As Dragon Con marks its 40th anniversary, Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery is toasting the occasion with two commemorative products made in Marietta: Dragon Con Vodka and Dragon Con Apple Pie Craft Cider. The distillery returns as the Official Vodka of Dragon Con for a second consecutive year, while the new Apple Pie Cider expands the collaboration for 2026. From branded hotel bars and specialty cocktails to fan events and local retailers, both products will be available throughout the Dragon Con footprint in downtown Atlanta from September 3 to 7.
Founder Mark Deno emphasized the local connection: "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."
Attendees can find the products at several key venues. At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Dragon Con Vodka and Apple Pie Cider will be available at the Lobby Market, seven Dragon Con-branded satellite bars, and Twenty-Two Storys Lobby Bar, where guests can also try The 1986, a specialty cocktail made with Dragon Con Vodka. The Hilton Atlanta will feature both products, including a display at The MarketPlace, which offers a Dragon Con Bundle with one 750 mL bottle of Dragon Con Vodka and four 8-ounce Filthy Bloody Mary pouches. Trader Vic's will host a Dragon Con Vodka and Red Bull tasting and promotion Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. At the Westin Peachtree Plaza, Bar 210 will serve Dragon Con Vodka cocktails and Apple Pie Cider, with the cider also available through room service. The Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown will offer both products in its grab-and-go area. Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery will feature Apple Pie Cider and a specialty cocktail with Dragon Con Vodka.
Beyond hotel bars, Dragon Con events will showcase the spirits. Red Phone Booth will transform from red to blue for a Doctor Who-inspired experience, with programming across Red Phone Booth, Amalfi, Peachtree Sporting Club, and American Dive. A collectible comic-book-style cocktail menu will feature Dragon Con Vodka, Apple Pie Craft Cider, and Short Barrel's Dragon Con Whiskey. The Dragon Con Cigar Group Kickoff takes place Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Red Phone Booth, featuring specialty cocktails, giveaways, and swag. On Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon, fans can enjoy a Dragon Con Parade Watch Party and Disco Breakfast in the Grand Ballroom.
For those who want to take the experience home, Dragon Con Vodka and Apple Pie Cider are available at participating Atlanta-area retailers, including Peachtree Package Store, Sol's Liquor, Green's on Ponce, Publix at Piedmont, and Kroger on Ponce de Leon Avenue. Online ordering is also available at DragonConSpirits.com through September 30. Products are limited and available while supplies last.
The collaboration underscores the economic and cultural impact of Dragon Con, which draws fans from across the globe and boosts local businesses. By offering locally crafted products, Atlanta Distillery not only enhances the fan experience but also highlights the city's vibrant craft beverage scene. This initiative reflects a growing trend of partnerships between major conventions and local producers, creating unique, place-based experiences that resonate with attendees and support the regional economy.
