Cocktails are a specialty in Queenstown and some of the world's best mixologists - makers of cocktails - have arrived in the resort for the Cocktail World Cup 2012.
The eighth 42BELOW Cocktail World Cup kicks off in Queenstown today with teams from the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Australia and New Zealand competing for top honours.
The theme is "Lab Experiment" and the bartenders will be expected to push the boundaries with their original concoctions.
During the week, seminars will be held to give the bartenders a unique opportunity to hear from some of the best mixers of cocktails in the world.
Among them is one of America's most recognised bartenders and former world cup champion, John Lermayer.
He will host a seminar called Beyond Mere Mixology: Using Science, Senses and some rather Fancy Kit to Make the World's Most Interesting Drinks.
Competing teams will be asked to create an array of cocktails, including their "signature" creations, organisers said on their website.
They will be judged by a panel which will mark for taste, innovation and creativity.
Auckland will host the World Cup grand final event from Friday.
