How giant bowls filled with liquor ever fell out of favor is beyond me. A bottomless pool of cocktail disguised as “punch” is a drinker's dream: undulating waves of spirit swirling around a block of ice, a frisson of Champagne mingled with a sweetener, the plunk of a ladle, slosh of the liquid…

If you're having a party this holiday season, it can be confusing trying to figure out what to do about the bar. Hire a bartender? Call B.Y.O.B.? What if you don't have the right mixers?

The democratic nature of the punch bowl means you don't need a bartender to man the decks, which leaves you, the host, free to enjoy your party. Here to help you find a great punch for such a fun time, is Malo Restaurant in Silverlake with their Punch Competition next Thursday, December 10th, starting at 8 p.m.

Twelve bucks gets you an endless supply of six different punches from six finalist's recipes, all of whom will be competing for $500. An audience prize of $150 will also be awarded so you'll be more than just a drinker – you'll be a judge.

Also included – hot buttered rum made with Kraken Black Spiced Rum, and the punchy (heh) tunes of DJ Sylvia, formerly of the show Sinking Radio on the now defunct Little Radio.

Marliegh Riggins from the blog, Sloshed! and recent $100 winner of Absolut's reality show, 'On The Rocks,' Joe Brooke will be judging.

Tickets are available at the Bar at Malo: 4326 West Sunset Blvd., Silverlake,

at Barkeeper: 3910 W. Sunset Blvd., Silverlake, or through the Malo Facebook.

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