Speed Rack—the all-femme bartending competition that champions women behind the bar while raising funds to fight breast cancer—offers more than just expertly shaken cocktails. It’s a celebration of strength, solidarity, and the women who inspire us most. For some competitors, their journey through Speed Rack was deeply personal, dedicated to mothers and grandmothers who faced breast cancer with courage and grace. Their stories—and their drinks—are featured in A Quick Drink: The Speed Rack Guide to Winning Cocktails for Any Mood, the new book by co-founders Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero. This year, honor the moms in your life with cocktails that carry heart, heritage, and hope in every sip.
Check out some recipes from A Quick Drink below!
“I made this drink for my nana, a three-time breast cancer survivor, and my mom, and it feels pretty cool to know that a lot of folks battling breast cancer received help because of it,” Haley explains.
by Haley Traub, 2018 Speed Rack USA National Winner
1 ½ oz. Bourbon, preferably Knob Creek
¾ oz. Tart Cherry Juice
¾ oz. Espresso
½ oz. Vanilla Demerara Syrup
Garnish: Chocolate Shavings
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake until cold and strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Garnish with the chocolate shavings and serve.
Ivy and Lynnette share that “Gia St. George Terry is one of our Speed Rackers who came to us for the charity aspect. Her grandmother survived stage four breast cancer.”
Photo by Beckaly Franks
by Gia St. George Terry, Speed Rack Competitor
1 Strawberry, sliced in half
1 ½ oz. Rye Whiskey, preferably Rittenhouse
½ oz. Byrrh Grand Quinquina Aperitif
¾ oz. Lemon Juice
¾ oz. Cinnamon–Ghost Pepper Syrup
Garnish: Strawberry slice
Add the halved strawberry to a cocktail shaker and muddle.
Add the other ingredients and fill the shaker with ice.
Shake until cold and double strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish with the strawberry slice and serve.
“I was determined to compete for my grandmother Bea, who was a breast cancer survivor. After experiencing the enthusiasm, community, and genuine sisterhood, I was hooked,” Andrea says.
Photo by Drea T
by Andrea Tateosian, Speed Rack Competitor
1 oz. Tawny Port
¼ oz. Giffard Banane du Brésil liqueur
1 dash Angostura Bitters
1 Whole Egg
1 ½ oz. Porter Ale
Garnish: Freshly Grated Nutmeg and Angostura Bitters
Add the tawny port, banana liqueur, bitters, and egg to a cocktail shaker.
Dry shake (without ice).
Add ice and shake again, vigorously.
Fine strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
Top with the porter and 2 to 3 dashes of bitters.
Grate the nutmeg over the drink and serve.
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