Meet some of the local Colorado talent competing in season 14 of Speed Rack, the one and only all-women bartending competition and fundraiser.
Speed Rack started in 2011, the brainchild of New York industry veterans Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix. Since its founding, the event has aimed to showcase the talented female-identifying bartenders around the world, with 100% of proceeds going directly to breast cancer research, education, and prevention. The organization has raised $1.85 million so far, with a goal to hit $2 million this season.
Join the fun, sip booze and wine samples, and cheer on your favorite bartender during Speed Rack Season 14 West Regionals on Monday, February 9 at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom. Over all there are 20 competitors, and these ladies will be duking it out for our region. But who exactly made it to regionals? Meet five of the Colorado ladies who will rock it on stage, just make sure to get your tickets here.
Jasmyne Colin of Pony Up
As the lead bartender at Pony Up in Downtown Denver, Jasmyne Colin said she garnered inspiration from all the women around her who previously competed.
“[I] just knew I wanted to be in a community with them,” said Colin, who competed in seasons 12 and 13, making it to the semifinals last year. “I’m just looking forward to having fun with all of my friends, supporting the fight against breast cancer and learning more about myself.” And, she added, fingers crossed, winning of course.
Itzel Catarino of Curio Bar
This will be the first time Curio Bar’s Itzel Catarino competes in Speed Rack, something she always wanted to do but didn’t feel confident enough for. Now, she’s got the encouragement and is ready to go.
“I am looking forward to creating community most,” said Catarino. “Being able to spend time training and studying with Denver’s best femme bartenders I hope will help strengthen and create long lasting friendships, mutual respect, and network of creatives to lean and learn from.”
Jordan Leggett of Nora’s Speakeasy
Head northwest of Denver to Louisville and not only will you find a quaint bar to imbibe at, but bar lead Jordan Leggett often behind the shaker and ready to pour.
“I competed in season seven in Phoenix and had heard about it from a friend of mine prior,” said the self-described mad scientist of Nora’s Speakeasy. Leggett wanted to join the competition not only for glory, but the chance to meet other bartenders and “go head-to-head with the best.”
Desiree ‘Des’ Estampador of Side Pony
“The women who trained me on bartending have competed in Speed Rack, and one of them won Season 11, which inspired me to join in,” said Desiree ‘Des’ Estampador, a bartender and barista at Side Pony in Denver, sister spot to Pony Up. “I am so excited to see some familiar faces and make some new friends in the bar industry, and it’s always a delight to meet other female bartenders.”
Last year was Estampador’s first season competing and she was one of eight finalists to go on stage. This year is her second time competing, and she said she’s betting on herself to place higher and win.
Sabrina Cookson of Call Me Pearl
Meet Sabrina Cookson, the lead bartender at Call Me Pearl who is attending Speed Rack for the second time. The first time she competed was in 2023, and she got in the top eight. This time, she said, she wants to go even higher.
“I am looking forward to getting through the preliminary round,” said Cookson. “I’m also looking forward to all the friendships that come with Speed Rack.”
