Photo Credit: Speed Rack
The Bomb Cyclone may still be going strong in NYC, but so are the fierce female bartenders of Speed Rack. And if you’re looking for a reason to get out of bed this weekend, the seventh season of the all-female bartending competition that raises money for breast cancer research may be just what you’re looking for.
“When we had the idea, we wanted this to be a platform for females behind the bar. It still is, but seven years later, there are so many more women in the world’s best bars. There’s now a sense of sorority, and celebration, that is showcased at our events,” said Co-Founder Ivy Mix. “In some ways, we’ve succeeded in our original mission. We’ve arrived, but we continue to grow and we definitely plan to raise a lot more money.”
The event is taking place this Sunday, January 7th at the Melrose Ballroom and tickets can be purchased here. Speed Rack has raised over $700k for breast cancer charities to date, and have some amazingly talented female bartenders vying to win this year’s Tri–State Speed Rack regional competition.
Competitors include:
Natasha Bermudez, Llama Inn, Banzarbar
Lynnette Agudelo, The Stinger NYC
Leanne Favre Clover Club, Leyenda, Left Hand Path
Tiffany Hernandez, Employees Only, Cosme
Daria Johnson ,Taj II, 230 Fifth
Kristine Serrano, The Astorian, Forest Hills Station House
Crystal Chasse, Seamstress NY
Rachel Latourette, The Bedford, Roebling Sporting Club
Riann O’Neill, Forrest Point, Alligator Lounge
Jessica Pomerantz, Diego @ Public
Barbara Lewandowski, JD’s Place @ 57West Landmark Theatre
Meg Lazar, Virginia’s
Kerry Quaile, Buffalo Proper, Angelica Tea Room
Althea Crista Codamon, Union Square Cafe
Ashley Haussermann, Dear Irving, Blacktail
Samantha Casuga, The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog
Nicole (Osorio) Salicetti, Railway, The Notorious
Sarah Morrissey, Frenchette, Amor and Amargo
Becca Pesce, The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog
Brooke Smith, The Dead Rabbit Grocery & Grog
Kayla Hasbrook, Abc Cocina
Celeste “Lucky” Dittamo, Whistle And Tins, Sofia, Sticks & Stones, Cassidy
AlexLynn Marrone, BlackTail
Erin Feeney, Panorama On 7
Haley Traub, Dutch Kills, Fresh Kills
Photo Credit: Speed Rack
The first nationwide competition was designed to highlight up-and-coming women in the cocktail industry and give back to those impacted by breast cancer. Speed Rack taps top female bartenders in leading cocktail markets and puts them head-to-head in timed challenges for the purpose of raising funds for breast cancer charities.
Attendees will have the chance to try different cocktails from some of the best bartenders and brands in the Tri-State area. It’s a great event for cocktail connoisseurs to indulges, mingle with the most talented bartenders in the area and raise a bit of money for their female friends and family members that have been affected by this horrible disease.
If you’re going to leave your apartment this weekend, make it for a great cause!
