Speed Rack is a national cocktail competition featuring top female bartenders in key cocktail markets, putting them head to head in round robin style timed and judged challenges. It is the first competition to highlight the up and coming generation of strong women in the spirits industry. 100% of the proceeds from the events they produce goes to breast cancer education, prevention and research. On this week's episode of In the Drink, tune in as Joe Campanale chats with the ladies behind the competition, Ivy Mix and Lynnette Marrero. Pastry Chef Johnny Iuzzini, who will be a judge at Speed Rack, also joins the show to explain how he will be critically tasting the drinks at the competition. Find out how Speed Rack started, what makes it so unique, and tune in for a special on-air cocktail! This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

"It was hard for a woman to become a 'mixologist' because we look stupid in suspenders and can't grow a mustache!" [18:00]

--Ivy Mix on In the Drink

The Mass Attack is a weight loss group effort and/or an individual competition held at Gramercy Tavern. The contest began on Wednesday, January 23rd (initial weigh-in required) and ends 8 weeks later on Wednesday, March 20th (final weigh-in required). Weekly weigh-ins will take place every Wednesday through out the contest, but are not required. The winners (1 female and 1 male) will be determined by the percentage of weight lost over the eight-week period and will each receive $400! Tune in for an update from HRN to see how the contestants are doing! Thanks to our sponsor, The International Culinary Center.

"I'm totally in awe of anyone who can maintain a vegan lifestyle for an extended period of time." [3:40] -- Danna Singer on Mass Attack

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon sits and chats with the ladies of Speed Rack. Speed Rack is a competition created for and by female bartenders to promote female bartenders. Hear from Ivy Mix, Lynette Marrero & Claire Bertin-Lang as they preview the upcoming competition on May 10th, 2012. Find out how intense the competition gets and what to expect from a room full of the most skilled women bartenders in the world! This program was sponsored by White Oak Pastures.

"This cocktail community spreads across the nation. We can all drop into any city and work with somebody." --Lynette Marrero of Speed Rack on The Speakeasy