As Dragon Con marks its 40th anniversary, Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery is toasting the occasion with two specially crafted beverages: Dragon Con Vodka and Dragon Con Apple Pie Craft Cider. The Marietta-based distillery returns as the Official Vodka of Dragon Con for the second year, while the apple pie cider is a new addition for 2026. These local products will be available across downtown Atlanta hotels and venues from September 3 to 7, welcoming fans from around the globe.
The partnership underscores a sense of local pride and community. "We make everything in Marietta, so there's something special about welcoming Dragon Con fans with products made right here," said Mark Deno, founder of Atlanta Distillery. "This partnership lets us share a little more of Atlanta with people coming from all over the world." The release highlights the importance of supporting local businesses and the economic impact of large conventions like Dragon Con, which draws tens of thousands of attendees each year.
Fans can find the products at major host hotels. At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, both Dragon Con Vodka and Apple Pie Cider will be available at the Lobby Market, seven branded satellite bars, and Twenty-Two Storys Lobby Bar. Guests can also sample The 1986, a specialty cocktail made with Dragon Con Vodka. The Hilton Atlanta will feature both products at The MarketPlace, which also offers a Dragon Con Bundle including a 750 mL bottle of vodka and four Filthy Bloody Mary pouches. Trader Vic's will host a tasting and promotion Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., featuring a cocktail with Dragon Con Vodka and Red Bull. The Westin Peachtree Plaza will serve cocktails and cider at Bar 210, with cider available through room service. The Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown will have both products in its grab-and-go area, and Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery will offer the cider and a specialty cocktail.
Beyond hotel bars, Dragon Con events will incorporate the beverages. The Red Phone Booth will transform into a Doctor Who-inspired experience, offering a collectible comic-book-style cocktail menu featuring Dragon Con Vodka, Apple Pie Cider, and Short Barrel's Dragon Con Whiskey. The Dragon Con Cigar Group Kickoff on Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. will feature specialty cocktails and giveaways. On Saturday morning, a Parade Watch Party and Disco Breakfast will take place in the Grand Ballroom. These activations enhance the fan experience and create memorable moments tied to the convention's anniversary.
For those who want to take a piece of Dragon Con home, the products are available at participating retailers such as Peachtree Package Store, Sol's Liquor, Green's on Ponce, Publix at Piedmont, and Kroger on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Online ordering is available at DragonConSpirits.com through September 30, while supplies last. This accessibility extends the celebration beyond the convention and allows fans to enjoy a taste of Atlanta at their leisure.
The collaboration between Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery and Dragon Con reflects a broader trend of local businesses partnering with major events to boost regional identity and economic growth. By offering locally crafted products, the partnership not only enhances the fan experience but also supports the local economy. As Dragon Con continues to evolve, such collaborations underscore the importance of community and tradition in making the event a unique cultural phenomenon.
