manhattan_cocktail_classic_2013 What are YOU doing this weekend? Ditch the humdrum routine! This weekend, the Manhattan Cocktail Classic kicks off! (May 17 – 21). This 5-day event celebrates both cocktail culture and the many bars in which it thrives across New York City, with dozens of events across four boroughs. The Manhattan Cocktail Classic offers an opportunity for spirits brands and bartenders from around the world to mingle, and most events are open to the general public, giving cocktail enthusiasts a chance to be part of the celebrations.As a prelude to the 5 days of festivities, industry professionals gathered, last night, to watch the 2013 finals of Speed Rack. A fundraiser for breast cancer, Speed Rack pits the nation’s best female bartenders against each other in regional contests around the USA, and the winner from each of those faces off in New York. This year, elite bartender Eryn Reece took the national title. Sample her drinks for yourself when she’s behind the bar at Death & Co. and Mayahuel.Tonight’s opening gala takes place in the vast New York Public Library, which spans two city blocks. More than 25,000 cocktails will be poured for guests as they mingle amidst 4 storeys of performances, art, and more. The next few days feature many events taking place in bars, restaurants, galleries and event locations all over the city, always paired some of the best and most innovative cocktails in the world. Event tickets are still available and range in price from $25 to $395 and can be ordered through the MCC website.New York City awaits. Live a little. You can still make it happen...