The Periwinkle Foundation's Iron Bartender

Hugo's bartender Ricky Gonzalez

The Periwinkle Foundation is hosting their inaugural Iron Bartender event, a two-fold premier bartender competition that will raise funds for the nonprofit organization. Throughout the month of June, 20 bartenders across the city will curate and feature a signature “Periwinkle Cocktail” that will be available for a limited-edition for patrons to enjoy. A carefully selected panel of judges including Antonio Gianola, Houston Wine Merchant; Greg Morago, Houston Chronicle; Cat Nguyen, Republic National Distributing Co.; Jane and Christopher Harris, will score the cocktails based on creativity, presentation and taste. The top three finalists will then go head to head for the title of Iron Bartender at a premiere private cocktail event scheduled for September.

In conjunction with the competition, $1 from each “Periwinkle Cocktail” sold will directly benefit The Periwinkle Foundation. Additionally, Houstonians will also be able to vote for their favorite cocktail on the Iron Bartender website, and the cocktail with the most votes will win the People’s Choice Award. 

Funds raised through Iron Bartender help support the Periwinkle Camps, Arts and Survivor Programs that serve more than 14,000 children, teens and families. This is made possible by a collaborative community of 20,000 supporters with a reach of more than 12 million impressions worldwide.See the list of The list of participating bartenders and restaurants here.