3rd Annual SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest Returns October 24, Announces Orange Coast Magazine as Official Media Partner

More than 30 spirits brands, unlimited tastings, live entertainment and an exclusive VIP experience featuring a caviar station await VIPs at Gillette House

IRVINE, CA, UNITED STATES, October 20, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The 3rd Annual SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest, presented by SIP Awards, returns to Orange County on Saturday, October 24, 2026, bringing together more than 30 premium spirits brands for an evening of tastings, cocktails, entertainment, and opportunities to meet the people behind the bottles.

This year’s event also welcomes Orange Coast Magazine as its official media partner, bringing together one of Orange County’s leading lifestyle publications with a celebration of the region’s growing interest in craft cocktails, premium spirits and culinary experiences.

Held at Gillette House in Irvine, the Fest invites guests to explore an extensive selection of tequila, mezcal, whiskey, bourbon, vodka, gin, Champagne, and other spirits from emerging and established brands. Guests can sample award-winning selections, discover new favorites, and speak directly with distillers, founders, and brand ambassadors about what goes into creating their products.

For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP admission begins at 5 p.m. and includes access to the exclusive Orange Coast Magazine VIP Lounge, featuring a caviar station and special amenities, plus early access to participating brands and tastings. Named in recognition of Orange Coast Magazine’s role as the event’s official media partner, the lounge offers guests a special place to enjoy the evening. VIP guests will also receive a limited-edition SIP Awards neat glass and a two-month associate membership to the Los Angeles Tequila Club.

Throughout the evening, attendees can enjoy live entertainment, interactive brand experiences, a 360-degree photo booth, food offerings, and a silent auction. Guests can also purchase select bottles from participating brands through Louie's Liquor, the Fest's on-site retail program, making it easy to take home a new favorite discovered during the evening.

The event will also support MeoowzResQ, a Southern California nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and finding loving homes for cats and kittens in need. Representatives from the organization will be on-site with adoptable cats, giving guests an opportunity to meet some furry friends, learn more about the rescue's mission, and potentially welcome a new companion into their family. The partnership adds a meaningful charitable component to the evening while raising awareness of animal rescue and adoption.

“We’re excited to bring the SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest back for its third year with an incredible lineup of established and emerging spirits brands,” said Paul Hashemi, CEO of SIP Awards. “What makes this event special is the opportunity for guests to discover new favorites, meet the people behind the brands, and enjoy an evening filled with great cocktails, food, and entertainment. We’re also thrilled to welcome Orange Coast Magazine as our media partner and look forward to making this our best year yet.”

The partnership with Orange Coast Magazine gives the event an opportunity to reach the publication’s readers, who follow Orange County’s dining, entertainment, arts, and lifestyle scene.

“Orange County has such a wonderful food and cocktail scene, and we’re excited to partner with the SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest to celebrate it,” said Orange Coast Editor-in-Chief Tina Borgatta. “Our readers love discovering new experiences, and this event brings together great spirits, creative cocktails, and the people behind the brands, all in one place. We’re looking forward to being part of a fun evening right here in Orange County.”

The Fest is an extension of SIP Awards, an international spirits competition known for its consumer-judging model. Rather than relying solely on industry experts, SIP Awards puts spirits in consumers' hands, giving brands feedback from the people who ultimately purchase and enjoy their products.

The SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest brings that philosophy to life by connecting consumers with brands in a relaxed, interactive setting.

Event Details
What: 3rd Annual SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest
When: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Red Carpet & VIP Admission: 5:00 p.m.
General Admission: 6:00 p.m.
Event Ends: 9:00 p.m.
Where: Gillette House, 17475 Gillette Ave., Suite 100, Irvine, CA 92614
Tickets and information: https://sipawards.com/cocktail-spirits-fest

Guests must be 21 or older and present valid government-issued photo identification.

About SIP Awards
SIP Awards is an international spirits competition distinguished by its consumer-judging model. By allowing consumers to evaluate spirits through blind tastings, SIP Awards provides brands with valuable feedback while recognizing excellence across the industry. The SoCal Cocktail & Spirits Fest extends that mission by bringing award-winning and emerging spirits brands together with consumers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals.

About Orange Coast Magazine
Orange Coast Magazine is a leading lifestyle publication covering Orange County’s people, places, dining, arts, entertainment, and culture. Through its editorial coverage and community connections, the magazine has long been a resource for readers looking to discover what Orange County has to offer.

Media Contact
Kelly Bennett
Bennett Unlimited PR
kelky@bennettunlimitedpr.com
Media credentials, interviews with participating brands and event organizers, and photography opportunities are available upon request.

Kelly Bennett
Bennett Unlimited PR, LLC
+1 949-463-6383
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