But don't we all feel like hotshots when we drink something that just seconds earlier had been ON FIRE?

Of course we do.

There's that sudden flicker of flame. That unmistakable puff of burning alcohol. The crowd in the room swivels and cranes.

It's simply impossible to deny the majesty, the sense of wonder, that a fiery beverage brings to an evening's proceedings. And with another rainy season on its way, we want you to design your own light.

We hereby present Cocktail Challenge II, a call to create a Juneau-specific flaming drink. Let's call it the "Natural Gas Pipeline."

• The particulars:

The Cocktail Challenge II deadline is Thursday, Sept. 6, for your "Natural Gas Pipeline" recipes.

Entries will be judged by the Hooligan Flaming Drink Round Table on presentation, originality, flavor, potency, luminescence and repeatability - that is, whether one would want to consume three or four of the cocktails at a single sitting.

The three best recipes will be featured during "A Night of Legends," the Hooligan charity gala at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 7, at Martlintini's Lounge. A celebrity panel of three will decide the winner in a dramatic, high-stakes climax.

And the champion will receive a fabulous prize.

Deliver a copy of your recipe entry to the Empire's front desk, mail to Cocktail Challenge II, c/o Korry Keeker, Juneau Empire, 3100 Channel Drive, Juneau, AK 99801, or e-mail to korry.keeker@juneauempire.com.

Include ingredients, directions, your name, address, telephone number, e-mail and, preferably, a photo of your creation.