Halfway to Tales

Join Us for Halfway to Tales

January 26, 2026
The Sazerac House, 101 Magazine St., New Orleans

Online RSVPs have closed. To RSVP, email carolyn@talesofthecocktail.org.

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. Online RSVPs have closed. To RSVP, email carolyn@talesofthecocktail.org.

Halfway to Tales Agenda

10:30 am – 12 pm: The Great Shakeup Elevation Culinary Experience (Ticket Required)

12 pm: Doors Open for Halfway to Tales (Registration: 1st Floor)

12:30-1 pm: Welcome & How to Get Involved in Tales of the Cocktail 2026 (Cabinet Saloon: 4th Floor)

1-1:45 pm: “Current Global Bar Trends” Seminar (Cabinet Saloon: 4th Floor)

Charlotte Voisey, Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, leads an exciting discussion on the bars, bartenders, cocktails, and trends that are making headlines around the world at the moment. Learn about what’s new and innovative in the drinks industry from industry experts, with additional perspectives from Foundation Board Members Sandrae Lawrence (Cocktail Lovers, London) and John Gakuru (Coruscent Co., Los Angeles).

2-2:45 pm: Choice of 2 Seminars Presented by Turning Tables:

“Flavor Architecture: Building Blocks of Balance & Complexity” Seminar presented by Touré Folkes (Cabinet Saloon: 4th Floor)

Explore how flavor, history, and geography intersect to create thoughtful, well-balanced cocktails and confident presentation.

Develop the ability to articulate cocktail narratives.
Connect ingredients to their cultural context, history, and geographical location.
Practice guest engagement techniques.
Build confidence in presenting drinks professionally.

“Storytelling Through Service: Creating Memorable Guest Experiences” Seminar presented by Abigail Gullo (Conference Room: 6th Floor)

Learn how to craft compelling cocktail narratives, connect ingredients to culture and place, and strengthen guest engagement behind the bar.

Develop the ability to articulate cocktail narratives.
Connect ingredients to cultural context, history, and place.
Practice guest engagement techniques.
Build confidence in presenting drinks professionally.

2:45-3:30 pm: Networking & Self-Guided Tour of The Sazerac House

4-7 pm: The Great Shake Up

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, where craft meets culture through music, mixology, and movement. Tickets for The Great Shake Up events are available separately from Halfway to Tales.

Buy Tickets for The Great Shake Up