Thursday, September 18, 2025

Absolut Vodka Triumphantly Returns To Tales Of The Cocktail With “Born to Mix” Event

Marking its triumphant return to Tales of the Cocktail after a decade-long hiatus, Absolut, the renowned Swedish Vodka, made a vibrant comeback in New Orleans this year with an event called “Born to Mix,” held on the rooftop of The Ace Hotel. Throughout the entire day, the event was presided over by three incredibly talented drag queens who provided non-stop entertainment.

Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday
Absolut Vodka Triumphantly Returns To Tales Of The Cocktail
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday
Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday

Each drag queen embodied a unique cocktail style, both in their demeanor and attire, which was then translated into exquisite beverages expertly crafted by top bartenders: Kate Gerwin (Happy Accidents), Iain Griffiths (Mr. Lyan, Trash Collective), and Haley Traub (Attaboy).

Quite Contrary 

Created by Kate Gerwin of Happy Accidents, Albuquerque

Absolut Vodka, Absolut Peppar, Zing Zang Pho Ga Broth, Hoisin, Fish Sauce, Sesame Oil

Absolut Vodka Triumphantly Returns To Tales Of The Cocktail
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday

Rancher Water

Created by Haley Traub of Attaboy, NYC 

Absolut Watermelon, Lillet Blanc, Watermelon, Lime, Habanero, Club Soda

Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday

Cosmo Milk Punch

Created by Iain Griffiths Mr Lyan, Trash Collective, London 

Absolut Vodka, Italicus, Triple Sec, Lime, Pomegranate, Cranberry, Jasmine, Coconut

Absolut Vodka Triumphantly Returns To Tales Of The Cocktail
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday

The spotlight was shared among the Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, and Espresso Martini, with each classic cocktail taking center stage during separate bartender shifts held throughout the day. This event not only showcased Absolut’s strong ties to the LGBTQI+ community, a core value since its inception, but it also highlighted the brand’s unwavering commitment to the bartending community.

Absolut Vodka Triumphantly Returns To Tales Of The Cocktail
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday
Absolut Vodka Triumphantly Returns To Tales Of The Cocktail
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday

Each trailblazing bartender was supported by an emerging talent of their choosing: Coleman Sisk from Yacht Club in Denver, Sarah An from Jolene Sound Room in Miami, and Shammai Mading from SuperBueno in New York City, reflecting Absolut’s dedication to nurturing new talent in the bartending world.

Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday
Photo Credit: Aurora Rose @aurorarosetoday

Another signature Absolut drink called Live Free of Die Chai’n was served at the event and would be a great addition to a late summer cocktail party.

Live Free or Die Chai’n

Created by Haley Traub of Attaboy, NYC

1.5 oz Absolut Vanilla

1 oz Chai syrup

.25 oz Kahlua

.25 oz Espresso or cold brew concentrate

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain

Glassware: Coupe

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Amy Harris
Amy Harris is a writer and photographer who has been traveling for 20 years and flown over 2 million miles to visit over 80 countries on 6 continents. She is a freelance photographer for Invision by Associated Press, AP Images and Rex/Shutterstock. Her work can be seen in various publications and websites including: Rolling Stone, AP Images, National Geographic Books, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Forbes.com, Lonely Planet Travel Guides, JetStar magazine, and Delta Sky Magazine.

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