Halfway to Tales

Tales of the Cocktail Foundation invites the New Orleans spirits community to Halfway to Tales on January 26, 2026, for a dynamic day of education, connection, and celebration marking the halfway point to Tales of the Cocktail®. Hosted in partnership with Turning Tables and Sazerac at The Sazerac House, the complimentary event brings together bartenders, hospitality professionals, and industry leaders for forward-looking conversations, innovative seminars, and meaningful community engagement. 

Halfway to Tales offers attendees the opportunity to explore what’s trending in bars globally while connecting with peers through free educational programming, cocktails, and time together. Admission is free, with limited capacity.

The program opens with a welcome and overview of how to get involved with Tales of the Cocktail 2026, followed by the seminar “Current Global Bar Trends,” led by Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. The session highlights the bars, bartenders, cocktails, and movements shaping the global drinks landscape, with additional perspectives from Foundation Board Members Sandrae Lawrence (Cocktail Lovers, London) and John Gakuru (Coruscent Co., Los Angeles).

Attendees will then have the opportunity to select from two concurrent educational sessions from Turning Tables. “Storytelling Through Service: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences,” presented by Abigail Gullo, focuses on crafting compelling cocktail narratives, connecting ingredients to culture and place, and strengthening guest engagement behind the bar. “Flavor Architecture: Building Blocks of Balance & Complexity,” presented by Touré Folkes, explores how flavor, history, and geography intersect to create thoughtful, well-balanced cocktails and confident presentation. The day also includes opportunities to connect with peers and explore the Sazerac House through a self-guided experience.

Halfway to Tales will take place alongside The Great Shake Up, a celebration of the artistry, creativity, and culture of Black bartenders from across the nation. The Great Shake Up includes both an Elevation Culinary Experience and a high-energy cocktail competition, where craft meets culture through music, mixology, and movement. Tickets for The Great Shake Up events are available separately from Halfway to Tales.

Together, Halfway to Tales, Turning Tables, and The Great Shake Up create a full day of inspiration, education, and celebration honoring the drinks community while building momentum toward Tales of the Cocktail 2026.

Admission to Halfway to Tales is free, with space limited. Advance RSVP is required by January 23, 2026: https://talesofthecocktail.org/events-halfway-to-tales

Tickets for The Great Shake Up Elevation Culinary Experience and The Great Shake Up Competition are available for purchase separately: https://events.eventnoire.com/e/the-great-shakeup