Before the first-ever Asian edition of Speed Rack, we speak to Ivy Mix (photo, left) and Lynnette Marrero (right) on how the competition came to town. Interview by Natasha Hong.
Speed Rack 2019: All-Female Charity Bartending Finals in Hong Kong Gone are the days when bartending was perceived to be a job that only men can do. Unbeknown to many, the mixology and bartending scene today has changed, with many more females shaking it up to assume the role. Bartender Station. What is the difference between the speed rack and the Call Brands? Price & Quality. What is considered a LIQUOR? 80 proof and above. What is considered a LIQUEUR? Anything under 80 proof (and flavored) What is proof? The amount of alcohol in the bottle.
How did you guys meet, and how did Speed Rack happen?
Lynnette: Ivy worked at Mayahuel, which is owned by Phil Ward – he’s one of my oldest friends in the industry after we met at the Flatiron Lounge. One night, he needed a favour and asked if I would fill in cocktail waitressing – which I did at Flatiron before Phil and Toby Maloney encouraged me to ask Julie [Reiner] to get behind the bar. So, I put my apron back on, grabbed a tray and worked the night with Ivy. It was actually a really busy night. Ivy and I had a pretty similar work ethic – we got things done, helped run each other’s drinks and pretty much worked as a team. It was a great night and then we went out to some dive bars after and had fun!
Ivy: I only had a notion of what Speed Rack would be before I talked to Lynnette. I knew I wanted to create a bartending competition that promoted awesome women in the industry, and I knew that I wanted it to have a charity aspect to it. It was over chicken wings and cheap beers during the Super Bowl that I sat next to Lynnette – the president of LUPEC NYC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails) and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t come to her before with the idea. Her philanthropic efforts and girl power notions were exactly in line with what I had in mind. Together, we built what is now the nationally successful Speed Rack.
L: When Ivy approached me with the initial idea, we decided to create a competition that tests bartenders in real life situations. Instead of testing their ability to create one drink, we wanted to challenge them to showcase what they do every day in a bar – create quality cocktails with speed and service in mind. Speed Rack, the tour that it is now, is the result of an intense year. I am honoured that Ivy reached out to me to help create what Speed Rack is today.
You’ve run six seasons of the competition in the US so far. What keeps you going?
I: Speed Rack keeps growing. We have more women applying than ever, we’re raising more money than ever, and the level of skill keeps getting higher. There’s no stopping now! The fact that we’re expanding to places like Asia reinvigorates our drive to grow the competition. Going to these new markets and meeting these new women and seeing what’s possible gives me drive.
L: I think what is most surprising and fascinating is the level of talent we keep seeing. After six years, we’re seeing a new generation of women bartenders who are incredibly driven, talented and dedicated to this industry.
How did the Asian edition of Speed Rack come about?
I: Hannah Waters told us that there was an incredible and strong female force in Asia, and that we needed to go over there. I have to say that without her, we wouldn’t have gotten over there. Speed Rack is an intense event to put on. You have to gather sponsors, venues, volunteers, competitors and more. Hannah and the women she brought in tow with her – Denise Khan Tan and Gina Marie Kent – have really made this possible. We have women from Seoul, Singapore and more. I’m so excited to see what’s going to happen!
How will the Asian leg will differ from the US?
I: I don’t know! I’m hoping we’ll see a bunch of different styles. Even across the US, there are different styles for both recipes of making drinks, as well as physically working at the bar. I don’t know what to expect but from what I’ve heard about the Singapore cocktail scene, it’s going to be very impressive.
L: Katy perry top 10 songs download. So far, from the emails from the ladies, there seems to be a new way they’re preparing for the competition. It should be very exciting. The questions being asked are very technical so that is interesting.
Let’s talk strategy. Do you have any tips for the girls taking part?
I: Speed Rack is about making good drinks quickly, not bad drinks lightning fast. Be calm, calculated and clean, and you will move on!
L: Ram memory cleaner. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Work clean and accurately but work like it’s the busiest shift of your life.
Catch Ivy and Lynnette at their guest shift at Anti:dote from 7 to 10pm on March 11.
DRiNK Magazine is the official media partner for Speed Rack Asia.
Speed Rack Bartending Competition
Speed Rack Bartending
Who we are
The service industry can sometimes be thought of as a man’s world. With Speed Rack, which they founded in February of 2011, Mix and Marrero have been able to shine a spotlight on female mixologists thriving behind bars around the country; and while they are at it, raise money for breast cancer research, education, and prevention.
The two got Speed Rack off the ground after Mix brought her concept of an all-female speed bartending competition to Marrero, the then president of the NY chapter of LUPEC (Ladies United for the Preservation of Endangered Cocktails - an organization that promotes women in the spirit industry while raising funds for local and national charities). The idea was to create a cocktail competition for the ladies - one that celebrated women, was created by women and supported women; in and out of the spirits industry. In their first year, Speed Rack met over 400 bartenders across the country and raised $250,000. Speed Rack has raised $1,000,000 to date.
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