Cocktail Kung fu

Tonight, “The Sousely Punch” takes on “The Devious Emu” as the city’s finest drink slingers compete at the second-annual Greater Kansas City Bartending Competition at the Uptown Theater (3700 Broadway, 816-753-8665). Starting at 6 p.m., the top 12 area bartenders will each concoct a classic cocktail and an original drink for cash prizes and national recognition in Cheers magazine. The competitors — including representatives from Justus Drugstore, Blanc, Pot Pie and Bar Natasha — will be judged on balance, presentation and their use of flavor. “It’s meant to shed some light on the high-end skills and talent that go into bartending,” says organizer Ryan Maybee, who founded the competition with noted wine guy Doug Frost. Afterward, the Angel’s Rock Bar flair bartenders will show off their bottle-tossing talents, and the Roman Numerals will perform. Tickets cost $20, and all proceeds benefit the HALO Foundation. For more information, contact Maybee at 816-682-0064.

Sun., Aug. 10, 2008