Speed Rack Southeast Regionals, Feb. 12, 3 p.m., $25
Here’s how this high-volume, high-speed competition shakes out.
After a qualifying round, only eight of the 23 bartenders will move on to compete in the public final rounds. Each round pits two bartenders against one another (and the clock) to create four different cocktails for the judges. Once they’ve completed their drinks, they’ll hit their buzzers Family Feud-style to stop the clock. Cocktails are judged on how well each bartender executes the recipes they were given, quality of each drink and speed.
Credit: Beth McKibben
Credit: Beth McKibben
The winners of each round compete until only one lady is left standing--Ms. Speed Rack Southeast. She then moves on to the finals in New York City on May 21 in hopes of being crowned Ms. Speed Rack 2017.
Kellie Thorn, beverage director at Empire State South, says she chose to compete this year for the first time in order to continue to empower Atlanta's community of female bartenders. She told us, " I think it's important to play a supporting role in one's community."
JP Atlanta’s Toki Sears says she had similar reasons for her decision to compete this year, “I've always wanted to compete in this amazing and purposeful competition showcasing the professional ladies in our industry.”
Both women believe hosting Speed Rack in Atlanta is an important opportunity for the city’s bar industry and will highlight its diversity.
Proceeds from ticket sales go toward breast cancer research. To date, Speed Rack has raised over $500,000 worldwide for breast cancer charities since its inception in 2011.
Atlanta’s contenders:
For tickets: www.eventbrite.com. Ticket price includes cocktails.
Click here to learn more about Speed Rack.
Southern Exchange, 200 Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta. Sun. Feb. 12, 3 p.m. Tickets: $25 advance, $30 door. 21 and Up.
Credit: Beth McKibben
Credit: Beth McKibben
Highball at the High Museum, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m., $125
The High Museum relies on support from private donors and ticket sales from tours and felt this new annual fundraiser would be an exciting way to get the community involved. Allison Chance, the High’s director of development tells us, “We’re thrilled to bring the booziest minds in Atlanta mixology together with a lively crowd of cocktail connoisseurs for the first time at the Museum.”
Bartenders will choose a base spirit such as gin, whiskey or tequila in which to create an original cocktail. Guests will then taste their way through each of the drinks presented and vote for their favorite or “People’s Choice”. ThirstySouth.com founder and Creative Loafing writer Brad Kaplan will also be on hand to judge “Critic’s Choice” based on a cocktail’s overall originality and execution.
Guests will enjoy music and light bites throughout the competition with winners announced at the end of the evening.
Competitors:
For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Margaretta Taylor Lobby, Wieland Pavilion, 1280 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, Sat. Feb. 18, $500+ benefactors, $125 general admission. Doors open for benefactors at 6:30 p.m. and general admission at 7:30 p.m. Dressy casual. 21 and up.
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