For the first time, "mixologists" from throughout the Otago-Southland region will converge on Queenstown during a regional heat before the 2012 Cocktail World Cup.
The event, which will begin in Queenstown on September 3 before heading to Auckland for the grand final on September 7, is now in its eighth year and will pit teams of three mixologists from six countries - including New Zealand - against each other, all hoping to be crowned the 2012 CWC champions.
CWC spokeswoman Belinda Henley said for the first time in the competition's history, the 42Below team would be travelling the length of New Zealand, looking for the most talented cocktail makers to form the New Zealand team.
Traditionally, regional heats were only held in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch to select the three bartenders to represent New Zealand.
However, one of six regional heats this year would be held in Queenstown, likely towards the end of July, she said.
This year's competition would also feature an "All Startenders" team, comprising three of the best mixologists from the previous CWC competitions and a "Wildcard Team".
The latter would comprise the three best runners-up from regional heats from either France, Italy, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand.
Teams would be put through their paces in both Queenstown and Auckland, with a variety of cocktail-making contests, before the best of the best were crowned the 2012 champions.
