Iron Bartender: What Can Beijing's Bartenders Do with a Shot of Tabasco?

Three bar masters. Three "secret" ingredients. One judge. Would Beijing’s cocksure mixologists fumble when faced with an unusual condiment or unfamiliar fruit? Or can they concoct a drink to impress one tough taster? In the spirit of Iron Chef, we put our bartenders to the test by announcing a secret ingredient, giving them ten minutes to conceive of and create a mix, and finding out just how creative a cocktail can get.

Contestants this round include Pink Li from Temple Bar; Ajian Jia from The Bar; and Owen Wen from Parlor. The judge? Xiao Ming from Hidden House.

Photos: Mitchell Pe Masilun