by Shawn Nowlin
When Henry Hill Jr. was considering which professional career to pursue leading up to his college graduation, he knew he wanted to work in a field where he could showcase his personality, get along with his co-workers and have a purpose every day that he woke up.
Today, Hill, a Senior Bartender at the Hotel Roanoke, has accomplished what he set out to do. Among the minority percentage of adults who can say their passion is their profession, when people visit the hotel bar now, it is to say congratulations to Hill on another significant accomplishment.
The inaugural ‘Virginia Cocktail Games’ was won by Hill last month. Open for bartenders statewide to enter, participants were tasked with the challenge of crafting a cocktail that paid homage to the Summer Olympics. Ultimately, 25 mixologists advanced to the semifinalist round.
Presented by Virginia Spirits, each finalist then competed at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture’s yearly “Virginia Distilled” event in Richmond.
The three judges assessed the participants on craftsmanship, flavor, creativity, presentation and use of local ingredients. Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to meet the mixologists, sample the cocktails and vote for their favorite.
It was Hill’s “No Place Like Home” cocktail that won over the judges which laid the foundation for him to be crowned “Virginia 2024 Cocktail of the Year.” On top of being awarded $1,000, Hill will also be getting a 2025 US Bartender’s Guide Bar Summit travel stipend.
A native of Tappahannock, Hill graduated from James Madison University. While in Harrisonburg, he began bartending to help cover his tuition. Hill’s life journey became the inspiration for his award-winning cocktail.
Currently available at Hotel Roanoke, starting in the first quarter of 2025, Hill’s recipe will be featured at most Virginia ABC stores.
Cameron Williams says Hill is his favorite Roanoke bartender for two reasons. “For starters, he is one of the most genuine people you could ever meet. And two, he’s the type of person to say that even with his success, he can still find ways to master his craft,” he said.
A proud member of the LBGTQ community. Hill married his husband Loren Hill on February 22, 2020. “Our wedding day holds such a special place in my heart. I wanted that familiar blanket on another special day, winning the Virginia Cocktail Games,” he said. “It’s amazing how much has changed and how much remains the same. But through it all, I know that Lolo is my person, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
At https://virginiaspirits.org/meet-the-cocktails, the Virginia Cocktail Games recipes are available.