By Acadia Cerise I want to welcome you in. Cozy up at the bar. Let your feet touch grass. Stay for a little while. Long Day? Do you also wonder how we do better than survive, but thrive as a whole? Open your mind to the possibility that we are all, in fact, relatives here;…
NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 11, 2025) — Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is pleased to announce that applications for the 2026 Cocktail Apprentice Program® (CAP) Red Coat class will officially open on December 11, 2025, and close on January 29, 2026. Each year, this globally respected mentorship initiative welcomes 40 emerging bartenders into its…
The Story Behind The Brown Butter Rye Old Fashioned When it comes to the holidays, butter makes everything better — from mashed potatoes and fluffy dinner rolls to cookies and pie crust. And according to Ricardo Rodriguez, bar manager at Lita restaurant and La Otra bar in Aberdeen, N.J., even cocktails deserve the butter treatment…
Four members of the Foundation’s Cocktail Apprentice Program (CAP) have been awarded scholarships for BAR 5-Day Spirits & Mixology Certification Program. Each year, Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) offers members of its Cocktail Apprentice Program (CAP) exclusive opportunities, such as applying for the Maison Ferrand Rocky Yeh CAP Bar 5-Day Scholarship to participate in…
NEW ORLEANS, LA (December 18, 2025) – Tales of the Cocktail Foundation is proud to announce Will Thompson, representing Sunny’s Miami as the winner of Pour of Couture presented by Johnnie Walker, the inaugural continental U.S. bartender competition inspired by the worlds of haute couture and Scotch whisky blending. Launched earlier this year, Pour of…
The Story Behind The Safecracker First stirred up by Matt Piacentini, owner of NYC cocktail bar The Up & Up, the Safecracker gets its name from Gian Maria Volonté’s character, El Indio, in the 1965 Western, “For a Few Dollars More.” In the film, Volonté — an Italian actor — portrays a Mexican outlaw who…
The Story Behind The RumChata Spiced Nog You’re just a few ingredients away from a festive cocktail perfect for serving at any holiday gathering. Cream of coconut, spiced rum, and RumChata come together harmoniously when topped with freshly grated nutmeg. Sip in glassware of your liking, or add an extra touch of elegance by breaking…
Spiked hot cocoa is just what you need right now. These alcoholic hot chocolate recipes are rich and creamy, perfect for sipping on a cold evening. With just a mug, whisk and sauce pan, plus some cocoa powder, milk and a favorite liquor or two, you can make magic. And these drinks look so inviting,…
” /> New Year’s Eve is all about spending time together and creating memories that last. It’s a moment to slow down, enjoy good company, play games, and celebrate the year ahead in a way that feels meaningful. A poker night is a fun and relaxed way to do just that. It brings people together…
The Story Behind The Soft Landing At the crossroads of the Hot Buttered Rum and the Air Mail, one will find the Soft Landing, a festive fusion developed by Kathryn “Pepper” Stashek at NYC’s Caribbean hotspot Kabawa. To build the cocktail, Stashek took inspiration from rum cake, a classic Caribbean dessert. To recreate the flavors…
