DC Cocktail Week FAQ's
2026 Promotion
About DC Cocktail Week
Why is DC Cocktail Week held in early December?
The week is timed around Repeal Day on December 5, the anniversary of the end of Prohibition. It’s a celebration of the freedom to raise a glass and the region’s cocktail culture, right as the holiday season kicks off.
Who Can Participate
Do we need to be in DC?
No. DC Cocktail Week is open to restaurants and bars across the Metropolitan Washington area, including Maryland and Virginia.
Do we need to be RAMW members?
No. Membership is not required to be part of the promotion.
We’re a bar without a full kitchen. Can we participate?
Yes. Your small bite can be as simple as a bar snack.
Your Pairing
Who sets the price?
You do. Choose one set price for your cocktail + bite pairing. Need a starting point? Most participants price between $15 and $25 for the pairing.
Who keeps the revenue?
You do, 100% of it. That includes your pairing sales and any event revenue, ticketed or otherwise. The registration fee is the only cost to participate.
Can we offer more than one pairing?
Yes. At least one pairing is required, and you’re welcome to offer more.
Can we feature a zero-proof cocktail?
Yes. Zero-proof options are welcome.
Does the pairing need to be dine-in?
Yes, it should be available for dine-in, including bar seating.
Your Schedule
Do we need to be open all seven days?
No. Offer your pairing on the days you’re normally open between November 30 and December 6, during the hours you choose. If you’re closed Mondays, stay closed.
Can we offer the pairing only during certain hours, like happy hour?
Yes. You can choose when to offer your pairing, such as during happy hour or dinner service. Just let us know your pairing hours when you register so we can share them with guests.
Pricing & Registration
How much does it cost?
$100 per location through October 27, 2026. $225 per location from October 28 through the November 15 registration deadline.
Does Elevated Participation cost more?
No. It’s the same fee as Core.
We have multiple locations. How do we register?
Register each location in the portal. You can run the same menu at all of them.
What if we need to withdraw?
Registration fees are refundable until November 15.
When are our menu and photos due?
Content is due by November 15.
Elevated Participation
What kind of event can we host?
Cocktail classes, spirit tastings, themed happy hours, guest bartender nights, Repeal Day celebrations on December 5, or anything that showcases your cocktail program.
Does our event need to be ticketed?
No. Events can be ticketed or free. For ticketed events, include your ticket link with your event details. You keep 100% of ticket revenue.
When can our event take place?
Any day during DC Cocktail Week, November 30 – December 6.
Marketing
What do we need to provide?
Your logo, pairing details, and any graphics you’d like featured. Upload everything through the registration portal.
What marketing support do we get?
Every participant receives a profile on DCCocktailWeek.com, a social media toolkit with program-branded templates and captions, inclusion in RAMW’s social media campaigns and Diner Insider emails, and opportunities to be featured in themed roundups.
Are we guaranteed media coverage?
No. All participants are eligible for media features and interviews as opportunities come up, but placement depends on media interest and availability.
Privacy
How will RAMW use our information?
We’ll use it to run DC Cocktail Week and communicate with you before, during, and after the promotion. We may also contact you about other RAMW industry programs.
Questions?
Contact I-shi Patterson Stuart at ishi@ramw.org.