As Dragon Con marks its 40th anniversary this Labor Day weekend, Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery is raising a glass to the event's enduring legacy. The Marietta-based craft producer has unveiled two commemorative products—Dragon Con Vodka and Dragon Con Apple Pie Craft Cider—that will be available throughout the convention's footprint in downtown Atlanta from September 3 to 7. This collaboration not only celebrates the convention's milestone but also underscores the deep connection between the event and the local Atlanta community.
Atlanta Distillery returns as the Official Vodka of Dragon Con for a second consecutive year, while the Apple Pie Craft Cider is a new addition for 2026. According to founder Mark Deno, '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.' This local angle adds a unique authenticity to the fan experience, as attendees can enjoy products crafted in the very region they are visiting.
The availability of these products is strategically placed to maximize fan engagement. At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, the Lobby Market, seven Dragon Con-branded satellite bars, and Twenty-Two Storys Lobby Bar will offer both the vodka and cider. A specialty cocktail called 'The 1986'—named for the year Dragon Con was founded—will also be featured. The Hilton Atlanta will showcase the products at The MarketPlace, including a Dragon Con Bundle that pairs a 750 mL bottle of vodka with four 8-ounce Filthy Bloody Mary pouches. Trader Vic's will host a tasting and promotion on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. Meanwhile, the Westin Peachtree Plaza will serve vodka cocktails and cider at Bar 210, with cider available through room service. The Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown and Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery will also carry the products, ensuring that fans can easily find them at multiple venues.
Beyond hotel bars, the collaboration extends to special events. The Red Phone Booth will transform into a Doctor Who-inspired experience, with a collectible comic-book-style cocktail menu featuring Dragon Con Vodka, Apple Pie Cider, and Short Barrel's Dragon Con Whiskey across four venues. The Dragon Con Cigar Group Kickoff on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. will feature specialty cocktails, giveaways, and swag. A Parade Watch Party and Disco Breakfast on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon will offer additional opportunities for fans to enjoy these local beverages.
The economic impact of such collaborations is significant. By partnering with local businesses, Dragon Con reinforces its role as a major driver of tourism and revenue for Atlanta. The availability of these products at local retailers such as Peachtree Package Store, Sol's Liquor, Green's on Ponce, Publix at Piedmont, and Kroger allows fans to take a piece of the experience home. Online ordering is also available at DragonConSpirits.com through September 30, expanding the reach beyond the convention weekend.
This initiative not only enhances the fan experience but also showcases Atlanta's thriving craft beverage scene. As Dragon Con continues to grow, such partnerships highlight the symbiotic relationship between major events and local enterprises, ensuring that the spirit of the convention is deeply rooted in the city it calls home.
