Birmingham Public Library To Feature Local Distilleries at Classic Cocktails October 25

On Tuesday, October 25, the Birmingham Public Library (BPL) and the Friends Foundation of the BPL will host their first-ever Classic Cocktails fundraiser. Scheduled to take place at downtown’s Central Library from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M., Classic Cocktails is a kickoff party leading up to this year's Magic City Classic football game between Alabama A&M University and Alabama State Universityone of Birmingham’s most anticipated annual events. 

 If you’re looking for a chance to reconnect with old friends or make new ones, come join us for a night of entertainment and fun at Classic Cocktails. It’s also an opportunity to mingle with former classmates from Alabama State and Alabama A&M Universities!



Among the entertainment in store for guests is a tasting of locally distilled spirits from Redmont Distilling Company and Sweet Home Spirits. A representative from the Sarasota-based Bushwacker Spirits will be on hand to present the company’s version of the iconic Caribbean drink.



Located in Avondale, Redmont Distilling Company began distilling Redmont Vodka and Vulcan Gin in small batches at its Birmingham distillery in 2015. In August of 2019, the distillery welcomed Alabama native and basketball star, Charles Barkley, as a majority owner. Charles had wanted to invest in a business in his home state for a long time, and Redmont Distilling Company presented a great opportunity for him to be a part of the Birmingham business community.

Redmont Distilling Company produces premium 8x-distilled, gluten-free, non-GMO Redmont Vodka. It is 100% neutral, free from any harsh aftertaste, and finishes with a smooth taste. 



The brainchild of University of Alabama graduate Austin Creel,  Sweet Home Spirits created Alabama’s first legal whiskey. Unlike Kentucky bourbon or Tennessee mash, Sweet Home Spirits’ whiskey is a is a blend of 75% sweet corn, 21% rye, and just the right amount of malted barley to provide a smooth finish. This young whiskey is less about ageing than about a proprietary filtering design, which not only complements the traditional American whiskey profile but gives it a style all its own. 

Sweet Home Spirits’ 100% corn vodka is 3x-filtered after a 10x distillation process. The time and extra steps the company takes in distilling its vodka removes any lingering aftertaste that often tarnishes other premium brands. 

Sweet Home Spirits wants folks who’ve never considered visiting Alabama to sip its spirits and imagine what it’s like to spend some time in Sweet Home Alabama. The distillery will present its Limoncello, Campfire Cinnamon Whiskey, Vodka, and Whiskey at Classic Cocktails.

Established in 2020 by Michael Smith and Carter Echols, the Florida-based Bushwacker Spirits  is the first to put the iconic Bushwacker drink into a bottle as a ready-to-drink cocktail. 

Bushwacker Spirits is available in the Southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Tennessee. The drink is composed of Caribbean rum, real dairy cream, natural coconut, coffee and chocolate flavors, and caramel coloring. It may be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create fun cocktails and desserts. 


Presented by the local law firm of Petway, French & Ford LLP,  Classic Cocktails will also feature music from DJ Chris Coleman of V94.9 FM, catered tailgate food by Kim Martin and Jack’s, a cigar bar provided by Cigars & More, a 360 photo booth, games, and a full-service cocktail bar. Merchandise from the two rival HBCUs will be available for purchase. Whether you're a fan of the Alabama A&M Bulldogs or Alabama State Hornets, BPL's premier Classic Cocktails fundraiser will be an evening to remember! 

Birmingham Education Foundation

A portion of the proceeds from Classic Cocktails will be awarded to the Birmingham Education Foundation (Ed) to fund student scholarships. Ed's mission is to increase the number of students in the Birmingham City School system that are on the path to college and careers, as well as to strengthen their life skills. 

Remaining proceeds will help the Birmingham Public Library continue to provide the community with the highest-quality experience of lifelong learning and cultural enrichment. 

 Please show your support of the Birmingham Education Foundation, the Friends Foundation of the BPL, and the BPL by purchasing your Classic Cocktails tickets today!  Tickets are available online through Eventbrite. We hope to see you next Tuesday!

By Margaret Splane|Library Assistant, BPL Development Office

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