Roswell spent the summer raising glasses, comparing favorites and discovering new reasons to visit local restaurants during the 2026 Summer Sippin’ competition. After two months of tasting and rating, nine drinks earned top honors across three categories: cocktails, mocktails and non-alcoholic beverages.
Presented by Roswell Inc and Visit Roswell, Summer Sippin’ included Gas South and Huntington Bank among its event sponsors.
Held June 16 through August 18, Summer Sippin’ invited participating Roswell establishments to create an original drink inspired by the season. Residents and visitors could explore the selections through a free interactive event guide, save favorites, check in at participating locations and rate every sip they tried. Every rating became another opportunity to support local businesses.
Each entry had to be new to the menu, summer focused and created with fresh ingredients. That challenge gave bartenders, baristas and beverage teams creative freedom, while customers became part of the judging. Rather than a panel, the event placed the final decision in the hands of people tasting around town.
In the cocktail category, The Whole Truth from Truth Be Told Restaurant + Cocktail Lounge took first place. The Continental Cooler from Proper Hop Taphouse finished second, while Tropicoqueta from Fresco Cantina Grille claimed third.
Truth Be Told also made the mocktail list. Its Little White Lies finished second, giving the restaurant two winning drinks with names that played perfectly off its brand. First place went to Liberty Dragon from Arepa Grill Kitchen and Wine. Dreamy Desert Iced Infusion from Scooter’s Coffee rounded out the category in third place.
The non-alcoholic category offered something for guests craving a cool treat or a creative caffeine boost. Whit’s Pineapple Whip from Whit’s Frozen Custard of Roswell earned first place. Peach & Mint Cold Brew from Fellows Cafe finished second, and S’mores Cookie Shakes from Scooter’s Coffee took third. Scooter’s Coffee was another double winner, placing in both the mocktail and non-alcoholic categories.
This year’s results reflected what makes Summer Sippin’ such a popular Roswell tradition. The competition is about finding a favorite drink, but it also encourages people to try somewhere new, revisit a neighborhood spot and see the creativity behind the city’s food and beverage community. Every order gives a local team an opportunity to introduce its personality in a glass.
The range of winners also showed that summer sipping is not limited to cocktails. Mocktails earned their own spotlight, while coffee, frozen custard and dessert-style creations proved that a memorable drink does not need alcohol to stand out. From playful names to unexpected flavor combinations, the finalists gave guests plenty to discuss and share.
Although the votes have been counted, the winning list can still serve as inspiration for the next Roswell outing.
Summer Sippin’ once again gave Roswell a refreshing way to connect. The drinks brought people through the doors, but the experience highlighted something even more lasting: the local talent, imagination and hospitality that keep people coming back.
Summer Sippin’ is about more than finding a favorite drink. It encourages people to try somewhere new, revisit a neighborhood spot and experience the creativity, talent and hospitality behind Roswell’s local food and beverage community.