Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix founded Speed Rack in 2011, and it has since become a global force for change in hospitality. Photography: Jim Vondruska.

The 2025 Speed Rack finalists have been revealed

by Molly Nicholas Oct 1, 2025

Speed Rack – one of the world’s most respected bartending competitions – is back, and the 2025 Australian finalists have been revealed.

Founded in New York in 2011 by industry leaders Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero, Speed Rack is a global bartending competition that spotlights women and femme-identifying talent in a traditionally male-dominated field. Over the years, it has expanded into an international platform that combines fast-paced competitions with industry advocacy, professional growth opportunities, and fundraising for breast cancer research.

With the support of William Grant & Sons, the competition made its Australian comeback across June and July with state rounds in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. The state rounds will culminate in a national showdown at Oxford Art Factory in Sydney on Sunday, 19 October, and Speed Rack is proud to present the finalists:

Anneliese Grazioli (NT)
Bridget Love (WA)
Cat Cheeseman (TAS)
Flick Eshman (NSW)
Kalia Perruzza (WA)
Kayla Reid (VIC)
Kristin Christie (QLD)
Lex Karyee Mak (SA)
Mix Marseilles (SA)
Sara Behunin (NSW)
Tk Hewett (QLD)
Trinity Bird (VIC)

Preliminary rounds will take place throughout the day where finalists will be challenged to make classic cocktails using iconic brands, before the top eight go head-to-head in the live final from 7pm.

On the evening, one winner will walk away with $5,000 towards hospitality-related professional winner and work with Monkey Shoulder’s Brand Ambassador Rachael Barlett to shape a bespoke package especially for them.

To date, the state rounds have already raised more than $10,000 for breast cancer research, while pushing gender equity into the spotlight and advocating for female hospitality professionals. Additionally, 100 per cent of ticket sales and proceeds of the charity cocktail menu at the national finals will go directly to Tour De Cure.

Jonathan Sully, Head of Marketing at William Grant & Sons Australia, says: “Speed Rack has always been about more than making drinks fast; it’s about creating a platform for female bartenders to be seen, celebrated, and supported. It’s also about giving back – and we’re thrilled that this year’s finals will raise money for such an important cause.”

Tickets are now available to purchase, and include a drink on arrival.