Lyric Market
What Is Iron Bartender?
Houston’s premier bartender competition featuring signature cocktails by celebrated bartenders at restaurants and bars across the city.
Each bartender will present a signature “Periwinkle Cocktail” at their bar/restaurant from June 5th thru July 8th. $1 from the sale of each Periwinkle cocktail will be donated to The Periwinkle Foundation. A panel of judges will score the cocktails and the six bartenders with the top scores will compete in the Finals in September.
Click the bartender’s picture below to see their Periwinkle Cocktail!
Iron Bartender Finals – Thursday, September 25, 2025 at Lyric Market
The top six bartenders will compete on September 25th and the title of Iron Bartender will be announced at the end of the evening. Guests will cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award.
Cocktail Dinner Underwriter – $3500
Includes cocktail reception and reserved table for ten (10) guests with a multi-course seated dinner prepared by guest chefs. The VIP dinner will be served with paired cocktails presented by the six (6) Iron Bartender finalists.
Cocktail Dinner Tickets – $350
Includes cocktail reception and reserved seat for one (1) guest with a multi-course seated dinner prepared by guest chefs. The VIP dinner will be served with paired cocktails presented by the six (6) Iron Bartender finalists.
Reception Tickets – $75
Includes tastings of select Iron Bartender cocktails, spirits, beer and passed bites.
Sponsorship opportunities also available.
Iron Bartender Finalists
Anvil Bar & Refuge – Victor Navarro
Botanica – Stephanie Di Muria
Captain Foxheart’s Bad News Bar & Spirit Lodge – Drew Jerdan
Cuchara – Leonel Galvan
Johnny’s Gold Brick – Christian Guadiana
Reserve 101 – Marc Estil
Who It Benefits
The Periwinkle Foundation, a Houston-based organization that 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.
Thanks to our participating spirit brands
2024 Iron Bartender Winners!
Iron Bartender Champion – Drew Jerdan – Bad News Bar
1st Runner Up – Lynzie Holland – Johnny’s Gold Brick
People’s Choice – Lynzie Holland – Johnny’s Gold Brick
Bar Chef Award – Humberto Garay – Cuchara
Most Creative Cocktail – Humberto Garay – Cuchara
Benefitting
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.
