About

• Video Interview with Guest Judge & Award Winning Author Dave Wondrich
• Video Interview with Hendricks Gin Brand Ambassador Jim Ryan

Can you flip-off a beer bottle cap like a cowboy with a six shooter and make your house cocktail faster than anyone else at your bar?

You’re good, but are you the best?

Prime your shakers and put your skills to the test against Kansas City’s finest bartenders at the 2009 Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition.  Finalists will be on-stage at the Uptown Theater on November 22, 2009 where they must prepare their original recipe as well as ONE other classic cocktail, to be determined by the judges.  This is a timed competition.  Bartenders will be judged on presentation, innovation, creativity, flavor, aroma & balance.

This is not a flair competition. It’s about the craft of the cocktail.

the winners’ circle

First, second and third place winners will have their Original Drink Recipes published nationally in Cheers Magazine.
First Place/“Grand Prize” Winner – $1,000 cash; Second Place – $500 cash; Third Place – $250 cash.

rules & regulations

1. Must be at least 21-years-of-age with valid Liquor Card.
2. Must be currently employed at a bar or restaurant in the Kansas City area.
3. If selected for the finals, must be present on November 22nd to compete.
4. Original drink recipe must be entirely original with measurements of ingredients, glassware, garnish, and name.
5. No blended or frozen drinks will be accepted.
6. Entries must be submitted by October 30, 2009. Finalists will be notified by phone or e-mail by November 9, 2009.

a Good mix

All proceeds will benefit the HALO Foundation, a not-for profit organization committed to enhancing living conditions and providing art therapyfor orphans worldwide.  HALO provides American youth with opportunities to learn philanthropy and volunteerism by seeing the world throughthe eyes of the less fortunate.  Orphans supported by HALO are provided food, water, shelter, clothing, education, and art therapy. HALO works with orphanages in Mexico, India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Africa, and Nicaragua. The children in these homes submit their artwork to be auctioned off at our Heart Auction in the U.S. Proceeds go back to the orphans.

the backers

Our presenting sponsors are Hendricks Gin, Mountain Valley Spring Water, Chopin Vodka, Grand Marnier, 10 Cane Rum, and Roundtable Marketing & Consulting.