Respected Journalist and Global Industry Advocate Joins the Foundation’s Leadership Team
Tales of the Cocktail Foundation (TOTCF) is proud to welcome Sandrae Lawrence to its Board of Directors. The addition of Lawrence to the Board marks an exciting step for the Foundation as it continues to evolve and expand its mission to Educate, Advance, and Support the global drinks industry.
Lawrence brings extensive expertise in spirits media, mentorship, and global cocktail culture to the Board. As a respected journalist, publisher, and industry advocate, her insights will be instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s programs, driving its key initiatives, and advancing its mission to elevate the global drinks community.
In addition to her new role, Lawrence serves as editor, publisher, and co-founder of The Cocktail Lovers — the award-winning magazine, podcast, and online resource for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts, which she runs alongside her husband, Gary Sharpen. Since its inception in 2008 as a passion project, The Cocktail Lovers has grown into a leading voice in the drinks industry, earning numerous accolades, including Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication at the 2024 Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards. Through her role at The Cocktail Lovers, Lawrence has cultivated deep industry knowledge and connections, which she will leverage to help guide and shape the Foundation’s programs, furthering its mission to educate, advance, and support the global drinks community.
“It’s an absolute honor and privilege to be on the board of the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, a foundation that genuinely exists to serve, strengthen, and support the global drinks community,” said Lawrence. “I look forward to drawing on my insights from a journalist’s perspective to ascertain what bartenders, bar owners, and brands are looking for—particularly in the current climate—in order to continue the Foundation’s mission to elevate the entire beverage industry.”
Before cocktails (or BC, as she likes to say), Lawrence built an extensive career across creative fields, including fashion PR, music promotion, model scouting and casting, and assisting in the running of a photographic studio. She has contributed as a writer and editor across lifestyle, fashion, beauty, travel, theatre, and food for major publications such as The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Mirror, The London Evening Standard, and The Independent.
Lawrence’s deep commitment to the industry extends beyond media. She is a regular judge for national and international cocktail competitions, including Diageo World Class, Havana Club Cocktail Maestros, and PATRÓN Perfectionists. She also serves as a mentor for the Equal Measures and OurWhisky Foundation programs, is on the advisory board of the Ada Coleman Project, and was a founding advisor for the Pernod Ricard SIP Global advocacy program. In 2021, she was inducted into the Tales Catalyst (formerly known as Tales of the Cocktail Dame Hall of Fame), further cementing her legacy as a leading advocate for the hospitality industry.
“I have had the privilege of working across various industries, including fashion, music, photography, and film, yet none have proven to be as inspiring, dynamic, fulfilling, or inclusive as the drinks industry,” said Lawrence. “This is my opportunity to give back to an industry that has given me so much.”
Neal Bodenheimer, Co-Chair of the Board of Directors, shared, “Sandrae Lawrence has had a remarkable influence on the global drinks industry through her work as a journalist and advocate. Her ability to tell the stories about our industry with authenticity and passion makes her an invaluable addition to the Board, and I am confident that she will be a driving force as we shape the future of the Foundation.”
Eileen Wayner, Chief Executive Officer, added, “This transition marks an important milestone for the Foundation as we continue to build a governance structure that reflects our mission and values. We welcome Sandrae Lawrence to the Board, confident that her fresh perspectives and deep industry expertise will help guide our ongoing commitment to education, advancement, and support of the global drinks community. We’re confident that Sandrae’s addition to the board further strengthens our leadership model and ensures the continued growth and sustainability of the Foundation.”
For more information about Tales of the Cocktail Foundation and its initiatives, please visit https://talesofthecocktail.org. Tales of the Cocktail will take place in New Orleans July 20-25, 2025. #totc2025
