The South Cape’s premiere pub crawl returns for its 17th installment next weekend, featuring creative concoctions and good eats at various downtown establishments.

Locals can enjoy a one-of-a-kind martini, as well as an appetizer sample next Saturday night, all part of the South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association’s Best South Cape Martini Competition. It’s up to the public to decide which South Cape spot comes up with the most unique and palate-pleasing drink and dish.

“This is actually our largest trolley event,” said SCHEA spokesperson Shannon Quinn. “We love putting together all of our events, however, the turnout for this really keeps the buzz going around town. We also get to see locations participate that normally do not, such as Fish Tale Grill.”

Trolley will run from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets include unlimited trolley rides, a passport to all sampling locations, martini and appetizer samples, a voting ballot and access to win prizes at the official photo booth. Attendees who get their passport stamped at each venue will be entered to win a gift basket chock-full of martini-making goodies.

Participating locations and their samples include:

• BackStreets Sports Bar – Key Lime Pie Martini & Chipotle Chicken Tostadas

• BIG8 BBQ – Bikinitini & Pork Sliders

• Cruiser’s Lounge – Raspberry Martini & Lemon Cream Tart

• Dixie Roadhouse – TBA

• The Dive – Guavatini and Homemade Chips & Salsa

• Fish Tale Grill – Toasted Coconut Martini and Boursin & Filet Pinwheel

• Monkey Bar Steak & Seafood – Cosmopolitan & Honey Garlic Wings

• Rack’em Spirits & Times – TBA

• Ralph’s Place – TBA

• Rusty’s Raw Bar & Grill – Gooey Butter Cake Martini & TBA

• Tiki Hut – Elderflower Martini & Coconut Shrimp

Festive garb is encouraged and can be rewarded at the official SCHEA photo booth at the South Cape Hub. Pictures that are posted publicly on Facebook with the tag #southcapemartini are entered to win 4 free tickets to the Mardi Gras Trolley Event on Feb. 25.

Martini-lovers are sure to enjoy every minute of the popular event that sells out quickly each year.

“The Best South Cape Martini Competition is always a great night out because it brings almost 1,000 residents and visitors to South Cape,” Quinn said. “This particular trolley is more interactive since guests vote best martini and best appetizer. It’s a fun and competitive night for participating locations as well.”

There’s also bragging rights at stake.

“It is always exciting to see the concoctions that each business comes up with,” Quinn said. “Some get real creative with their pairings! And, who doesn’t love a little competition? The winner receives a large banner for display at their restaurant or bar, so you get to keep that winning momentum up year-round.”

Guests can check in from 6 to 7:30 p.m. under the entry awning of the Dolphin Key Resort (1502 Miramar St.) and at Big John’s Plaza. Late check-in will take place until 10 p.m. at Dolphin Key.

This event is 21-plus. Valid ID at check-in will be required.

Tickets are $30 with designated driver tickets at $25. Tickets are available only on Eventbrite. Designated driver tickets include everything the normal ticket does, other than the drink sample, which can be replaced with a non-alcoholic beverage. Day-of tickets are $35, if available.

Tickets and more information can be found HERE.

–Connect with this reporter on Twitter: @haddad_cj