The country’s premier cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail brings together innovators of mixology and other spirited enthusiasts for a five-day celebration of cocktails, cuisine and culture. They held one of their major events, “Gin and Tonic is Only the Beginning,” in late July in the Nouvelle Ballroom at the Hotel Monteleone. The event provided gin brands such as Brooklyn Gin, Bluecoat Gin, Rives Gin and Citadelle Gin the opportunity to showcase their distinct flavors and for bartenders and mixologists from around the world to put new twists on the classic highball.
Over 300 attendees sampled gin and tonic inspired cocktails with unexpected ingredients such as herbs, bitters or even licorice, to highlight the different botanical elements in their gins. Craft tonic brands such as Fever Tree also were a big presence at the event, premiering such new delicious products as Elderflower Tonic.
Since its conception in 2003, Tales of the Cocktail has transformed into a major platform for aspiring young bartenders and mixologists to work alongside renowned professionals in the spirits and bartending industry. The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society has produced the event each year since its founding in 2006 and has supported the Cocktail Apprentice Scholarship which allows new talent to partake in the event each year, and the new Apprentice Aid Fund which covers unforeseen medical expenses.
Event at a Glance
What: “Gin and Tonic is Only the Beginning,” Tales of the Cocktail, benefitting The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
When: Wednesday, July 17
Where: Hotel Monteleone
