The year-long reign of qui's Mexican tepache is coming to an end and a new cocktail must be crowned in its place. On February 26, the Official Drink of Austin will once again pit the finest cocktail makers against each other to find the very best drink in town.

Taking place at Fair Market, representiatives from drink.well., Half Step, Odd Duck, Garage, Licha’s Cantina and VOX Table will stir, mix, shake and muddle cocktails in support of the Austin Food & Wine Alliance, a nonprofit that has awarded $75,000 in culinary grants since 2012. The winner will also have the dubious distinction of creating Austin's "official" cocktail for one year.

Judging the competition this year are last year's winner JD Elliott of qui; Chef Jack Gilmore of Jack Allen's Kitchen; local musician Gina Chavez; Thrillist writer Dan Gentile; Jason Stevens of Wonderland; and Jason Kosmas, cofounder of The 86 Company.

In addition to chef-prepared light bites, the bartenders will be serving drinks from local liquor purveyors, inlcuding Dulce Vida Organic Tequila, Treaty Oak Distilling, Balcones Distilling, Garrison Brothers, Deep Eddy Vodka, White Hat Rum, Dripping Springs Gin, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Genius Gin, Revolution Spirits, Paula’s Texas Spirits and Tequila 512.

Tickets for the competition are $55 and are on sale here.