On Sunday, March 24 from 3 - 7 p.m., Speed Rack bartending competition comes to Chicago for the second time at Cobra Lounge. Local mixtresses compete in heats to make rounds of cocktails, culled from a list of 50 accepted industry-standard classic recipes, in front of a panel of judges and a crowd of excited viewers. Judges rate each drink based on prep time and accuracy. The judging panel includes such cocktail world luminaries as: Chicago’s own Paul McGee, partner in Three Dots and a Dash, and Bub City; Lynn House of Blackbird; Peter Vestinos of BellyQ and BarMedic; and Miss Speed Rack USA 2012, Yael Vengroff. Pernod-Ricard’s Chris Patino will emcee the night; DJ Dan DeOliviera will spin tunes. Food will be provided by Revolucion Mexican Steakhouse.

The first nationwide competition 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 - all for the purpose of raising funds for breast cancer charities and other charities supporting breast cancer research. To date, Speed Rack has raised more than $100,000. 

Annemarie Sagoi – Big Star and The Charleston, Chicago
Bridget Smith – Delilah's and The Drinkingbird, Chicago
Caitlin Anne Ouding – The Franklin Tap, Chicago
Carol Donovan – Hearty and Intoxicatingly Fun Cocktails, Chicago
Chasity Beasley – Alain's Restaurant, Chicago
Cristiana DeLucca – The Drawing Room, Chicago
DeJorn Huffman – Sable Kitchen and Bar, Chicago
Emeline O'Connor – The Rail, Chicago, and Malibu Grill, Bloomington, IN
Emily Evans – Bryant's Cocktail Lounge, Milwaukee, WI
Erin Hayes – La Sirena Clandestina and The Gage, Chicago
Jacyara de Oliveira – Perennial Virant, Chicago
Jenna Murray – Hubbard Inn, Chicago
Jennifer Lauren Boutell – Bradstreet Crafthouse, Minneapolis, MN
Jess Keene – Barrelhouse Flat, Chicago
Lauren Parton – Taverna 750, Chicago
Lisa Selman – Hard Rock Hotel , Chicago
Liz Pearce – The Drawing Room, Chicago
Lorna Biljan – Ada Street, Chicago
Mea Leech – BellyQ, Chicago
Natalie Converse – Benny's Chop House, Chicago
Nina Pilacoutas – Trenchermen , Chicago
Rachael Smith – Bar Deville and Three Aces, Chicago
Stephanie Andrews – The Aviary, Chicago

Tickets are available in advance for $20 and at the door for $25
(cash and credit cards accepted) 

Additional information can be found on the Speed Rack website www.speed-rack.com

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