New York City-based bartender Zoe Davide posed for the camera after winning Speed Rack on Monday in Queens. Photo Courtesy of Kyle Stevens / @ thekylestevens
The Melrose Ballroom (36-08 33rd St, Long Island City) got twisted for a good cause when the annual Speed Rack competition took place on Monday, March 9, 2026. Speed Rack is a speed-based cocktail competition for women+ bartenders that supports breast cancer research while putting an important spotlight on up-and-coming talent in the spirits industry.
Competitors showed up and showed out for the event in Astoria, displaying their impressive bartending skills for a variety of judges across the entertainment and beverage spaces. Speed Rack has raised over $2,000,000 since its inception, and the donations are continuing to pour in. Speed Rack was founded by Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix in February of 2011. Marrero and Mix have continued to put a spotlight on female mixologists around the country while raising funds for breast cancer research, education, and early prevention. This year, Zoe Davide emerged victorious as the top winner and champion of the New York region. Zoe shook and stirred her way to securing the grand prize. Other standout participants included Rachel Prucha, Yasmine Saberi, Lisa McGum, IIeana Hernandez, and Sam Smagala. Alcohol brands kept the drinks flowing throughout the festive evening and helped sponsor the event. Fan favorites included Jack Daniel’s, Fords Gin, Heering, and Suntory.
Rachel Prucha is seen making a delicious beverage during the competition.
Speed Rack now has its sights on the National Finals this upcoming summer. The competition will conclude in New Orleans as part of ‘Tales of the Cocktail 2026’ on Sunday, July 19. To donate or volunteer, readers can visit speed-rack.com for more information.
Katie Kennedy and Kristen Carmel quenched the thirst of attendees at the Melrose Ballroom at the Fords Gin booth.
A large crowd gathered in Astoria to cheer on their favorite participants in this year’s Speed Rack.