The Main Event -

The Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition is an interactive and lively experience for both the bartender and casual drinker alike. It’s part competition, part festival showcasing the best bartending talent in the region as well as the opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s top professionals, taste great cocktails, quality ingredients, and learn about some of the newest products on the market. The main event pits 12 of the region’s top bartenders against each other on stage where they make their own original cocktail and one classic cocktail for the judges. They are timed, and they are critiqued on their presentation, creativity, flavor, and balance. The whole competition is done “food network” style, with every step displayed on an 8ft by 12ft projection screen and with commentary from the judges. The top 3 finishers win cash prizes and national press.

Local Restaurants -

In addition to the competition, food is provided by some of Kansas City’s best restaurants in a room next to the theater. Guests have the opportunity to sample delicious bites that are designed to pair with cocktails.

The Nowhere Lounge -

In the Nowhere Lounge, there is a cash bar and live music. Music will be going on all night and this will also serve as the after-party for the event.

The Tasting Room -

One more room over is the tasting room, where guests have the opportunity to taste each of the finalists’ cocktails, as well as sample new bar products on the market and meet some of Kansas City’s local business owners that are influencing the local bar and restaurant community.

Cost for the event is $15, and doors open at 6pm on Sunday, August 29th, 2010. Ticket price includes one drink ticket for the tasting room, access to the main theater for viewing the competition, food from local restaurants, and entertainment in the Nowhere Lounge.

History -

The Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition was formed in 2007 by KC residents and beverage industry professionals Doug Frost and Ryan Maybee. The motivation and goals were simple and clear: showcase the talent and skill that exists in Kansas City’s bartending community. By emphasizing and encouraging creativity, knowledge of classic cocktails, and use of fresh ingredients and quality spirits, the competition strives to identify the city’s most talented craft bartenders and promote them and their fine establishments.
The Competition welcomes a guest judge every year, and has seen support from Dale Degroff, aka “King Cocktail”, Aisha Sharpe of Contemporary Cocktails, Inc., and award winning author David Wondrich. Local press has included KC Magazine, The Pitch, Ink, The Kansas City Star, Tastebud, and more. National press has been seen in Esquire Magazine, Cheers, Sante, and Ardent Spirits. In 2010, the Kansas City Bartenders Alliance became an official sponsor and organizer of the competition, further connecting the local bartender community and bars and restaurants.