A Global Celebration of Craft: Four Seasons New Orleans Hosts Icons of the Cocktail World

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans welcomes bar talent from around the world for a week of spirited programming, featuring collaborations between the Hotel's award-winning venues and some of the most esteemed names in mixology. Honouring the city’s global influence and Four Seasons leadership in beverage excellence, the Hotel will host celebrated bars from the World’s 50 Best and regional 50 Best lists such as Handshake Speakeasy, ARGO, Charles H., BKK Social Club, Bandista, Sip & Guzzle, Champagne Bar, Clemente Bar, and more.

Throughout the week, guests will enjoy immersive events ranging from elegant aperitivo hours to energetic poolside pop-ups, all designed to highlight the artistry and storytelling behind each cocktail. With master artisans crafting every pour, this series of events offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world of fine beverages, all within the heart of New Orleans.

As the buzzing energy centre of the Hotel’s beverage program, Chandelier Bar pays homage to the city’s cocktail heritage and has been recognized by Food & Wine as a Best Hotel Bar and by Esquire for its Martini of the Year.

2025 Tales of the Cocktail events throughout the Hotel include:

Monday, July 21

• Guest Shift: Bandista and Locale Firenze | Chandelier Bar | 9:00 pm – 12:00 midnight | Sponsored by Altamura Distilleries - Begin the week with a standout collaboration featuring Bandista of Four Seasons Houston and Locale Firenze. These two acclaimed bars unite under the chandelier to serve signature cocktails that fuse Italian finesse with Houston’s bold creativity.

Tuesday, July 22

• Guest Shift:  Sip & Guzzle and Kumiko | Chandelier Bar | 3:00-5:00 pm | Sponsored by Samson & Surrey - Step into the world of Japanese cocktail artistry with Sip & Guzzle and Kumiko. This immersive event pays homage to Japan’s refined bar culture with meticulous cocktails that balance precision, elegance, and spirit.
• Crafted Connections featuring ARGO (Hong Kong), Charles H. (Seoul), and Saikindō (Abu Dhabi) |  Chandelier Bar | 6:00-8:30 pm | Sponsored by Brown-Forman and Perrier - Experience the best of Four Seasons bars as ARGO (Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong), Charles H. (Four Seasons Hotel Seoul), and soon-to-open Saikindō (Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi) craft signature cocktails under the chandelier. 

Wednesday, July 23

• Aperitivo Hour featuring BKK Social Club and Bar Leone | Chandelier Bar | 4:00-7:00 pm | Sponsored by Italicus - Ease into the evening with an Italicus-sponsored aperitivo hour featuring vibrant creations from BKK Social Club (Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River) and Bar Leone. This early gathering offers a relaxed introduction to the week’s global bar stars.
• Bonded Through Bourbon | Miss River | 5:00-8:00 pm | Sponsored by Heaven Hill - This celebratory tasting event brings together bar talent from across Four Seasons properties. Featured participants include VIRTÙ of Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi, Champagne Bar of Four Seasons Hotel and Residences at The Surf Club, La OLA of Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, and Bandista of Four Seasons Hotel Houston. Expect a vibrant array of cocktails and stories from behind the bar, all set in the lively and inviting Miss River.
• Handshake Speakeasy | Chandelier Bar | 8:00-11:00 pm | Sponsored by Teramana Tequila - Experience the World’s #1 Bar—right here in New Orleans. For one night only, Handshake Speakeasy, the acclaimed Mexico City bar crowned World’s Best by 50 Best Bars, transforms Chandelier Bar into an intimate cocktail haven. Sip signature drinks and witness the precision, creativity, and hospitality that made Handshake a global sensation.

Thursday, July 24

• Pre-Spirited Awards Toast | Chandelier Bar | 4:00-6:00 pm | Sponsored by Palm Bay International & Perrier - Honourees for the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, including the Hotel’s own Chandelier Bar, will gather under the chandelier for a very special pre-awards toast with colleagues and bar icons from around the world.

Celebrating Beverage Excellence

This extraordinary week showcases Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans dedication to hospitality, innovation, and craftsmanship. With every meticulously crafted cocktail and thoughtfully curated experience, the Hotel continues to raise the bar for global cocktail culture.

To discover more culinary and beverage experiences at Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, click here. Refer to the Tales of the Cocktail Conference Agenda for more the full list of events here.