As Dragon Con celebrates its 40th anniversary this Labor Day weekend, fans from across the country and around the world will find a taste of Atlanta in their glasses. Atlanta Hard Cider Co. & Distillery, based in Marietta, has released two commemorative products for the occasion: 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 apple pie cider is a new addition to the collaboration in 2026.
Both products will be available throughout the Dragon Con footprint in downtown Atlanta from September 3 to 7, including at branded hotel bars, specialty cocktail venues, and local retailers. Mark Deno, founder of Atlanta Distillery, 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."
The products will be featured at key convention hotels. At the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, guests can find them at the Lobby Market, seven Dragon Con-branded satellite bars, and Twenty-Two Storys Lobby Bar, where they can also try The 1986, a specialty cocktail made with Dragon Con Vodka. The Hilton Atlanta will have both products at The MarketPlace, which also offers a Dragon Con Bundle including a 750 mL bottle of vodka and four 8-ounce Filthy Bloody Mary pouches. Trader Vic's will host a Dragon Con Vodka and Red Bull tasting and promotion on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. 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 feature both products in its grab-and-go area, and Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery will offer the cider along with a specialty vodka cocktail.
Beyond hotel locations, the distillery has planned special activations. The Red Phone Booth will transform from red to blue for a Doctor Who-inspired experience, with programming across multiple venues and a collectible comic-book-style cocktail menu featuring Dragon Con Vodka, Apple Pie Craft Cider, and Short Barrel's Dragon Con Whiskey. The Dragon Con Cigar Group Kickoff will be held 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, a Dragon Con Parade Watch Party and Disco Breakfast will take place in the Grand Ballroom. Fans can follow @atldistillery and @atlantahardcider for additional announcements.
For those who want to take the celebration home, both products are available for purchase at participating Atlanta-area retailers, including Peachtree Package Store, Sol's Liquor, Green's on Ponce, Publix at Piedmont, and Kroger. Online ordering is available at DragonConSpirits.com through September 30, while supplies last. This local partnership not only enhances the fan experience but also supports a Marietta-based craft cidery and distillery, highlighting Atlanta's vibrant beverage scene during one of its most iconic events.
