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…
The Story Behind The Santa’s Pregame We can only hope old Saint Nick isn’t drinking too much gin before making his rounds on Christmas Eve. But for those of us who aren’t gearing up to steer a sleigh around the globe, a yuletide highball should be in the cards. That’s where Santa’s Pregame comes in….
The Fat Charley cocktail features the flavors of orange, coconut and banana with a touch of cranberry just to marry it all together. This cocktail has enough of a tropical feel that drinking it during winter can make you feel like you’re somewhere warm and balmy. It’s a double – three ounces of alcohol –…
The Story Behind The Elvis Christmas There’s no way Elvis would have a “Blue Christmas” if he had this cocktail by his side. The creative concoction from bartender Elmer Mejicanos, partner at San Francisco cocktail spot Causwells and new bar Lilah, replicates the 1950s singer’s favorite sandwich, featuring peanut butter, banana, and bacon. The peanut…
The Story Behind The Stratusphere Ginger-Pear Collins Tasty things happen when you combine lively, bubbly La Marca Prosecco Luminore and citrus-forward Stratusphere Gin. These two rock star ingredients combined with ginger, pear, and maple syrup create a fruity-spicy flavor profile that’s sure to induce smiles this holiday season. Serve in chilled Collins glasses and garnish…
