour Puss mocktail.
- General Horseplay won the People’s Choice award with its Rudolph Valentino mocktail, “a sultry mix of smoked anise syrup, lemon, ginger, muddled blackberries, and a splash of soda, finished with a torched lemon wheel.”
- Half Shell Raw Bar won the Best Food Pairing category with its Half Shell Mocktail and blackened shrimp ceviche taco.
