Twenty-four of the world's best bartenders arrived in Queenstown yesterday for four days of cocktail challenges and adrenalin-fuelled activities as part of the 42 Below Cocktail World Cup 2010.
The contestants represent eight teams from seven countries, and will be put through their paces in Queenstown - both behind the bar and at events around town.
"This group of bartenders work at the best bars, clubs and parties around the world.
"We are honoured they are coming on tour with us in New Zealand and I know they will be blown away by what we have in store for them next week," 42 Below chief executive Paul Dibbayawan said.
During their time in Queenstown, the teams will compete in three cocktail challenges: the Modern Mocktail challenge, where the mixologists will present their version of a low-alcohol or non-alcoholic drink, the 21st Century Punch Challenge and Ready Steady Shake challenge.
The teams will be judged by a panel of four international judges.
Between the competitions and fine dining arranged, contestants would also attend "cocktail summits" where they would get new inspiration on aspects of the bar industry and cocktail culture.
