The Hummus Place's hummus. [Photograph: Robyn Lee]

Thursday (April 7)

Hummus Taste-Off
Thursday April 7th, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Grab a pita and go to town at the 2nd annual hummus taste-off at the "Peace Market Event" hosed by Seeds of Peace. Hummus competitors include Taim, Hummus Place, 12 Chairs, and more. There will be a formal judging (including our own Erin Zimmer!) and a people's choice round. Macy Gray will perform (remember her?), and ticket price includes an open bar. Pacha NYC, 618 W 46th; event website

Monday (April 11)

Punch Party for Japan
Monday April 11th, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Toast to Japan at this music showcase featuring various artists and DJ Kimiko Masuda. A $20 donation grants you access to six hand-crafted Japanese-inspired punches (including refills). The Summit Bar, Avenue C (at 9th Street); event website

Tuesday (April 12)

Cocktail Poetry Slam
Tuesday April 12th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Check out this poetry "slam" and cocktail bash at Back Forty to celebrate National Poetry Month. Bartenders from Back Forty, Clover Club, Terroir, Marlow & Sons, Mayahuel, Savoy, Vandaag and Ward III will serve original cocktails inspired by their favorite poems while Bob Holman (owner of the Bowery Poetry Club) will recite each, cocktail in hand. Hors d'oeuvres will include asparagus fries with ramp aioli, doughnuts with bourbon bacon glaze, and more. $55. Back Forty, 190 Avenue B (at 12th Street); event website

Cocktail Workshop at Amor y Amargo
Tuesday April 12th, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
In this hands-on course you'll make four classic cocktails: the Martini, Manhattan, Daiquiri and Sidecar. And, just for good measure, you'll make each cocktail again to try a different base spirit. Bottoms up! $90 443 E. 6th Street; event website

Upcoming

French Spirits Soiree
Thursday April 14th, 7:30pm-10:00pm
"Drink like aristocrats" amidst Bohemian glamor at the French Spirits Soiree. Plus, nosh on gourmet cheese and charcuterie from Murray's cheese. $40. 399 Lafayette St; event website

Guactacular
Sunday May 8th, 5:00pm-8:00pm
Think your guacamole is muy delicioso? Participate in Nacho NYC's guacamole contest, complete with beer from Brooklyn Brewery and lots of Tostitos. $15. 149 7th Street; event website

Manhattan Cocktail Classic
May 13th-17th
Part festival, part fête, part conference, part cocktail party. Cool events and seminars, tickets sell out early. Location varies; event website