Events

UPCOMING EVENTS

ONTARIO BAR EVENTS GOOGLE CALENDAR
Stay in the now of what industry events are taking place in Ontario by following the Ontario Bar Events community Google calendar. We created this event for everyone and anyone to use and access. Now that the world has opened back up it seems that everyone is back in action with their cocktail competitions, tastings, seminars and everything in between. With Michelin coming to Toronto and with the creation of North America’s 50 Best Bars, we are finally getting more recognition on a global level. With that is the need and want for everyone working in the industry to get better and grow and get more involved. We would love for all of the events and activations that brands are putting time, money and effort into to be well attended and more accessible for all bartenders in this province.

The idea with this Google calendar is that anyone can add it to their existing Google calendar. Once added to your calendar, it is easily seen and doesn’t require you accessing a separate calendar.

The idea with this Google calendar is to also give anyone who is running events access to the calendar so that they can add their own events and all of the important details for it. If you would like to be granted this access, please let us know and we will add you to it. The other option would be for you to email us with all of the details for the event and we will manually add it for you.

The success of this calendar is in the use of it. In people actually adding their events to it and in bartenders actually viewing it. If we all make an effort for this, we think that it will be very beneficial to everyone. In the end, we just want Toronto to be better recognised as a great cocktail city and we just want everyone drinking better drinks (which comes with bartenders making better drinks which comes with learning and competing.). So head over to the link in our profile and get that calendar added to your Google!

SMALL TOCC (Toronto Cocktail Conference) – Monday, May 29th, 2023
We are so excited to say that Toronto Cocktail Conference is back in 2023 as a mini version of our usual 3-days cocktail conference. This is a way for us to ease back into the world after dealing with the pandemic and countless lockdowns in Toronto. SMALL TOCC is a one day education-focused cocktail conference taking place on Monday, May 29th at Third Place. This day will include 3 seminars plus tasting stations, cocktails and an evening party. More information will be released in the coming weeks. It’s going to be a lot of fun! TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE!

PAST EVENTS

GIFFARD TASTING & GUEST SHIFT – Monday, April 17th, 2023
We are excited to announce that we are working with Giffard Canada on a couple of great events for those in the Toronto area! On Monday, April 17th our fair city will be hosting Giffard West Cup Canadian National Champ 2022 Dani Crowley of the Raven Room in Whistler. From 1pm to 3pm that day, we will be co-hosting a tasting at Bar Pompette with Dani and Giffard Canada Manager Tarunjit Singh where we will be running through all things Giffard and tasting 6 of their unique products. A welcome cocktail and snacks will be provided. Space is limited for this tasting so you must RSVP by filling out the form here. From 8pm to 11pm that night, Dani will be slinging Giffard cocktails at Bar Pompette. Everyone is welcome to pop by! We would love to see you at either event – or both!

VIRTUAL COCKTAIL CLASSES (ON PAUSE AT THE MOMENT)
We are so happy to offer virtual cocktail classes! As this global pandemic continues, everyone is looking for creative and fun ways to spend time with friends and family – even if it’s through a computer screen. Our Virtual Cocktail Classes are a great way to not only learn to make cocktails but to also learn about spirits and the history of cocktails. Plus, they are just a great excuse to get together with friends. The classes are fun and interactive – all from the comfort of your own home. For more information, please click HERE. (ON PAUSE AT THE MOMENT)

TORONTO BAR HOP – September 9th to September 30th, 2021
If you know us, you know that we love a good bar hop! We have organised 2 different Bar Hops in two areas of Toronto. Each Bar Hop has 4 stops and each stop has a featured cocktail. The Bar Hops are self-lead – just pick a date, grab some friends and have a fun time! For all of the info, please head here.

24 HOUR BAR – Friday, May 28th at 12pm EST to Saturday, May 29th, 2021 at 12pm EST on Twitch
In celebration of our 5th anniversary, we are hosting a bar live-streamed for 24 hours straight over Twitch. 24 Hour Bar includes 24 bartenders from 12 countries, 11 time zones and 6 continents.. More information about the event can be found here.

AN INTRODUCTION TO MEZCAL –  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6th, 2021 at 5pm on ZOOM
Our Introduction to Mezcal seminar is back virtually so you can sip mezcal with us from the comfort of your own home via Zoom! This mezcal education seminar is brought to you by El Rey Mezcal Bar and Bartender Atlas, along with our friend Darinel Silva in Oaxaca, Mexico.

If you have ever been interested in experiencing this fine agave distillate or always wondered about the difference between mezcal and tequila, we have designed this seminar intended to wet the whistle and engage the mind. Along with tasting some very special and relatively rare products, we will explore the regions and varieties of agave used to create great mezcal, the historical relevance of mezcal in Mexico and some of the basic terminology associated with Maguey.

1920s MURDER MYSTERY PARTY – Monday, February 8th, 2021 at 8pm on Zoom
We are doing it again! We are taking you to the 1920s with this Murder Mystery Party taking place from the comfort of your own speakeasy (on Zoom). This free intimate event is open to Toronto bartenders on a first come basis. Guests will receive cocktails and snacks prior to the event. Interested in attending? Fill out the form here.

Thank you to Lot 40 Whisky and Gooderham & Worts for sponsoring this event.

MEZCAL IMMERSION in OAXACA, MEXICO – POSTPONED
We are so excited to announce that in November we will be in Oaxaca, Mexico for all things MEZCAL and we want you to meet us there! Bartender Atlas has partnered up with El Rey Mezcal Bar and some friends in Oaxaca to offer you this intimate, authentic experience to the land where mezcal is made. This magical spirit has gained popularity in recent years. And while we love this, we have quickly realised that most people do not know much about the spirit and have limited access to it in their home cities. With this in mind, we have created the Mezcal Immersion trip. This trip will take you to places that you are not able to travel on your own. If you are a bartender, a cocktail enthusiast, a mezcal lover or just a traveler, we would love for you to join us on this trip. MORE DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE.

Email us if you would like to be one of the first to know as soon as the official announcement about future events are made!

ZOOM DANCE PARTY – Friday, December 4th, 2020 at 7:30pm EST on Zoom!
A virtual party. A ZOOM party. A ZOOM DANCE PARTY. WITH COCKTAILS.
In these pandemic times of staying home, we could all use a little fun! Come hang out with us on December 4th and let’s raise some money for the Encampment Support Network. The night will kick off with Josh guiding everyone in making a cocktail and then we dance to tunes blasted by our pal Ellen Fielding.

100% of donations for this event go to ESN. It’s getting colder, and we need to keep remembering that none of us are islands. We’re a community. Let’s hold each other close and support one another in these short days and long nights.

Suggested donation: $15. Donations can be sent via e-transfer to efielding1@me.com and she will send the proceeds to ESN (with receipts!).  

To join in the fun, register HERE.

1920s MURDER MYSTERY PARTY – Monday, November 2nd, 2020 at 8pm 
We are taking you to the 1920s with this Murder Mystery Party taking place from the comfort of your own speakeasy (on Zoom). This free intimate event is open to Toronto bartenders on a first come basis. Guests will receive cocktails and snacks prior to the event. Interested in attending? Contact us.

Thank you to Absolut Elyx and Havana Club for sponsoring this event.

TORONTO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE CALL – August 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th, 2020
Due to the global pandemic the official Toronto Cocktail Conference 2020 has been canceled so we are taking some of the seminars online on every Tuesday in August at 8pm EST on Zoom. Speakers include Earlecia Gibb, Julia Segal, Cocktail Bandits and Christine Sismondo. More information about the webinars and registration for them can be found HERE.

BARRE FOR THE BAR MOVEMENT CLASSES – August 5th, 12th, 19th and 26th, 2020 at 11am EST on Zoom
Let’s get moving every Wednesday in August at this FREE class lead by Jasmine Smikle. These classes are specifically designed for hospitality workers but everyone is welcome. Strengthen your glutes, core, forearms and wrists; build good posture and develop agility to help you sling drinks with ease and strength.

What is barre?
Barre is a workout technique inspired by Pilates, yoga, weight training, functional conditioning and of course ballet. It’s high-intensity, low-impact, and designed to target small muscle groups in the body that will help you through your everyday life. No dance experience required!

Jasmine Smikle is a movement teacher based in Toronto. Her studies range from functional yoga, to contemporary pilates and barre, the the latter informed by her dance background. Jasmine believes that everyone should feel good in their bodies, no matter their size or ability. She is passionate about accessible wellness spaces and can’t wait to move with you! 

Sponsored by Lot No 40 Rye Whisky.

BARTENDER ATLAS BETTER DRINKS SCHOOL – Every Thursday from April 23rd to June 18th, 2020 on ZOOM
For two months we hosted Better Drinks School with our Josh Lindley, along with Halifax’s Lindsay Jones and Ottawa’s Shannon-Blue Nanibush. Everyone and anyone was welcome to tune into Zoom to watch. We are taking a pause from Better Drinks School for the time being but may start it up again, once we are more settled in the re-opening of bars due to the global pandemic.

TRADE TALK: Canadian Whisky with Forty Creek – Monday, March 30th, 2020 at 1pm EST on Instagram Live
As we work through the COVID-19 pandemic and all hunker away at home, we want to offer you all a chance to learn about different spirits and brands. We are starting our Trade Talk series with Forty Creek. In this live talk, Forty Creek Brand Ambassador Chris Thompson and our Josh Lindley will dive into the brand and talk about Canadian Whisky. 

ONLINE SEMINAR: Now Serving: Safer Skills & Supports for Bartenders on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 at 1pm EST
We are excited to announce that the Dandelion Initiative will be presenting this seminar, Now Serving: Safer Skills & Supports for Bartenders to our bartenders! This online seminar is open to any bartender listed on Bartender Atlas. It will air on Facebook in our private BA Bartenders Group and will be available for viewing later in case you cannot make it to the airing. We believe that this type of training is essential to everyone working in the industry and are so happy to be able to offer it to our bartenders.

ORREFORS COCKTAIL COMPETITION – THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14th, 2019 at William Ashley (131 Bloor Street West, Toronto)
On this date, eight competing bartenders will be mixing and shaking up cocktails to impress the guests in hope of winning a trip to Sweden! Come taste their cocktails and cast your vote on which cocktail excels in a competition that is all about the glassware! To attend, get your tickets here.  #CelebratetheGlass

Alfred Cointreau – An in-depth history – Tuesday, October 29th, 2019 2-3pm at DASHA (620 King St W)
Join Alfred Cointreau as he takes you through the history of one of the worlds most renowned spirits. A leader in a category – often counterfeited, but never duplicated. Register your attendance here.

MEZCAL IMMERSION in OAXACA, MEXICO – Friday, October 18th to Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019
We are so excited to announce that in October we will be in Oaxaca, Mexico for all things MEZCAL and we want you to meet us there! Bartender Atlas has partnered up with El Rey Mezcal Bar and some friends in Oaxaca to offer you this intimate, authentic experience to the land where mezcal is made. This magical spirit has gained popularity in recent years. And while we love this, we have quickly realised that most people do not know much about the spirit and have limited access to it in their home cities. With this in mind, we have created the Mezcal Immersion trip. This trip will take you to places that you are not able to travel on your own. If you are a bartender, a cocktail enthusiast, a mezcal lover or just a traveler, we would love for you to join us on this trip. 

Shannon Mustipher at The Shameful Tiki Room Toronto – Mon, August 26th, 2019
Shannon Mustipher is coming to Toronto in celebration of her new book TIKI: MODERN TROPICAL COCKTAILS! This day is divided into two parts.

1pm to 3pm
This ticketed event is for all of you rum nerds and cocktail lovers! Come on out for an intimate event and book signing with her at The Shameful Tiki Room. Shannon will be discussing her book and all things rum while we sip cocktails from her book.

Included in your ticket is a personally signed copy of the book plus two Lemon Hart Rum cocktails.

9pm to midnight
Join us in the evening at The Shameful Tiki Room to see Shannon mixing up drinks behind the bar from 9pm to midnight. This evening portion is open to anyone and everyone – no ticket required.

TORONTO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE (TOCC) – Mon, August 12th to Wed, August 14th, 2019
After the success of our inaugural year with Toronto Cocktail Conference in 2018, we are excited to announce that we will be doing it all again! Teaming up with with The Drake Hotel, we promise to throw another awesome conference with the focus on EDUCATION! 

BARTENDER ATLAS COCKTAIL COMP – Mon, August 12th, 2019 7-10pm at The Drake Hotel, Toronto
As part of Toronto Cocktail Conference. More details coming soon! In the meantime, if you are a bartender who would like to compete – send us an email with the subject “Bearface”.

Spirit of York presents REAL TALK [summer edition] – Mon. July 29th, 2019 at Spirit of York (Distillery District, Toronto)
We are so excited to announce a new quarterly industry event that we are organising with Spirit of York! Each season we are presenting a fun activity and talk presented by some fantastic industry leaders! For the Summer Edition, Toronto writer and historian, Christine Sismondo will be interviewing Ezra Star! Ezra runs the award-winning bar DRINK in Boston and this year will be inducted in the Dame Hall of Fame at Tales of the Cocktail. We are excited to see these women chat. This event is free to attend. Cocktails and snack provided by Spirit of York. Please RSVP your attendance HERE.

LIVE COLOURFULLY – EMPRESS 1908 GIN CHALLENGE – June 3rd to 28th, 2019

In celebration of LGBT Pride Month we have teamed up with Empress 1908 Gin to host a little cocktail competition! The theme for the competition is: LIVE COLOURFULLY! We want you to create a cocktail based on what that means for you. Think PRIDE! Think COLOUR! Thinks of all of the fun things you can do with the Gin and any fun garnishes that you can create! The winner of the competition will receive a trip for two to Victoria, BC. This includes roundtrip flights, a two night stay at the Sidney Pier Hotel, Distillery Tour & tasting and more! This competition will run through Instagram and Facebook and is open to any bartenders and bar managers living in Ontario!

More details about this challenge can be found HERE.

AN INTRODUCTION TO MEZCAL – Sunday, June 2nd, 2019, 1-3pm at Overbudget, Toronto
Our Introduction to Mezcal seminar is back by popular demand! El Rey and Bartender Atlas are coming together to offer a mezcal education seminar! If you have ever been interested in experiencing this fine agave distillate or always wondered about the difference between mezcal and tequila, we have designed this seminar intended to wet the whistle and engage the mind. Along with tasting some very special and relatively rare products, we will explore the regions and varieties of agave used to create great mezcal, the historical relevance of mezcal in Mexico and some of the basic terminology associated with Maguey. At this seminar, snacks and a welcome cocktail will be provided and you will sample five different mezcals – ranging from those available at the LCBO to those exclusive to El Rey. This event is being hosted by El Rey at their beautiful office space, Overbudget. Space is limited so buy your tickets early to ensure a seat.

BARTENDER ATLAS HALIFAX TOUR – Monday, April 29th to Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 in Halifax, Nova Scotia
We are ridiculously pumped to be heading to the East Coast of Canada to have some fun with the bartending (and cocktail enthusiast!) community there! Please visit the HALIFAX TOUR page for all of the details about these three days of events!

GIFFARD WEST CUP 2019 TORONTO – Monday, March 25th, 2019, 5-8pm at Spirit of York (Distillery District)
Come on out to see 8 bartenders compete with their cocktail creation using the coveted Giffard Caribbean Pineapple Liqueur! The top Canadian winner will travel to France in May to compete in the Global finals. This event is open to anyone and everyone to attend! There will be cocktail specials and food on offer. Full rules for the competition can be found here.

The following bartenders will be competing in this comp:
Maria Paterakis – A Toi
Rob Renda – Don Alfonso 1890 Toronto
Marian Walsh – Saltlick Smokehouse / Bar Sazerac
Chris Rail – Shangri-La Hotel, Toronto
Nick Incretolli – Bar Sazerac Bar Sazerac
Alessandro Aureli – Buca Osteria & Bar
Marlene Thorne – Famous Last Words Toronto
Oliver Skaab – Miss Thing’s

We are excited to announce that the judges for this competition are: Soo Kim, Christina Kuypers and Christina Veira!

DANDELION INITIATIVE’S SAFER BARS + SPACES TRAINING – Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 1-3pm at Founder
We are so excited to bring Dandelion Initiative’s Safer Bars + Spaces Training to our bartenders! This training is normally done when a specific bar hires Dandelion to train their entire team. We have realised that not all bars have teams big enough to afford this training so we have hired Dandelion to bring it to you! Viktoria and the team have created a special format for the training on this day so that you will all be able to take the knowledge with you to use at your own bars (and in life!).

The Dandelion Initiative’s Safer Bars + Spaces training provides spaces and individuals with an opportunity to break the cycle of normalized sexual violence, prevent and respond to sexual harassment, create healthier communication and practices, build strong equitable policies and learn to prioritize safety and consent as tools for change. We all have a role to play in dismantling toxic work cultures, our survivor centric and industry specific practices and tools will help empower you to become a safer person and active ally. For more information about Dandelion Initiative, please visit their website.

Space for this event is limited and you MUST be a bartender listed on Bartender Atlas in order to attend. (If you are not yet listed, please fill out the form here).

Angostura Swizzle Royale Cocktail Competition – Sunday, August 19th, 2018,  – 7-11pm at Bar le Lab Quartier des Spectacles (279 St Catherine St E, Montreal)
We are very excited to be heading to Montreal with Angostura for their Swizzle Royale competition! Eight Montreal bartenders will be mixing and twirling head-to-head through three challenges in hopes of becoming the Swizzle Champ of Montreal! Come on out to witness swizzle history in the making while sipping on specially-priced cocktails and mocktails, and enjoy swag-a-delic giveaways throughout the evening. We’re taking Sunday Funday to a whole new level! Keep your eye on the Facebook event for all the details!

TORONTO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE (TOCC) – Mon, August 13th to Wed, August 15th, 2018
We are ridiculously excited to announce that we have teamed up with The Drake Hotel to present TORONTO COCKTAIL CONFERENCE! The focus of TOCC will be EDUCATION! There will be sixteen Seminars in three rooms over the three Days. TOCC will also include our own Bartender Atlas Cocktail Competition, Pop Ups-a-Plenty, Tasting Rooms and SO MUCH MORE!

Angostura Swizzle Royale Cocktail Competition – Sunday, July 29th, 2018, 7-11pm at Miss Things (1279 Queen St W, Toronto)
We are very excited to be working with Angostura and their Swizzle Royale comepetitionl! Eight Toronto bartenders will be mixing and twirling head-to-head through three challenges in hopes of becoming the Swizzle Champ of Toronto! Come on out to witness swizzle history in the making while sipping on specially-priced cocktails and mocktails, and enjoy swag-a-delic giveaways throughout the evening. We’re taking Sunday Funday to a whole new level!

The Juniper at Dillon’s A Spectacle of Gin – Sunday, July 15th, 2018, 2-7pm at Dillon’s Small Batch Distiller’s (4833 Tufford Rd, Beamsville)
Join us at Dillon’s in Niagara while we celebrate gin in all of it’s glory! The two finalists for the Dillon’s Cocktail Cup – Jason Griffin of Toronto and Elise Sergerie of Montreal will be competing for this year’s Cup! Come on out to try their cocktails and vote for your favourite. Tickets are only $10 and include a special take-home bottle of something fun we’ve been tinkering with. Stay tuned for the big reveal! All of the details for this event can be found HERE.

BARTENDER ATLAS X JP WISER’S IN WINDSOR – Monday, July 9th, 2018, 3-5pm at The Hiram Walker Distillery and 8-10pm at F&B Walkerville (2090 Wyandotte St E B)
Bartender Atlas and J.P. Wiser’s are joining forces in WINDSOR! Join us on Monday, July 9th for all things Canadian Whisky! The day will be broken up into two parts:

3pm-5pm: CANADIAN WHISKY SEMINAR at The Hiram Walker Distillery.
Josh Lindley of Bartender Atlas will guide you through some history of Canada, our history with whisky and how this all relates to bartenders (see: Story Time With Josh!) followed by a whisky tasting with Spencer Gooderham. We will also let you know just what Bartender Atlas is and all the details for what is happening in Toronto in August with Toronto Cocktail Conference. This event is geared towards working bartenders.

8pm to 10pm: GUEST BARTENDING at F&B Walkerville.
Join us in the evening as Josh of Bartender Atlas and Spencer of J.P. Wiser’s mix up some delicious Canadian Whisky cocktails. We would love to see your face! This evening event is open to everyone – bartenders, cocktail lovers and anyone in between.

For up to date details, please visit the Facebook Event page.

WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY TWO TICKETS to Toronto Cocktail Conference at this event! You must be in the room to be eligible to win.

BARTENDER ATLAS X UNGAVA GIN IN MONTREAL! – Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 at The Coldroom (Rue Saint Vincent, Montreal, QC H2Y 1G8), 1-3pm and 8-11pm
We are so excited to be heading to Montreal with Ungava Gin! The day at The Coldroom will be divided into two parts:

1pm to 3pm: GIN SEMINAR
Our Josh co-creator of Bartender Atlas will guide you through the history of this fine spirit followed by a tasting with Gizmo Sirois, Brand Ambassador for Ungava Gin. We will also let you know the details for what is happening in Toronto in August with Toronto Cocktail Conference. This event is geared towards working bartenders.

8pm to 10pm: GUEST BARTENDING
Join us in the evening as Josh of Bartender Atlas and Gizmo of Ungava Gin mixes up some delicious Ungava cocktails. We would love to see your face! This evening event is open to everyone – bartenders, cocktail lovers and anyone in between.

For up to date details, please visit the Facebook Event page.

WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY TWO TICKETS to Toronto Cocktail Conference at this event! You must be in the room to be eligible to win.

LUXARDO MASTER CLASS – Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 at Eighty 6’d (1321 Dundas St West, Toronto) 4pm to 6pm
Join Matteo Luxardo as he guides you through the history and art behind the classic Italian liqueur, while tasting the creations of Luxardo Global Brand Ambassador Gareth Franklin (Mr G). RSVP to your Lifford Wine & Spirits Agent by Thursday, May 31st.

LUXARDO BAR TAKEOVER – Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 at Eighty 6’d (1321 Dundas St West, Toronto) 6pm to 11pm
Come out and drink for charity! Matteo Luxardo and Mr G will be cranking out drinks behind the bar and a portion of all Luxardo drinks sold will go to the Dandelion Initiative.

LUXARDO COCKTAIL COMPETITION – Monday, June 4th, 2018 at The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave, Toronto) 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Want a chance to win a trip to Berlin? On Monday, June 4th, 8 bartenders will compete for the top two spots for their chance of the grand prize of a trip to Bar Convent Berlin in October! Details for the event are above for how you can throw your name in the hat to compete! If you are a bartender and want to see what your peers have created, you’re invited. Twenty dollars will get you a taste of each cocktail in the competition.

LUXARDO FINAL COCKTAIL COMPETITION – Monday, June 4th, 2018 at The Broadview Hotel (106 Broadview Ave, Toronto) 7:30pm
Come watch while the two winners from the Luxardo Cocktail Competition duke it out for the top place and a trip to Berlin! Matteo Luxardo and Luxardo Global Ambassador Mr G will be running Build Your Own Cocktail station and guest DJ ‘juSt b’ will be spinning some great tunes. It’s free to attend – you just have to register HERE.

DILLON’S COCKTAIL CUP ROUND 1 SEMI-FINALS – Monday, May 14th, 2018 at PrettyUgly (1237 Queen St W, Toronto) 6-8pm
OTTAWA vs TORONTO in the first of the Semi-Finals for the Dillon’s Cocktail Cup! Ottawa’s Eric Romolock will be taking on Toronto’s Jason Griffin. No tickets are necessary to come to watch the fun. Both competing cocktails will be available for purchase along with four other Dillon’s cocktails and food from PrettyUgly. Come be a part of the competition and witness these two amazing bartenders compete for their chance to #claimthecup. We love this comp because it’s not just about creating one great cocktail, it’s also about all of the bartending in between.

BARTENDER ATLAS X UNGAVA GIN IN OTTAWA! – Monday, May 7th, 2018 at Bar Laurel (1087 Wellington St W, Ottawa), 1-3pm and 8-11pm
We are so excited to be heading to our Nation’s capital with Ungava Gin! The day at Bar Laurel will be divided into two parts:

1pm to 3pm: GIN SEMINAR
Our Josh co-creator of Bartender Atlas will guide you through the history of this fine spirit followed by a tasting with Jordan Stacey from Ungava Gin. We will also let you know the details for what is happening in Toronto in August with Toronto Cocktail Conference. This event is geared towards working bartenders.

8pm to 11pm: GUEST BARTENDING
Join us in the evening as Josh of Bartender Atlas and Jordan of Ungava Gin mixes up some delicious Ungava cocktails. We would love to see your face! This evening event is open to everyone – bartenders, cocktail lovers and anyone in between.

For up to date details, please visit the Facebook Event page.

WE WILL BE GIVING AWAY TWO TICKETS to Toronto Cocktail Conference at this event! You must be in the room to be eligible to win.

FOR THE LOVE OF AGAVE: A DISCUSSION ON TEQUILA & MEZCAL – Sunday, March 25th, 2018 at El Rey Mezcal Bar (2a Kensington Avenue, Toronto), 1-3pm
Tequila and Mezcal are rapidly growing in popularity. There is so much to learn about these spirits to truly get to the heart of understanding and enjoying them. Join Altos Tequila Brand Ambassador Jonny Gray and Siete Misterious Mezcal Brand Ambassador Jess Mili as they delve into the two biggest agave spirits: Tequila and Mezcal. With a focus on each category’s unique identity, we discuss the joined history of fermented and distilled agave beverages in Mexico, how tequila and mezcal came into being, and explore the differences in taste, production and categorization. Join us for a cocktail and a guided tasting of some of Mexico’s finest offerings.

Snacks and a welcome cocktail will be provided and you will sample five different agave spirits – ranging from those available at the LCBO to those exclusive to El Rey.

BARTENDER ATLAS x AVIATION GIN – Sunday, March 11th, 2018, BUFFALO!
We are excited to hit up Buffalo and share some Aviation Gin with y’all! In the afternoon from 3-5pm, we will be at Angelica Tea Room (517 Washington Street) for a History of Gin and Aviation tasting – more details HERE. From 8pm onwards, our own Josh will be mixing up Aviation cocktails at Més Que (1420 Hertel Avenue). Details HERE. Come on out to one or both events – we would love to see your face and to tell you all about what we are planning for Toronto Cocktail Conference.

RC SHOW – Monday, February 26th, 2018, 11:45am, Room 109, Enercare Centre, Toronto
We are happy to announce that we will be speaking at the Restaurants Canada Show! Our topic: Bartender’s Backpack!
What’s in your backpack? Navigating the hospitality industry can be tricky. Are you a part-timer, or a lifer? Many industry professionals have made a successful career out of full time bartending, and Bartender Atlas has met 100’s (1000’s?) of bartenders around the world that do so. But what sort of investment does this lifestyle and career choice take? Money? Time? Education? Investment in your health? Well, of course it is all of the above!  Join Josh Lindley and Jessica Blaine Smith as they share stories from personal experience and their travels around the world, documenting the career of the Professional Bartender. 

BARTENDER ATLAS AT BALTRA BAR, MEXICO CITY – Monday, February 5th, 2018, Baltra (Iztaccihuatl 36D, Condesa)
Join us at Baltra Bar as our own Josh Lindley mixes drinks made with Los Siete Misterios, Ron Valdeflores and Scrappy’s Bitters!

An Introduction to Rum with Patois – Sunday, November 26th, 2017, 1pm to 3pm
Rum – the juice of pirates! That liquid that you may equate to the sweet, sugary stuff that you stole from your parents’ liquor cabinet as a teenager. But truthfully, it is so much more than that. It’s the perfect spirit on a hot summer day in that icy drink. It’s the perfect spirit to sip on a winter night as you cozy up around the fire. Rum has a lot of history – bad and the good – and it has traveled quite the distance to become what we now know it as. Join us on Sunday, November 26th at Patois for an Introduction to Rum class lead by Havana Club Rum Ambassador Donnie Wheeler and bartender/co-creator of Bartender Atlas Josh Lindley. They will guide you through the history of rum while visiting the different regions/styles of it. Included in the ticket price is a welcome cocktail, tasty food and samples of rum – some available in the LCBO and some that are more exclusive and that your lips may never touch again.

Bartender Atlas with Jim Meehan – INDUSTRY EVENT at The Gift Shop (89 Ossington Avenue, Toronto) – Monday, October 30th, 2017, 1-3pm
We are very excited to announce that we are bringing Jim Meehan to Toronto for his first Canadian stop on his Book Tour for his second book, Meehan’s Bartender Manual (to be released October 17th). Join us on the afternoon of Monday, October 30th for an intimate hang with this legendary bartender. Jim will speak about his book and where he is these days while we sip on a cocktail chosen by him from the book – the Toronto Cocktail (naturally). Included in the ticket is a signed copy of the book as well as a cocktail. Seating is EXTREMELY limited.

Restrictions for participation apply. You must be a bartender listed on Bartender Atlas to attend. If you are not already signed up, it only takes five minutes to fill out the form to be listed.
For more information about Jim Meehan, please visit his website.

Bartender Atlas with Jim Meehan – PUBLIC EVENT at Cocktail Bar (923 Dundas Street West, Toronto) – Monday, October 30th, 2017, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
We are very excited to announce that we are bringing Jim Meehan to Toronto for his first Canadian stop on his Book Tour for his second book, Meehan’s Bartender Manual (to be released October 17th). Join us on the evening of Monday, October 30th for an intimate hang with this legendary bartender. Jim will speak about his book and where he is these days while we sip on a cocktail chosen by him from the book – the Toronto Cocktail (naturally). Included in the ticket is a signed copy of the book as well as a two cocktails and snacks. All are welcome. Seating is EXTREMELY limited.

For more information about Jim Meehan, please visit his website.

An Introduction to Mezcal at El Rey – Sunday, October 29th, 2017, 2:30-4:30pm
El Rey, Bartender Atlas and Los Siete Misterios are coming together to offer a mezcal education seminar! If you have ever been interested in experiencing this fine agave distillate or always wondered about the difference between mezcal and tequila, we have designed an afternoon course intended to wet the whistle and engage the mind. Along with tasting some very special and relatively rare products, we will explore the regions and varieties of agave used to create great mezcal, the historical relevance of mezcal in Mexico and some of the basic terminology associated with Maguey. At this seminar, snacks and a welcome cocktail will be provided and you will sample five different mezcals – ranging from those available at the LCBO to those exclusive to El Rey. Space is limited so buy your tickets early to ensure a seat.

BAR INSTITUTE TORONTO – August 14th to 16th, 2017

That’s right, Bar Institute is coming to Toronto this summer and we cannot wait! The Lush Life crew have asked us at Bartender Atlas to step in to help run the show. All the information that you need is below.

The key things that you should know about Bar Institute Toronto:

Monday – 12pm to 5pm – registration at The Drake Hotel
Come by, say hi to us and pick up your pass. If you miss this, don’t worry, you can also pop by from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Tuesday or Wednesday in the Private Dining Room (2nd floor) of The Drake Hotel.

Tuesday – 10am to 5pm – Classes at The Drake Hotel
This is the guts of what Bar Institute is about! We will have three different classes rolling at the same time throughout the day. Come out, learn some things and become a better bartender (and human?!). You can see the current class schedule HERE.

Tuesday – 5pm to 7pm – Happy Hour with NY Distilling Company at The Drake Hotel Underground
Rachel Wright of Buffalo will be mixing up cocktails made with New York Distilling products.

Tuesday – 7pm to 2am – Toronto Bar Hop 
We at Bartender Atlas have organised a Toronto Bar Hop! Each of the following bars will have a cocktail special made just for you on Tuesday night. We are also pumped to announce that Aviation Gin is providing a fancy limo to help you get around. The following bars and brands are participating:

The Shameful Tiki Room with Appleton Rum – 1378 Queen St W
Chantecler with Grand Marnier – 1320 Queen St W
Rush Lane with Barcardi – 563 Queen St W
El Rey with Altos Tequila – 2a Kensington Ave
Patois with Jameson Whiskey – 794 Dundas St W
LoPan with Crystal Head Vodka – 503 College Street, 2nd Floor
Civil Liberties with Aviation Gin – 878 Bloor St W

Wednesday – 10am to 5pm – Classes at The Drake Hotel
This is the guts of what Bar Institute is about! We will have three different classes rolling at the same time throughout the day. Come out, learn some things and become a better bartender (and human?!). You can see the current class schedule HERE.

Wednesday – 5pm to 9pm – Happy Hour with Sovereign & Havana Club at PrettyUgly

Wednesday – 9pm to 1am – International Cocktail Karaoke Championship at Cadillac Lounge
Friends, peers and co-workers can come and cheer on their favourite Band (of bartenders!) while enjoying Roca Patrón cocktails and the sweet sounds of shaking (both of what your momma gave you, and actual cocktails!). In between sets, freestyle karaoke will be available to attendees.

We promise to keep this page updated on with any event changes or additions! You can also follow along with us on Instagram and Facebook. And don’t forget to RSVP on the FB Event Page.

New Orleans July 19th to 24th!
NOLA, we are coming for you! We will be in your fine city camped out a various bars and we could love to see your face! Our goal is to get a bunch of new bartenders signed up for this li’l site and to meet as many of you as possible! As well, Jess will have her camera so if you are in need of a new headshot, come on by! This is where we will be:

Thursday, July 20th 1-6pm – Bar Tonique (820 North Rampart Street)
Friday, July 21st 1-5pm – The Erin Rose Bar (811 Conti Street)
Sunday, July 23rd 5-9pm(ish) – Twelve Mile Limit (500 S Telemachus Street)

PechaKucha Toronto Duos Edition – Monday, May 8th, 2017
We are super excited to announce that we will be speaking at the next PechaKucha event held at the Shopify HQ. We will be talking about our process of working and how Bartender Atlas came about. Tickets can be found here.

MELBOURNE TOUR – April 10th and 11th, 2017
Bartender Atlas is heading to Melbourne and we would love to meet as many Aussie bartenders as we can while there! Head on over to the Melbourne Tour page to see all the details.

An Introduction to Mezcal at El Rey – Sunday, February 26th, 2017, 2:30-4:30pm
El Rey, Bartender Atlas and Los Siete Misterios are coming together to offer a mezcal education seminar! If you have ever been interested in experiencing this fine agave distillate or always wondered about the difference between mezcal and tequila, we have designed an afternoon course intended to wet the whistle and engage the mind. Along with tasting some very special and relatively rare products, we will explore the regions and varieties of agave used to create great mezcal, the historical relevance of mezcal in Mexico and some of the basic terminology associated with Maguey. At this seminar, snacks and a welcome cocktail will be provided and you will sample five different mezcals – ranging from those available at the LCBO to those exclusive to El Rey. Space is limited so buy your tickets early to ensure a seat. THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT!

An Introduction to Mezcal at El Rey – Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 at 3pm
El Rey, Bartender Atlas and Los Siete Misterios are coming together to offer a Mezcal education seminar! If you have ever been interested in experiencing this fine agave distillate, or always wondered the difference between Mezcal and Tequila, we have designed an afternoon course intended to wet the whistle and engage the mind. Along with tasting some very special and relatively rare products, we will explore the varieties of agave used to create mezcal, some of the regions producing great products, historical relevance of Mezcal in Mexico and some of the basic terminology associated with Maguey! At this seminar, snacks will be provided and you will sample five different mezcals – ranging from those available at the LCBO to those exclusive to El Rey.

BAR INSTITUTE ECONO – Thursday, May 11th,  – Parts & Labour, Toronto
Come on out for a day of thoughtful seminars put on by your peers! All of the information is here.

And especially come out to see our talk:
3pm – 4pm
Class Name: Everyone Walks Into Your Bar
Presenter: Jessica Blaine Smith, Photographer & Josh Lindley, Bartender | Creators of Bartender Atlas
Class Description: Through this seminar we hope to have attendees reconsider their attitudes concerning public perception of the beverage industry. Aspiring to impact the industry in a positive manner is more popular than ever, what steps should you take to do more good than harm. Observation on a personal level is the most important tool.

Blackboard to Boardroom: The Miller Mixer with Bartender Atlas – Thursday, June 22nd
We will be hosting Ryerson University alumni at the Miller Tavern with help from The Botanist, The Bruichladdich, and Mount Gay! If you are a grad of Ryerson, you can find out more information about this event here.

TOPLACK TALKS at The Drake Hotel, Toronto (North Lounge) – Tuesday, June 27th from 8-10pm (ish) 
Jess and Josh will tell you about how Bartender Atlas came to be and what it’s there for. Also some friendly advice about how to do Tales Of The Cocktail correctly (see: Don’t be a jerk).