Speed Rack is a speed bartending competition for women in the United States that was cofounded by bartenders Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero. In 2011, Mix approached Marrero, who was the president of the New York City chapter of LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails), about creating a competition to showcase talented women in the craft cocktail world.[1] The competition raises funds for Breast Cancer education, prevention and research, while promoting women bartenders in an largely male promoted industry.[2]
The competition starts with timed heats in different cities around the country before the final in New York City. Proceeds from the tickets to every stage of the competition are donated to various breast cancer charities and the competition has raised over $350,000 in the past 5 years.[3] 100% of the proceeds go to charity with the supplies and locations being donated, while the show is run by volunteers.[4] Major liquor companies such as Jameson, Stoli and Barcardi are sponsors.[5]
Speed Rack got its name from the shelf below a bar where well liquor is stored to make quick cocktails.[6]
- ^ "Fastest female bartenders to compete in S.F. Speed Rack". SFGate.
- ^ "About Us | Speed Rack". www.speed-rack.com.
- ^ "Women bartenders compete for a cause at Speed Rack". BostonGlobe.com.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
seattlewas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "Sponsors | Speed Rack". www.speed-rack.com.
- ^ "Speed Rack Competition to Crown Top Female Bartender". Nashville Scene. 11 March 2016.