You're invited... to a World Class cocktail event

On a boat. In Sydney harbour. This Sunday afternoon. That's right, this Sunday 22 January, nine of the country's top bartenders will be shaking and stirring up a few drinks as they compete in the first World Class 2012 semi final; a cocktail competition where bartenders angle for the crown of Australia's best bartender.

Image courtesy of World Class organisers

With cocktails to feature Tanqueray No. TEN, Ketel One Vodka and The Singleton of Glen Ord, attendees not only get to taste the competitors' best efforts, they also get to vote for their favourite drinks and bartenders in three different judging categories:

Gentleman Cocktail
with competitors Jason Williams from The Loft, Sydney; Collin Perillo from Zeta, Sydney; and Phil Gandevia from Eau de Vie, Sydney.

Punch
with competitors Thiago Santos from The Loft, Sydney; Sarah Miller from I know a place, Melbourne; and Perryn Collier from The Laneway, Brisbane.

Seasonal Cocktail
with competitors Adam Smith from Press Club, Brisbane; Anita Strother from Malt Dining, Brisbane; and Fred Siggins from Kodiak Club, Melbourne.

The entry ticket gets you on the 3-hour cruise on Sydney Glass Island, tasting and voting on your favourite cocktails ahead of the June finals, as well as canapes and non-alcoholic refreshments for mostly RSA reasons, I presume. See more details and get your tickets here.

The cruise/semi finals/party starts with Sydney Glass Island pick-up at Campbells Cove (near Quay Restaurant and the Park Hyatt) at 2.45pm on Sunday 22 January. Semi finalists will be chosen after the appropriate three hours of drinking - and showmanship, I'm sure. May the best drink win!