$1 from each cocktail sold goes to The Periwinkle Foundation in support of Iron Bartender competition/fundraiser in September
HOUSTON, TX (May 29, 2025) – The Periwinkle Foundation announces Iron Bartender 2025, a two-fold premier bartender competition that raises funds for the nonprofit organization. From June 5 to July 8, 16 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 in September.
The participating bartenders, bars/restaurants, and spirit brands for Iron Bartender 2025 include:
| Bartender | Bar/Restaurant | Spirit Brand |
| Victor Navarro | Anvil | Still Austin Whiskey |
| Julian Bonnin | Betelgeuse Betelgeuse | Elijah Craig Rye Whiskey |
| Celeste Flores | Better Luck Tomorrow | Maison Ferrand |
| Zulcoralis Rodriguez | Bludorn | Caravedo Pisco |
| Stephanie Di Muria | Botanic Beer Garden | Cantera Negra Tequila |
| Lauren Franssen | Camaraderie | LALO Tequila |
| Drew Jerdan | Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge | Tequila Ocho |
| Leonel Galvan | Cuchara | Mezcal Union |
| Sarah Ip | Double Trouble Caffeine & Cocktails | Sagamore Rye Whiskey |
| Italo Rizzo | Heights Bier Garten | Santa Teresa Rum |
| Carla Espinoza | I Know The Owner | Gray Whale Gin |
| Christian Guadiana | Johnny’s Gold Brick | Redemption Rye Whiskey |
| Brandon Freed | Lei Low | BACARDI Reserva Ocho Rum |
| Rebecca Burrow | Loose Cannon Bar | Zephyr Gin |
| Andres Blanco | MAD | Zacapa Rum |
| Marc Estil | Reserve 101 | Ilegal Mezcal |
“We’re grateful to the bars and restaurants participating in Iron Bartender for donating a portion of each Periwinkle Cocktail sold to support our mission,” says Doug Suggitt, Periwinkle’s Executive Director. “Join us in raising a glass between now and July 8th to help provide healing programs and camps for children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.”
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. 20th 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 2024 event photos here
Event 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.
