TSB hosts the occasional Iron Chef-type events.  The outcome is phenomenal in terms of mirth and quality food produced, but it’s a lot of work, a lot of food and a lot of mess.   Nobody in San Francisco has a big enough kitchen for five people to cook simultaneously, so everyone preps at home and then all frantically try to put on the finishing touches at the party.  It’s a full-contact sport in that kitchen.

As an alternative, I’d like to host Iron Mixologist.  Despite infinite variations, here’s the format I propose.

The Host: announces a brand of booze one-week prior to the event (better than giving an advantage to those who can afford top-shelf), and provides enough (see note) of the chosen spirit for everyone to use, as well as a standard set of bartending tools.

Mixologists: each makes one cocktail on-site, and brings any mixers, other ingredients or special tools for his or her own recipe.  Each should also bring a written copy of their recipe for the host to post on blog.nermo.com after the event.

Judges: score each cocktail on flavor (10 possible points), presentation (5) and creativity/use of ingredient/ that certain je ne sais quoi (5).  Any tie is settled by a Classic Cocktail Sudden Death.  The host names a classic cocktail and its ingredients, but no measurements and the bartenders compete to make the best.  Judges vote by Australian ballot for their favorite replication.

Guests: should bring beer or snacks to share.

Note: a standard 750ml bottle of spirits makes about 17 drinks (39 drinks from a 1.75 liter “handle”).  Assuming a party of 15-20, including 5 mixologists and 5 judges, each contestant should make a batch of 10 drinks, one for each judge and five to be shared by guests, and so the host should have at least 3 bottles, which would be enough for 51 cocktails. If you are cutting it that close, the host should specify recipes to be based on 1.5 oz of the selected spirit.

Afterthought: based on the first 3 comments, judginng needs to come with a cost.  Should each judge bring a bottle of the featured liquor? Is there a better alternative? What should the first featured liquor be?