Sherry, baby!

Add to the list of signs of an approaching autumn the roll-out of cocktail competitions. One of the best, in that bartenders must enter drinks already served at their establishments and defend and explain their utility, is the Vinos de Jerez Cocktail Competition. They're now accepting entries to find America’s best Sherry cocktail.

The official rules:

You may use any style of Sherry, from any bodega in Jerez.
You must share the precise recipe, garnish and glass; explain in writing why the cocktail is great, when best to serve it, exact preparation method and steps of assembly, and what the perfect food match is and and why.

Also required: a copy of the cocktail menu of the bar/restaurant where the cocktail is being served and a photo of the drink.

Entry deadline: Friday, October 16th, 2009. For all info, go here.

Submissions should be sent via email to Steve Olson.

The winner will receive a cash prize and an all expenses paid trip to Jerez, Spain. (Phot0 of Neyah White's Sherry Shrubb, 2008 winner.)