What is Cocktail Kumite?

Earlier this summer, our long-running cocktail hour took a dangerous turn. Boasts were made, glares were exchanged, and an otherwise genial venue turned into a fighting arena.

Combat. Cocktail combat. Cocktail kumite!

We have settled on a simple format:

1. A theme is chosen.

2. Each mixmaster prepares a traditional cocktail in accord with that theme.

3. Each mixmaster presents a newly conceived cocktail, also in accord with that theme.

We haven't figured out how to determine a winner. Indeed, since every event involves six or more cocktails, it's fair to say that everyone is a winner. We've learned a few things along the way, and decided to share them here.