If you thought that "extreme" applied only to sports, think again. Shanghai's bartending wizards are increasingly employing exotic ingredients, fresh foams and vibrant colors to create some of the world's most interesting (and tasty) cocktails. Over the next weeks, our city's top bartenders gear up for a grueling competition to concoct the winning recipe for vodka label 42 Below's Cocktail World Cup. To prepare for the global showdown, Shanghai is hosting its own competition to find the best bartender in the city; the winner will compete against Beijing's bartending pick for a chance to strut their stuff in New Zealand in September. Fun as it may seem, this mother of all competitions is no walk in the park. Previous assignments have involved mixing cocktails while dangling from a bungee cord or on the back of a jet-ski. Are Shanghai's bartenders up to the test? Check out these drinks and see for yourself.

Bobby Wang

Representing:

Glamour Bar

Years Bartending:

Eleven As one of Shanghai's first bartenders Wang has seen it all, from the original dive bars to the ultra-glitzy Bund hangouts. His cocktails are a mainstay of the classy scene, unique Shanghai creations with hints of Australian influence that delight all who imbibe. Watch out: Behind his peaceful demeanor lie some of Shanghai's meanest drinks.

Drinking a few glasses should be the perfect complement to a meal. The drink itself should drive you back again and again.

Oriental Pearl

45 ml 42 Below

10 ml Campari

10 ml Galliano

10 ml Grand Marnier

10 ml Fresh lemon juice

5 ml Dewars Whiskey

Garnish with orange twist

Jason Liu

Representing:

Sasha's

Years Bartending:

Three This once-shy chap has quickly come out of his shell to serve some of Shanghai's most high-caliber cocktails. Liu has helped create a large portion of the "Sasha's Specials," a menu of specialty drinks which changes every two months. It's not just these mouth-watering blends of fruits and cool summer treats, however, that make Jason's work special–the devotion and particular attention he pays to each drink creates the liquid equivalent of a Mona Lisa.

As a bartender I get to interact with an entire range of emotions on a daily basis; no matter if they're happy or sad, once they've had one of my drinks, they're all smiles.

Gin Garden Rickey

2 shots Hendricks Gin

1 tsp Castor Sugar

Top of fresh lime

Cucumbers and apples (muddled)

Top with ginger ale

Alex Zhou

Representing:

Volar

Years Bartending:

Five As one of Shanghai's premier bartenders, Zhou's main mission is to personally connect with his clientèle. In getting to know each bar patron, he is able to "read the minds" of his guests and tailor each of his concoctions to meet their whims and desires. Bringing an unparalleled passion to his work, Zhou will be a formidable foe to his opponents, charming judges not only with his mixing skills but also with his fun-loving personality.

Take the garnish first and inhale so you can smell the lemongrass and cinnamon. You will think, 'Wow, a little bit of sweet and a little bit of sour.' That's Shanghai. That's beautiful.

Shanghai Green

1/2 Green apple (muddled)

Lemongrass (muddled)

37 ml 42 Below Kiwifruit vodka

12 ml Navan Vanilla liqueur blended with Cognac

5 ml Limoncello liqueur

5 ml Lemon juice

1 tsp Vanilla syrup

Garnish with lemongrass and cinnamon stick, tied with vanilla

Bruce Chen

Representing:

Vault Bar

Years Bartending:

Two Already a Cocktail World Cup veteran, Chen has learned the ropes and learned to use them well. Instead of flashy bottle moves behind the bar, his focus centers on perfecting the essence and personality of the cocktail itself. Incorporating what he likes to call "mixlogics," his constant innovation and creativity continue to lure his bar patrons back for another round.

I'm creating a piece of taste, a flavor, something that will make people always remember, 'Wow, what a drink.'

1 oz 42 Below Feijoa vodka

Fine apple puree

Fresh ginger

Dash of home made syrup

Garnish with ginger-apple foam

Do-It-Yourself Summer Cocktails

Ladies and gentlemen, get your shakers ready. Impress that "special someone" you brought home from the bar with these refreshing summer treats.

Caribbean Cooler

45 ml white rum

60 ml cranberry juice

60 ml pineapple juice

Add muddled slice of fresh ginger, shake and strain with fresh ice

Summer Siesta

45 ml 42 Below vodka

4 strawberries

Slice of watermelon skin (minus green rind)

Blend with ice

Mojito Magic

3 fresh mint sprigs

2 tsp sugar

3 tbsp fresh lime juice

1 1/2 oz light rum

Top with club soda

42 Below's Cocktail World Cup–Shanghai Finals

Where:

Bar Rouge

When:

Monday, August 7, 7pm

How:

Each contestant is required to create an original recipe incorporating the sponsor's 42 Below vodka of choice. Judging will be based upon creativity, presentation and the ability of the contestant to perform under rigorous physical challenges.