Typically the unorthodox idea of being on a boat on the water in the middle November might give some folks reason to run. And run you should, toward the Holiday Spirits Cocktail Cruise 2015, presented by the folks at The Village Voice. For one special night this winter season, the Hornblower Infinity Cruise Ship will again play host to an array distilleries and wineries pouring different tasting samples for a few hundred well-to-do guests. Coupled with a complimentary buffet, the $55 General Admission tickets are a veritable steal for the four hour tour at sea out toward the Statue of Liberty, around Manhattan and back again.

Faithful readers of our website will surely recall our coverage of 2014’s festivities aboard the same vessel, where live music and pours of Asahi Beer, Widow Jane Whiskey and Tito’s Handmade Vodka stole the proverbial show. Participants at this year’s tasteful affair include popular names like Brooklyn Winery, Kings County Distillery, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, Tuthilltown Spirits and up-and-comers like Tanteo Tequila, Denning’s Point Distillery and Queens Courage, giving attendees the opportunity to taste some new local purveyors. Additionally a full dinner service offering passed around hors d’oeuvres alongside pasta and carving stations, barbecue and Asian-inspired fare is certain to satiate even the hungriest of eventgoers.

The spacious ship offers indoor and outdoor access, weather permitting- but there’s simply nothing quite like a weeknight evening on the Hudson River. If you’ve attended any of the Village Voice’s annual food events from Choice Eats to Brooklyn Pour, there’s nary a down moment at one of their expertly run evenings- and if 2014’s Holiday Spirits Cocktail Cruise was any indication, 2015 is poised to be another memorable evening. You’ll be sure to eat and drink your face off- regardless of whether or not you’re equipped with sea legs.

- Dave Gendelson