The Cocktail Bandits Bring Bold Flavor and Feminine Energy to Battle of the Babes 2025
The 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition is already shaping up to be an unforgettable night. This year’s lineup of competing mixologists promises boundary-pushing drinks and unforgettable presentation, but the excitement doesn’t stop there—the judges’ table is just as impressive. Among the experts lending their palates and perspectives are none other than Johnny Caldwell and Taneka Reaves, better known to cocktail lovers across the globe as The Cocktail Bandits.
Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, this dynamic duo has built a name for themselves as beverage ambassadors, authors, event hosts, and advocates for women in food and beverage. They’re not just cocktail connoisseurs—they’re cultural storytellers, using spirits as a medium to highlight history, community, and creativity.
From College Friends to Cocktail Icons
Johnny and Taneka met while attending the College of Charleston, and their friendship quickly blossomed into a shared passion for food, beverage, and the culture surrounding it. That passion became a platform with the launch of the Cocktail Bandits blog, where they began crafting original recipes, spotlighting the artistry of other bartenders, and chronicling their adventures at food festivals across the country.
Their voices—and curls—stood out. From the very start, they approached cocktails from a feminine, urban perspective, challenging stereotypes and adding fresh energy to a space often dominated by male voices. They brought an inclusive lens to the table, making their brand about more than just drinks—it became about representation, storytelling, and celebrating heritage through flavor.
A National Stage and Global Recognition
It didn’t take long for the Cocktail Bandits’ influence to stretch far beyond Charleston. In 2018, Imbibe Magazine named them among its 75 People to Watch, and they were recognized as two of Charleston’s 50 Most Progressive. Their work has appeared everywhere from ESSENCE to Forbes, Cuisine Noir, NBC BLK, and the Food Network. They’ve even been featured on the PBS show Moveable Feast with Fine Cooking.
The pair has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Red Bull, Avion Tequila, Saveur Magazine, Renaissance Hotels, and Toyota. These partnerships aren’t just about branding—they’re about creating moments that inspire curiosity, conversation, and a deeper connection to the drinks we enjoy.
And then there’s their book—Holy Spirits! Charleston Culture Through Cocktails—a celebration of Charleston’s rich culinary and cocktail traditions, featuring more than 50 original recipes. The book seamlessly blends history and mixology, proving that a cocktail can tell as much of a story as a plate of food.
Experienced Judges with a Passion for Craft
The Cocktail Bandits are no strangers to the judges’ table. Over the years, they’ve served as expert judges for events like the American Craft Spirit Competition, the First Annual Fried Chicken Challenge, and Charleston Fashion Week’s Top Cocktail Competition.
For them, judging is about more than just evaluating flavor—it’s about recognizing creativity, execution, and the ability to tell a story through a drink. They understand that a great cocktail is an experience, one that engages all the senses and leaves a lasting impression.
At Battle of the Babes 2025, you can expect them to look for well-balanced flavor profiles, innovative presentation, and drinks that feel personal to the creator. Their approach is equal parts technical expertise and heartfelt appreciation for artistry.
Why Their Presence Matters
Having Johnny and Taneka on the judging panel sends a powerful message. They embody the competition’s mission of celebrating women in the hospitality industry and championing underrepresented voices. Their own careers have been built on breaking barriers, creating space for women behind the bar, and redefining what it means to be a thought leader in cocktails.
Their presence also adds an extra layer of prestige to the event. Competitors know their drinks will be tasted and critiqued by judges with a refined palate and a global perspective. Attendees get the thrill of seeing respected industry figures in action, and the mixologists gain valuable feedback from professionals who understand the nuances of flavor, texture, and presentation.
A Night You Don’t Want to Miss
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, Merchant + Trade in Uptown Charlotte will transform into the ultimate cocktail playground. From 4 PM to 8 PM, guests will experience an electrifying blend of competition, creativity, and community spirit. Early bird tickets include entry, eight craft cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, a swag bag, and an atmosphere that’s unmatched.
If you’ve ever wanted to watch top-tier bartenders go head-to-head while being evaluated by some of the most respected voices in the industry—this is your chance.
About HoCo: Your Partner in Hospitality Innovation
HoCo is more than just an event organizer—we’re on a mission to revive and unify the hospitality industry through collaborative experiences, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to elevating voices that deserve to be heard. From large-scale competitions to intimate networking gatherings, our events are designed to spark creativity, foster community, and set new standards for excellence.
By bringing in industry leaders like the Cocktail Bandits, we create opportunities for professionals and enthusiasts to learn, connect, and be inspired. Our vision is a hospitality landscape where talent thrives, innovation flourishes, and diversity is celebrated at every level.
Don’t Miss the 5th Annual Battle of the Babes Cocktail Competition
This isn’t just another cocktail competition—it’s a celebration of skill, creativity, and the incredible women shaping the future of hospitality. Secure your spot now and experience the artistry of the competing mixologists, the insight of our powerhouse judges, and the energy of a community that knows how to celebrate in style.
📅 Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
📍 Location: Merchant + Trade, 303 S Church St., Uptown Charlotte
⏰ Time: 4 PM – 8 PM
🎟 Get your early bird tickets now and be part of one of the most anticipated cocktail events of the year.
