Jaime Jackson Won Cedar Rapids Mocktail Competition
The LP Street Food mixologist took home the Golden Glass award for a signature Lychee Hugo Spritz.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Cocktails
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Jaime Jackson of LP Street Food claimed the Golden Glass award at the Raising Spirits Mocktail Invitational in Cedar Rapids. Attendees at the event selected the winning Lychee Hugo Spritz from eight competing local establishments.
Why it matters
The event raised funds to support ASAC services for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. It highlighted the growing local demand for sophisticated nonalcoholic drink options in the Cedar Rapids hospitality scene.
Eight bars and restaurants competed in the inaugural event, which featured appetizers provided by Groundswell Café. The winning Lychee Hugo Spritz features lychee and elderflower cordial, nonalcoholic sparkling Spanish wine, lemon, soda water, and mint.
The players
Jaime Jackson
A mixologist at LP Street Food who earned the Golden Glass award for creating the winning Lychee Hugo Spritz.
ASAC
An organization that provides essential support services for individuals recovering from substance use disorders.
CSPS Hall
A prominent community venue in Cedar Rapids that served as the host location for the competition.
The details
Mixologists from across the city gathered at CSPS Hall to compete for the top honor, with attendees casting votes to determine the winner. Participating venues included 350 First, Black Sheep Social Club, Cedar Ridge, Rhapsody Spirits & Provisions, The Map Room, The Martini Lounge, and Zeppelins.
Timeline
The inaugural mocktail competition was held on October 13, 2026.
Culture Shift
This competition mirrors the national trend of elevated nonalcoholic mixology, where craft beverage programs increasingly prioritize inclusivity for alcohol-free patrons. It marks a departure from traditional bar culture by positioning mocktails as the centerpiece of a competitive professional showcase.
Residents can now visit LP Street Food to sample the award-winning Lychee Hugo Spritz, which is now part of the local craft beverage landscape. The event success suggests an increasing variety of nonalcoholic menu options will be available at participating bars and restaurants throughout the city.
The takeaway
The success of this invitational demonstrates that sophisticated nonalcoholic drinks have become a permanent fixture in modern craft cocktail programs. Patrons can replicate this trend at home by experimenting with high-quality cordials and sparkling nonalcoholic wines.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving local beverage scene in Cedar Rapids Cocktails.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KGAN.
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