Tara Wong showcases old-school cocktails with modern elements

From dishwasher to award-winning mixologist, Tara Wong's journey through Detroit's hospitality scene is a masterclass in passion and perseverance. Starting in professional kitchens as a teenager two decades ago, she made the leap to bartending and never looked back. Through mixology competitions, self-taught expertise, and an obsession with creating unforgettable guest experiences, Wong honed her craft one cocktail at a time.

Now behind the bar at Saksey's, she's redefining classic cocktails with a modern twist—think Harvey Wallbanger reimagined as a milk punch, or her signature Coco Noir, an elevated Espresso Martini featuring bourbon, coconut rum, cold brew, coffee liqueur, and amaro. In this episode, Wong shares her creative approach to drink development, reflects on how Detroit's hospitality landscape has transformed over the years, and reveals what she has brewing for the summer ahead.