Written by Palmetto Bluff
Jun 17, 2026
Palmetto Bluff welcomed acclaimed mixologist, educator, and cocktail historian Tiffanie Barriere as our May Artist in Residence. Known as “The Drinking Coach,” Tiffanie invited guests to explore the stories, traditions, and creativity behind the world’s most beloved spirits through a series of immersive workshops and experiences.
From the moment she arrived, Tiffanie transformed every gathering into an opportunity for discovery, seamlessly blending history, hospitality, and hands-on learning in a way that was both educational and engaging.
The residency began with a Welcome Reception at FLOW Gallery + Workshop, where guests gathered to meet Tiffanie, enjoy her homemade beverages, and learn about her journey from hospitality professional to nationally recognized beverage educator who has appeared on Netflix’s High on the Hog and Drinkmasters. The evening set the tone for the days ahead, introducing guests to Tiffanie’s unique ability to connect people through the art and history of cocktails.
The following day, guests gathered at a home in Moreland Forest to explore the fascinating intersection of two beloved May events: Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby. Tiffanie guided participants through the cultural histories of the two events, examining how mint juleps, tequila, and mezcal became synonymous with their respective traditions.
Through thoughtful discussion, the history of the spirits, and hands-on workshops crafting their own beverages, guests discovered how cocktail culture has evolved over time and how contemporary mixologists can honor tradition while creating something entirely new.
At The Farm, guests experienced a three-sensory journey during the Garden to Glass: Southern Botanicals workshop. Surrounded by the beauty of fresh produce and growing herbs, participants harvested their own ingredients alongside Farm Manager Shane Rahn and Tiffanie before learning to transform them into sophisticated cocktails.
Shane’s knowledge of botanicals and seasonality, paired with Tiffanie’s unique take on flavor layering, encouraged attendees to think differently about the ingredients they encounter every day. The workshop celebrated the connection between the earth and glass, demonstrating how thoughtful combinations of fresh ingredients can create a cocktail that captures a moment in time.
Tiffanie’s residency at the Bluff ended with Heritage in a Highball: Cocktails that Tell a Story at Hush, the Montage Palmetto Bluff’s intimate speakeasy found in the heart of Wilson Village. Tiffanie shared her extensive research into the traditions that have shaped cocktail culture throughout history, and shared how refreshing highball beverages became a mainstream staple.
Guests learned how generations of communities contributed to techniques, flavors, and traditions that influenced modern mixology. More than just a cocktail class, the experience became a conversation about culture, identity, and storytelling.
