For mixologist Tiffanie Barriere, every great drink starts with a story
Some people call themselves mixologists. Others, bartenders. Tiffanie Barriere is “The Drinking Coach.”
The Atlanta, Georgia-based mixologist has made a name for herself as an educator, bringing her passion for culture, community and history to clients, events and publications around the globe.
Growing up in the South, where “food and drink were expressions of love and culture,” a career in foodservice was almost inevitable for Tiffanie. Her curiosity about the history of spirits, combined with her interest in storytelling, encouraged her to dive deeper into the art of mixology.
Tiffanie first gained attention as the beverage director at One Flew South, a bar and restaurant inside Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. Despite its location, the bar’s impeccable service made it a destination in its own right and earned it a James Beard Award nomination.
Emboldened by her success, she struck out on her own as a freelance mixologist through her “Drinking Coach” business, presenting at the industry’s top conferences, leading mixology classes and making appearances on shows like Netflix’s “High on the Hog” and “Drink Masters.”
She’s also been honored multiple times by Tales of the Cocktail and has collaborated with award-winning culinary journalist Toni Tipton-Martin for “Juke Joints, Jazz Clubs & Juice: A Cocktail Recipe Book.”
“My work has always been about elevating the craft through storytelling and honoring the past while staying true to my roots and using cocktails to bridge gaps and spark conversations,” she says.
Those stories and historical anecdotes she’d share with guests while tending bar led to the “Drinking Coach” moniker that is a core part of her brand.
“People want more than just a drink – they want an experience, a memory, and a connection to something bigger,” she says.
For Tiffanie, a great cocktail begins with research, trial and error. “I start with a story or a theme which gives me inspiration,” she says, “then I think about how flavors, textures and visuals can bring it to life. I also consider what emotions or memories I want to evoke.”
Part of her mission is helping people gain appreciation for not only the ingredients in a drink, but also where they came from – the people and places that shaped the spirits as we know them today.
“It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect people to history, culture, and emotion through something as simple – and yet as complex – as a well-crafted drink,” she says. “I love weaving personal stories, traditions, and memories into every cocktail.”
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“It’s incredibly fulfilling to connect people to history, culture and emotion through something as simple – and yet as complex – as a well-crafted drink.”
That includes telling the stories of the Black and indigenous people. “From my mom and grandmother’s wisdom and bravery to the fierce, talented women I see breaking barriers in the industry, they remind me every day that our stories matter,” she says.
As a queer Black woman, Tiffanie understands the importance of representation, especially in an industry that hasn’t always made room for diverse perspectives.
“My biggest motivator is the desire to create spaces where people feel seen and celebrated,” she says.
Through her platform, she’s been able to pay it forward, shining a light on other creators, past and present. “Being able to empower others, especially Black women, to see themselves in this space and thrive is rewarding.”
She encourages up-and-coming mixologists to “stay curious and always honor your roots. Learn everything you can about the craft, but never lose sight of your unique story and voice.”
The connection she forges with guests through her stories is one of the secrets to her success in the industry. “The ability to read a room, understand your audience, and respond with authenticity is key,” she says.
And at the end of the day, the most fulfilling part of her job is seeing someone’s eyes light up after tasting “the love I pour into every creation,” she says. “But it’s also about the people – feeling seen, celebrated, and part of a larger story makes an experience unforgettable.”
