Concrete Playground

42BELOW is embarking on an exhaustive search up and down the country to uncover New Zealand’s top three bartenders. The talented trio will represent our glorious nation in the iconic 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup (CWC).

Starting in Auckland this weekend, 42BELOW will bring a taste of CWC to a town near you in a series of ball busting regional heats. With a record number of entries up and down the country, the standard is going to be higher and the competition fiercer, than ever. This years’ theme is ‘Lab Experiment’ and 42BELOW are on the hunt for three mixologists who are pushing the boundaries of great drinks making with a cocktail concoction never seen before.

The events will showcase up to eight of the best bartenders from that region. The first 42 people through the door will receive two delicious 42BELOW cocktails. There will also be entertainment, drinks specials and spot prizes on the night. It promises to be a spectacular show as the bartenders battle it out, with just seven minutes to mix and serve their creation to a panel of industry heavyweights.

The regional heats are as follows:

Sunday 8 July: Auckland – Nathan Club starting 5.30pm
Tuesday 10 July: Tauranga – Syndicate starting 7pm
Sunday 15 July: Napier – Shed2 starting 5.30 pm
Tuesday 17 July: Wellington – Mighty Mighty starting 7pm
Sunday 22 July: Christchurch – Cargo starting 5.30 pm
Tuesday 24 July: Queenstown – World Bar starting 7pm

The New Zealand final will be held on Sunday, 29 July at The Front Room in Wellington. The winning bartenders will become ‘Team New Zealand’ and take part in the 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup - ‘Lab Experiment’ kicking off in Queenstown on September 3 2012.