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. Some are even fronting top bars and winning prestigious awards, introducing a fresh burst of innovation and flair to the sector.
To anyone who still believes that bartending is “a man’s job”, you couldn’t be any more wrong.
A homage to female bartenders everywhere, all-female speed bartending competition, Speed Rack returns to Asia, this time held in Hong Kong.
For one day only, happening on 27 October 2019, join in the excitement as some of the best females bartenders from around the region show off their cocktail-making prowess in the heart of Hong Kong at Michelin-starred Duddell’s in Central. Tickets begin at HKD 250 and all proceeds will go to breast cancer research, prevention and education.
Raising Money For Breast Cancer & Awareness On Female Inclusivity
Seeking to shine a light on female bartenders, highlighting the lack of inclusivity in modern society, while also raising money to support breast cancer research, education and prevention, veteran bartenders Lynette Marrero and Ivy Mix began Speed Rack to make a difference.
Since 2011, the competition has expanded from UK, Mexico, Australia, Canada, USA to Hong Kong.
This all-female speed bartending competition raises money for breast cancer charities and will be helping Hong Kong Breast Cancer Foundation.
Speed Rack Asia’s Judging Panel
Speed Rack Asia 2019’s esteemed judging panel includes: Jay Khan (owner of COA, Hong Kong, no. 12 Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2019), Charlene Dawes (founder of Tastings Group, the company behind decorated Hong Kong venues Quinary, VEA, The Envoy, Room 309 and Ori-gin); Martin Hudak (Mr Black’s global brand and ambassador and co-owner of Maybe Sammy in Sydney, recent winner of the Spirited Awards’ Best International Bar); and Micaela Piccolo (Spirits Director for Nimbility Asia).
Contestants
16 emerging female bartenders from Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines, China, South Korea and Vietnam will compete for the title of Miss Speed Rack Asia 2019. The competition will be held at The Salon of Michelin-starred restaurant Duddell’s in Central on Sunday, 27 October 2019.
Representing Singapore in the finals, we have Macarena Rotger (The Other Roof) and Jayden Ong (Senior Bartender of Nutmeg & Clove).
The Competition
On 27 October, they will go head-to-head in a qualifying round that tests not only their speed, but also their aptitude making four cocktails. These cocktails will feature Speed Rack’s sponsor brands. The eight fastest times after penalty adjustments will advance to the live on-stage finals at Duddell’s from 5:30PM onwards.
The eight remaining bartenders are then placed into a bracketed, round-robin style competition. Using sponsors’ products, competitors would be placed in instant elimination rounds. They will each make a round of cocktails selected at random, culled from a list of 50 spirit industry-standard recipes. The judges request their selected drink from each competitor and then evaluate it based on accuracy, taste and presentation.
The swiftest and most skilled women move forward to the next round until the final showdown.. Where the winner will be crowned Miss Speed Rack Asia 2019!
Getting Tickets
If you’re interested in being part of this trailblazing all-female bartending competition, get booking now! Ticket prices begin at HKD 250 (Approx. USD 31) before 20 October 2019. Ticket price includes entry to the competition as well as free-flow drinks.
Purchase your tickets here.
When: 27 October 2019, Sunday, 5.30PM – 9.30PM
Where: The Salon at Duddell’s, Level 4 Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central, Hong Kong
More Information:
Speed Rack
All photos are credited to Speed Rack.
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