Post #800749 by mikehooker on Mon, Feb 17, 2020 3:04 PM

I think perhaps if a new thread is created for "Tiki Central 20th Anniversary Drink Contest," you might get more people engaged. Or perhaps not. Maybe no one cares. But I think once we come up with an official set of rules and criteria, determine the judges, a location, a submission deadline, etc, a fresh thread that clearly states all the guidelines at the top of the page could get more traction.

Below is my idea for a judging criteria. Figure maybe each category is judged between 1-10 and whoever scores highest overall wins.

A. Balance - Do all elements of the drink come together in perfect harmony? Is it tropical, but not cloyingly sweet? Is it too bitter? Too boozy? Is the sum better than of all its parts, or are some of the ingredients battling for dominance or getting lost in the shuffle?

B. Flavor - Is it approachable? Does it have mass appeal that will stand the test of time (in case it's 17 more years til there's another drink contest)? Would it seem at home on Smuggler's menu? Or for that matter, would you pay $12 for this at your local tiki bar, more than once?

(Arguably, A & B could be one category)

C. Presentation - Is the garnish fun and inviting without being obnoxious, too over the top, complicated, or - dare I say it - dangerous?! Is the color of the drink appealing and look great in glassware or does it need to be served in a tiki mug?

D. Creativity - Is this just a riff on a classic or was careful thought put into the overall creation of the drink... The name, the ingredients, the garnish, etc?

I don't know if I care for an "ease of creation" type grading. Would Don's original Zombie be eliminated from a contest because it has a dozen ingredients, even if they mesh perfectly together? With the current iteration of the Reverb Crash there are several unusual measurements used (1 1/4 oz?), but it was still the drink for all the anniversary parties. I think more important is that all the ingredients, especially rums and mixers, should be readily available products. If many states can't get distribution of Doctor Bird, it probably shouldn't be used in a drink contest.

That said, I make all my own syrups, and they don't necessarily taste like the ones you make, or the commercially available versions. So if someone uses a homemade syrup, they should also include the exact recipes for it, so the drink the judges (and future generations of home bar tenders) make resembles the one created by the contestant.

I welcome feedback and criticism.