This July 19 to 24, bartenders, industry people, and cocktail enthusiasts will gather once again in New Orleans for the annual Tales of the Cocktail festival. The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation hosts the gathering, which benefits the global drinks industry by educating, advancing, and supporting the community. Bar maven Charlotte Voisey, a leading voice in the world of cocktail craftsmanship, first attended Tales in 2006 and has been to every one since.
She has led the globally-respected brand ambassador program from 2006 to 2024 and managed a team of 100 professionals across 40 countries. A recognizable face at Tales for decades now, in 2025, Voisey was named Executive Director of Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, and these days, she oversees the organization’s mission and ensures it remains a driving force for innovation.
She may have made her name in London, but Voisey has called New York City home for nearly two decades, watching her neighborhood of Williamsburg change over the years. Before she heads down to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail, we caught up with Voisey to hear about her favorite places to drink and eat in and around the five boroughs.
Milady’s For Karaoke and Apple Martinis
“Milady’s is just so much fun: you can totally unwind, go crazy, sing karaoke, but also have good cocktails. It’s almost like a party bar, but without compromising the quality of the cocktails. The Jello-O shots are good [and] I love their green apple martini [The Big Apple], and I also love their non-alcoholic spritz, which is really good. Depending on the day, I switch between the two.” 160 Prince St., SoHo, miladysnyc.com
The Bartender’s Bars
“Besides Milady’s, I also think Attaboy is the bartender’s bar. If I’m bringing people there for the first time, I’ll order us Penicillins. Otherwise, it’s the Bartender’s Choice because you’re in great hands and it pays homage to the Milk & Honey years. 134 Eldridge St., Lower East Side, attaboy.us
And Employees Only, wow, what a bar. I don’t go there often these days but back in the day, was it fun! Employees Only is a great night out whereas Attaboy is really appreciated by those who really know cocktails.” 510 Hudson St., West Village, employeesonlynyc.com
Bar Madonna For Good Vibes
“I’ve lived in Williamsburg for many years— I love Bar Madonna, which is still pretty new at two-years-old. In my mind it’s still a new bar but I guess it’s not anymore [laughs]. They do a really lovely job there, they have a great team there, good vibes, and the drinks are always on point.” 367 Metropolitan Ave., Williamburg, barmadonna.com
Neighborhood Dining Out Favs
“I’m lucky to live near Misi by chef Missy Robbins. It’s awesome and that food is always spectacular. It’s still white-hot even years later. I love to go to Misi…they have a lovely cocktail program too. They make some of their own spirits, they have a great spritz selection, great wines by the glass, and obviously the food is killer.
It’s a day-off place to go and just relax and feel like a normal person having a great meal out. Cocktail bars are always fun, but you always know someone there and invariably turns into work chat.” 329 Kent Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, misinewyork.com
“Fresh Kills is right in the heart of Williamsburg. I feel like they sail under the radar and they do well, obviously, with Richie Boccato—anything he’s behind is excellent. The cocktails are the best. Fresh Kills and Maison Premiere are two neighborhood mainstays. 161 Grand St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, freshkillsbar.com
“Maison Premiere has a beautiful garden in the back that I quite like. It’s a nice hidden spot to take people. I go there for those absinthe pina coladas and a nice glass of Champagne. 298 Bedford Ave., Williamsburg, Brooklyn, maisonpremiere.com
“And Deux Chats is really nice too, and right near me. They have a chill vibe and outdoor seating. It’s a nice neighborhood vibe and you can go for a glass of wine or a cocktail.” 27 Broadway, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, deuxchatsbk.com
For a View and a Game
“Overstory: that view! I was there recently during the Knicks championships; we were up there just before sunset, as the lights in the city came on seemingly one by one. The Empire State Building lit up orange and blue and…that kind of experience, even after living here for 20 years, it was a pinch-me moment.
“It was like seeing New York City for the first time again. It was so impressive and was so much bigger than anything. To be up there having an amazing cocktail crafted by a true professional team in a beautiful environment. It was such a modern New York moment for me.” 70 Pine St., 64th floor, Financial District, overstory-nyc.com
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
“I was taken to the Blue Box Café [by Daniel Boulud] for a special birthday; I was literally taken to breakfast at Tiffany’s! That was another one of those special New York moments. It was a dream to have breakfast at Tiffany’s and they have lovely breakfast and beautiful Champagne and cocktail offerings as well.” 727 5th Ave., 6th Floor, Midtown, blueboxcafenyc.com
A Twist of History, Please
“At the King Cole Bar at the St. Regis New York [where the Bloody Mary was born], you can sit in a room of history that’s unequivocally its own story. Yes, London has a ton of [bar and cocktail] history, but there are stories that began in New York.
“It’s cool to take someone in our industry to a place like the King Cole Bar. It colors in the lines of the context of the New York bar scene over the decades and over the centuries.” Two E. 55th St., Midtown, marriott.com
