HOUSTON, TX (June 3, 2024) – The Periwinkle Foundation announces Iron Bartender 2024, a two-fold premier bartender competition that raises funds for the nonprofit organization. From June 4 – July 4, 15 bartenders across the city of Houston will create and feature a limited edition, signature “Periwinkle Cocktail” that will be available for patrons to enjoy. Each bartender will create a cocktail unique to his or her establishment using premium ingredients.
During this time, $1 from each “Periwinkle Cocktail” sold at the participating bars and restaurants will be donated back to The Periwinkle Foundation. A panel of judges will score each cocktail and the top five bartenders will compete in the Iron Bartender Finals on Thursday, Sept. 12 at Lyric Market in downtown Houston.
The participating bartenders, bars/restaurants and sponsors for 2024 include:
- Lily Vasquez, Anvil Bar & Refuge; Sponsor: Lalo Tequila
- Drew Jerdan, Bad News Bar; Sponsor: Planteray Rum
- Alejandro Medina, Bar Bludorn; Sponsor: Elijah Craig Bourbon
- Humberto Garay, Cuchara; Sponsor: Illegal Mezcal
- Leo Franco, Doris Metropolitan; Sponsor: Zacapa Rum
- Andrew Bilotti; Heights Bier Garden; Sponsor: Aguasol Tequila
- Lynzie Holland, Johnnys Goldbrick; Sponsor: Compass Box Whiskey
- Emily Martin-McKamie, Lei Low; Sponsor: Santa Teresa 1796
- Kevin Dolcine; Monkey’s Tail; Sponsor: Mijenta Tequila
- Angel Belman, Ninfa’s (on Navigation); Sponsor: Don Fulano Tequila
- April Biagas, Refuge; Sponsor: Select Aperitivo
- Alan Cowan, Reserve 101; Sponsor: Caravedo Pisco
- Sabrina Poe, Rosewater; Sponsor: Rittenhouse Rye
- Tiffany Kirk, The Toasted Coconut; Sponsor: Gray Whale Gin
- TJ Leibowitz, Winnie’s; Sponsor: Redemption Rye
“We salute the bars and restaurants which are part of Iron Bartender for generously donating a portion of the sale of each signature Periwinkle Cocktail to our organization, which provides a community of healing for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses through camps and other programs,” says Doug Suggitt, Periwinkle’s Executive Director. “We invite community members to come out and enjoy a Periwinkle signature cocktail at one of these establishments between now and July 4 to support a worthy cause.”
In addition to Iron Bartender, Periwinkle hosts the popular Iron Sommelier, which is the wine-tasting and sommelier competition featuring Houston’s most prestigious sommeliers competing for the title of Iron Sommelier. This fundraiser is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 7 at the Post Oak Hotel in Uptown Park.
Funds raised through Iron Bartender help support the Periwinkle Camps, Arts and Survivor Programs that serve more than 14,000 children, teens and families. For more information, visit www.ironbartender.org
Link to headshots here
Link to 2023 event photos here
Photo credit: Larry Geiger
About The Periwinkle Foundation
The Periwinkle Foundation develops and provides programs that positively change the lives of children, young adults and families who are challenged by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses and are cared for at Texas Children’s Hospital. Funds raised through Periwinkle Cycle help support the Periwinkle Camps, Arts and Survivor Programs that serve more than 14,000 children, teens and families.