Global Vodka brand Skyy has joined forces with NYC Pride to toast marriage equality with the launch of its its “SKYY Says I Do” campaign.

The campaign will cover the costs of wedding ceremonies for 100 couples nationwide via digital sweepstakes hosted on Instagram in celebration of marriage equality, as well as host a pop-up chapel in NYC.

An extension of the brand’s ongoing support of marriage equality and the LGBTQIA+ community, the campaign will allow couples to enter for a chance to win by creating and sharing a picture of themselves with their partner, toasting to marriage equality, and tagging @SKYYVodka and #SKYYSaysIDo on Instagram.

“SKYY Vodka’s support of marriage equality over recent years has supported organizations like Freedom to Marry to bring to life the Toast to Marriage campaign in 2015”, said Sean Yelle, Campari Sr. Category Marketing Director.

In addition to the social media sweepstakes, SKYY and NYC Pride, which supports community outreach efforts, are hosting a pop-up wedding chapel, which will be open to anyone and everyone 21+ in New York City looking to wed this holiday season officially. The pop-up will provide couples with everything they need for their big day, including the venue, officiant, and photographer, as well as delicious food and SKYY cocktails.

“As a supporter of marriage equality, SKYY Vodka is proud to stand alongside the LGBTQIA+ community,” Yelle continued. “The progressive spirit of SKYY Vodka is rooted in its California origins, and the brand is committed to making a positive impact on social justice issues that affect the community at large.”

For couples interested in getting married at the pop-up wedding chapel, all participants need to do is register their details and then show up ready with their marriage license on the day, ready to be wed. Consumers can register to participate in the pop-up wedding chapel on December 19 by visiting skyysaysido.eventbrite.com.

Global luxury hotel brand Waldorf Astoria has announced the opening of a new destination cocktail bar in its property in Osaka, Japan.

Inspired by the 1930s Golden Age of Jazz, Canes & Tales has been designed to offer a glamorous escape into a bygone era, paying homage to the Waldorf Astoria’s legacy in New York.

Every menu at Canes & Tales will be designed around a specific tale, with the opening menu based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Tales of the Jazz Age. Each of the 11 short stories found within the collection has been reimagined as a cocktail, an ode to a time of unbridled elegance, reckless romance and the art of true indulgence.

Like Fitzgerald’s prose, each libation is a composition of nuance and flair, an intoxicating blend of sophistication and mischief, poetry and pleasure. They capture the essence of a time when the night was young, the music was wild, and the possibilities were endless.

The drinks are interactive and playful, such as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” inspired by the tale of a child born with the wrinkles of an old man, living his life in reverse. Guests can choose their age (of whisky) – with a non-alcoholic whisky option, Glenfarclas 10 Year Old or Glenfarclas 25 Year Old – to combine with fig-infused Pedro Ximénez Sherry and Mancino Rosso Vermouth, Bénédictine DOM, Scrappy’s aromatic and orange bitters.

The fanciful nature of the drinks further comes to life through whimsical drawings and retellings of each short story, giving the guest a taste of what’s to come.

Director of Mixology Dominic Dijkstra oversees the bar programme alongside Bar Manager Masahiko Ohama and Bar Supervisor Shimba Ishikawa, offering a depth of international experience in hospitality and cocktail development for guests from all walks of life to enjoy.

Canes & Tales is open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5pm to 12am, Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 1am, and Sundays from 5pm to 12am; the bar is walk-in only, however guests may call ahead to check on availability.

For more information, go to hilton.com

Mexican Tequila Don Julio has collaborated with New York City’s Mercer Labs Museum of Art and Technology to unveil Por Amor: An Immersive Tasting Experience, a multisensory journey that reimagines how tequila is experienced and celebrated through art and technology.

This first-ever full brand takeover will see Don Julio tap into technologies like 4D spatial sound, LED mirrored infinity rooms, and volumetric light displays to tell its story in a way never experienced before.

“Don Julio González devoted his life to crafting tequila of the highest quality,” said Karina Sánchez, Global Brand Ambassador for Tequila Don Julio. “This experience honours his unwavering spirit of innovation—a place where tradition and imagination converge, inviting guests to celebrate the extraordinary that can be achieved when passion fuels every step of the journey.”

From June 12–15, Por Amor: An Immersive Tasting Experience will open its doors to the public, inviting guests on a guided journey through interactive rooms, each designed to unlock the five senses while showcasing the meticulous craft, passion, and creativity behind every bottle of Tequila Don Julio.

Guests will be able to discover the Don Julio origin story and immerse themselves not only in the spirit of the brand but also in the infectious energy and rhythms of Mexico, while smelling the warm aromas of roasted agave and rich oak that embody the heritage of Don Julio. Additionally, guests will also be able to craft their own signature Tequila Don Julio cocktail using fresh ingredients and artisanal tools, connecting directly to the craftsmanship behind every pour.

“Mercer Labs is a home to the world’s most forward-thinking creators, and this collaboration with Tequila Don Julio represents a perfect union of creative vision,” said Roy Nachum, Co-founder and Creative Director of Mercer Labs. “We’re proud to host the brand’s first immersive takeover and give guests the opportunity to experience tequila in a way that’s never been done before.”

Scotch Whisky brand Dewar’s and handcrafted crystal artisans Baccarat are proud to announce their partnership at the 78th Annual Tony Awards.

To celebrate the collaboration, the brands will unveil an ultra-exclusive speakeasy experience on Sunday, June 8th at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. 

Melding centuries of expert craftsmanship for a distinctive bar experience that honours the most influential talent on Broadway, the speakeasy will feature bespoke cocktails crafted from Dewar’s ultra-premium Double Double range, served in iconic Baccarat crystal glassware.

“At Dewar’s, we’ve long believed that great stories are meant to be savoured,” explained Brian Cox, Global Vice President of Scotch Whisky at Bacardi. “The Tony Awards represent the pinnacle of live storytelling and true artistry, and we’re honoured to toast the people and moments that make Broadway unforgettable.

“It is a pleasure to mark the continuation of our collaboration with Baccarat,” Cox continued, “following our work together launching Dewar’s 37 Year Old with custom Baccarat Massena crystal tumblers—an expression of our shared values of art de vivre, legacy and exceptional craft.”

Inspired by the opulent Art Deco grandeur of Radio City Music Hall, the speakeasy will reimagine the iconic design era through a modern lens. Conceived as a hidden jewel exclusively for Tony Awards nominees, presenters, and distinguished guests, the space becomes a stage of its own, where every pour reveals a new chapter in a story of elegance and innovation.

“Baccarat was forged from a bold spirit of innovation, so it is an honour to pay tribute to those who continue to redefine the boundaries of performance through their craft,” said Adam Banfield, President and CEO of Baccarat North America. “In partnership with DEWAR’s, we are proud to create an experience that radiates with elegance and the unmistakable brilliance that has long defined our Maison and this time-honoured occasion.”

The cocktail menu will include signature serves such as the Golden Cue, a bright, fruit-forward elixir served in a Baccarat Mille Nuits Glass, The Revival, an indulgent serve complemented by vanilla and sherry presented in a Baccarat Talleyrand “Encore” Coupe, and Act One Aperitif, a layered cocktail with notes of banana strained into an absinthe-rinsed Baccarat Harmonie Tumbler— each crafted to stimulate the senses and toast a different facet of theatrical brilliance.

GOLDEN CUE
Ingredients:
1 ½  oz DEWAR’s 21 Year Old Oloroso Finish
½ oz Apricot Liqueur
½ oz Simple Syrup
¾ oz Fresh Lemon Juice
1 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice
4 Dashes: Fee Brother Fee Foam

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice. Dry shake ingredients to foam, pour into glass.

Garnish: Edible purple flower

Glassware: Baccarat Mille Nuits Glass

THE REVIVAL
Ingredients:
2 oz DEWAR’s 21 Year Old Oloroso Finish
¾ oz Red Wine Vanilla Syrup
¾ oz PX Sherry
2 Dashes Bitterman’s Xocolatl Mole Bitters

Method: Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into coupe.

Garnish: Black cherry with silver leaf

Glassware: Baccarat Talleyrand “Encore” Coupe

Red Wine Vanilla Syrup
100g red wine (La Garde Primeras Vinas)
80g sugar
Method: Reduce slightly, then add: 8g citric acid & 1 barspoon vanilla extract

ACT ONE APERITIF
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz DEWAR’s 21 Year Old Oloroso Finish
½ oz Oloroso Sherry
¾ oz Tempus Fugit Crème De Banane
1 Barspoon Golden Syrup
1 Spray Absinthe

Method: Spray chilled rocks glass with absinthe. Stir all ingredients over ice and strain into absinthe-rinsed glass.

Garnish: Orange discard

Glassware: Baccarat Harmonie Tumbler

United States Bartenders’ Guild (USBG) has named Nic Wallce of Darien, GA as the 2025 U.S. Bartender of the Year, after a three-day, five-part challenge competition.

The award (sponsored by Diageo) showcases the best in class cocktail craftsmanship and brought the country’s Top 30 competitors to test their bartending skills, agility and creativity.

Nic Wallace brings over 20 years of experience in bartending and hospitality, honing both his craft and mixology skills along the way. For more than a decade, he’s been a dedicated competitor in the acclaimed World Class competition and has become a key figure in its community.

“This was my chance to represent Georgia—Atlanta, specifically—as the only competitor from the state. I had to show up and bring the South home a championship,” explained Wallace. “I want to show people that no matter how much you want something, no matter how long it takes — you can get it.”

Competitors were challenged with crafting a signature Bulleit cocktail with a Southern dish, creating two tequila cocktails with Don Julio 70 Cristalino, and racing to make six DIAGEO Reserve cocktails in an eight-minute Speed Round, judged on balance, efficiency, skill, and hospitality.

From there, the Top 10 National Finalists were revealed after the second day, where competitors then competed in two additional challenges for the title of the 2025 World Class U.S. Bartender Of The Year. Nic Wallace ultimately came out on top and was named champion after creating the Soul Of The South and All Glowed Up cocktails that impressed the judges.

Cassandra Ericson, Manager of On-Premise Channel Marketing at Diageo North America, shared, “The creativity and skill shown by the bartenders this year have been incredible. At Diageo, we are committed to supporting their development through resources like DiageoBarAcademy.com, and it’s fulfilling to see how the program and competition continues to inspire and elevate the bartending community.”

Nic Wallace will compete alongside top national finalists from approximately 60 countries for a chance to claim the prestigious title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year. The competition challenges and inspires the next generation of bartenders, rewarding those who push the boundaries of creativity, storytelling, and technique.

All Glowed up

PIN IT

Ingredients

• 1.25oz Tequila Don Julio 70 Cristalino
• 0.75oz Mulled Wine Cordial
• 0.25oz Apricot Liqueur
• 0.5oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 0.25oz Coconut Syrup

Instructions

Add ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake briefly and strain into a glass filled with crushed ice.

Garnish – Dehydrated Apple Slices

UK Gin distillery Bathtub Gin has collaborated with Belgravia in Bloom, the London week-long flower festival, to launch a limited-edition bottle.

Running from 19–26 May, this year’s Belgravia in Bloom theme, “Through the Seasons”, has inspired the bottle, as well as a pop-up bar that transforms the London neighbourhood into a floral wonderland.

“We’re delighted to partner with Belgravia in Bloom on this exciting collaboration,” explained Hannah Burden Teh, Brand Manager at Bathtub Gin.

“The theme of ‘Through the Seasons’ perfectly complements Bathtub’s botanical nature. Our brown paper bottle wrap is designed to enable creative, design-led partnerships like this one, and we’re proud to work with such a like-minded brand to bring the spirit of the seasons to life.”

Hand-illustrated by Bathtub Gin’s in-house designer, Erica Ho, on Bathtub’s signature brown paper wrap, the bottle design features British wildflowers that bloom year-round.

The bathtub Gin hosted pop-up bar will run in Eccleston Yards from May 22nd-25th and will feature floral G&Ts with Double Dutch mixers, showcasing the brand’s signature botanical character.

As part of the activation, the brand is also sponsoring the Belgravia in Bloom Awards, which recognise the most spectacular floral displays, and the exclusive influencer lunch, hosted by tastemaker Genevieve Harris (@MrsTrufflepig). The partnership follows Bathtub Gin’s previous successful collaboration with Mrs Trufflepig during the Summer of Punch campaign.

A spokesperson for Belgravia in Bloom says, “We were looking for an independent British drinks brand to partner with for Belgravia in Bloom this year…Bathtub Gin is so aesthetically pleasing with its artistry and illustrations that we knew they could create the perfect floral design with us…

“The bottle and the gin really represent the beauty and freshness of the installations at Belgravia in Bloom, and we are excited to be collaborating”

The limited-edition bottle is available via Master of Malt (RRP £34.95) and in-store at Wild By Tart