The Story Behind The Frosted Window Panes Inspired by the opening line of Frank Sinatra’s “The Christmas Walz,” bartender Katie Kennedy, of Cocktail Kingdom and formerly of East Harlem’s Contento, designed the Frosted Window Panes to evoke the holiday spirit, but with a slight tropical twist. Like in many classic tropical drinks, rum and orgeat…
NEW YORK, NY (November 12, 2025) – For over a decade, World Class has celebrated the craft, creativity and excellence of bartenders across the nation, inspiring thousands of professionals to refine their skills, connect with peers and elevate the hospitality experience. This year marks the start of an exciting new chapter for the leading U.S. bartending…
The Story Behind The The Monte + Mezcal “M + M” Mezcal Derrumbes Oaxaca’s minerality, delicate fruitiness, and light smokiness create the perfect foundation for this cozy cocktail. Combined with Amaro Montenegro’s bitter orange, clove, and nutmeg notes, you’ll be ready to ring in the season’s greetings. Garnish with lemon or orange peel and serve…
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;…
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…
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,…
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…
