Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/61075
L.A.'s Naomi Schimek (The Spare Room) and Mia Sarazen (Black Market Liquor Bar) share a friendly moment before facing off . a movement that has swept this cocktail nation, was born. Although the use of the color pink is liberal in the Speed Rack scheme, this is no frilly fl uff-fest: At each of ten stops across the country, the well-attended bouts are head-to- head battles that are all about speed and accuracy, with contestants judged on taste, presentation and time. Each city's Speed Rack queen will join six "wildcard" entries (com- petitors who didn't win in their city will be racking up the votes on the Speed Rack website) for an NCAA March Madness–style fi nale in New Speed Rack founders Ivy Mix and Lynette Marrero support "boobies and booze" with Speed Rack, all-female mixology competition that benefi ts breast cancer research. York on May 10, before the kick-off of the Manhattan Cocktail Classic. "Speed Rack is a great vehicle for a national platform that brings together female bartenders," says Ivy. "The camaraderie and the amazing amount of support between the women—it's changed these girls' lives. It brought them together, even within their own community." As Speed Rack has rolled across the country, momentum has picked up, and the competition has earned industry backing: Brands like St-Germain, Plymouth Gin, Herradura Tequila, Absolut and The Famous Grouse (check out the website for a full list of sponsors) have been eager to supply product, and some of the biggest names in the industry have signed up as judges (Absolut Brand Ambassador Simon Ford, Bulleit Bourbon World Ambassador Hollis Bulleit, "Libation Goddess" Audrey Saunders and William Grant Portfolio Ambassador Charlotte Voisey, to name just a few). "The entire community, everyone in the business has come together to support these women," says Lynette. "And we have to give a shout out to the boys, who have been going above and beyond to help make this happen—they're barbacking for their girls, and that tells a beautiful story!" After crisscrossing the country on this femme fatale tour, Ivy sees that Speed Rack is part of the growth of the bartending community as a whole. "Speed Rack events are always full of both sexes, all preaching the same gospel of the cocktail. It's a great time to be in this industry!" For more information, photos and to vote for your favorite wildcard, visit www.Speed-Rack.com. Imported by Vineyard Brands, Inc. Birmingham, AL. april 2012 / the tasting panel / 77 LUSH LIFE PRODUCTIONS/SPEED-RACK.COM LUSH LIFE PRODUCTIONS/SPEED-RACK.COM LUSH LIFE PRODUCTIONS/SPEED-RACK.COM