S.F., City of Throwdowns

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Distillery 209's arsenal of botanicals.

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San Francisco finds itself the home of some mighty challenges over the next few days. Besides the emotionally charged series against the Dodgers starting this evening, a couple of cocktail challenges ensure that this city will bristle with foam fingers, high-fives, and booze.

No. 209 Gin UK Cocktail Duel
Where: 15 Romolo, 15 Romolo (at Broadway), 398-1359
When: Tonight, April 11, 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Cost: $6 No. 209 gin cocktails, free passed appetizers (6:30-7:30 p.m.)
The rundown: The British are coming! San Francisco's own Distillery 209 is hosting a duel between two of London's finest bartenders, Ian Goodman (Oxo Tower) and Alessandro Paludet (22 Below), who've been challenged to create London- and S.F.-themed cocktails. Sample tastes of the drinks, and keep your eyes open for audience prizes.

DonQ Puerto Rican Rum Cocktail Competition
Where: Burritt Room, 417 Stockton (at Sutter), inside the Crescent Hotel
When: Tue., Apr. 12, 7-10:30 p.m.
The rundown: Watch eight of S.F.'s top bartenders battle it out in two different challenges to produce the best fruit-forward tall rum drink or cocktail, incorporating a signature homemade ingredient. Enjoy live Puerto Rican salsa music, food from SOL Food (Warning: the site has music you can't turn off), and drink specials all night. The lineup includes Josh Harris (the Hideout); Brandon Josie (15 Romolo); Summer-Jane Bell (Hotsy Totsy); Shaher Misif (Cantina); Victoria Damato-Moran (Wexler's); Morgan Schick (Nopa); Joel Teitelbaum (Zero Zero); Chase Williamson (Prospect)