Home » Bartending News » Speed Rack Sets the Stage for Its 14th U.S. Season
Photo Credit: Stephen Kurspinsky
Speed Rack, the world’s first and only international all-women and femme bartending competition, has announced its 14th season in the United States. Applications are now open to compete in regional events across the country in 2026, beginning with Washington, D.C. in January. Founded by spirits industry veterans Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, Speed Rack aims to highlight leading female-identifying bartenders across the globe, with 100% of proceeds going directly to breast cancer education, prevention, and research. The organization has raised over $1.85 million in the fight against breast cancer since its inception, with a goal of breaking $2 million during Season 14.
Speed Rack was conceptualized in February 2011, in a bid by Ivy and Lynnette to foster relationships and shine a spotlight on talented women in their male-dominated industry. The competition brings together up-and-coming bartenders from around the country, starting with qualifying and elimination challenges in each region before culminating at the National Finals in July. Each event is ticketed and supported by top-tier sponsors in the beverage category, benefiting not-for-profit organizations and research centers, including The Pink Agenda, Another Round Another Rally, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center, METAvivor, SHARE Cancer Support, and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
Season 14 Dates and Details
Interested bartenders may apply online and submit a video demonstration. The 20 most qualified bartenders in each market are invited to participate in one of six regional competitions, showcasing their speed and aptitude when preparing four cocktails in a preliminary round. The top eight fastest competitors advance to the on-stage competition, a bracketed round-robin-style challenge utilizing a random selection of industry-standard cocktails. Rated on accuracy, taste, and presentation by guest judges, the fastest and most skilled participants move ahead until one winner remains.
Speed Rack Season 14 regional dates and venues have been confirmed for six U.S. cities. Think you have what it takes? Apply HERE, or purchase tickets to cheer on your friends below!
Each regional winner will go on to compete at Speed Rack National Finals on July 19, 2026, held annually at The Republic in New Orleans during Tales of the Cocktail. Purchase tickets to attend Speed Rack Finals HERE.
Wildcard applications will also be accepted to compete in the Season 14 Finals in New Orleans on July 19, 2026. The applications will open in early 2026 for any new Speed Racker’s looking to compete or anyone who has competed in Speed Rack in the past and is thinking about trying for a second chance. Veterans and newcomers alike are welcome to enter. Speed Rack will accept eight Wildcard competitors.
BARTENDER Magazine is proud to be a partner of Speed Rack.
Each Winner will be featured across BARTENDER Magazine’s social accounts and in the Summer Issue of BARTENDER Magazine!
