The Museum of the American Cocktail held their annual celebration of World Cocktail Week with its “Swing Ball.” The event was celebrated at the Riverwalk Marketplace on May 18.
The retro-themed celebration featured Meschiya Lake and her Little Big Quartet, who played swing music. Keith Marszalek also taught guests the dance styles that defined 1930s and ’40s. Some of New Orleans’ most talented mixologists who swirled drinks associated with the Swing Era included: Chris Hannah of French 75, Nick Dietrich of Cure, Geoffrey Wilson of Loa and Abigail Gullo of SoBou. The Windsor Court Hotel, MiLa Restaurant, Café Adelaide and Cure provided cuisine.
Author Wayne Curtis, mixologist Lu Brow and Lucy Weed of Sylvain also stirred cocktails with the Swing Era theme. Internationally renowned mixologist Dale DeGroff and local bar chef celebrity Chris McMillian served guests signature cocktails in the “Casablanca Room.” Author and the professional credited with reviving the Tiki Drink craze, Jeff “Beachbum” Berry was also on hand mixing cocktails of his own in the “Tiki Room.”
The mission of the Museum of the American Cocktail is to create a self-sustaining museum and tourist attraction that celebrates and preserves a rich aspect of American culture. The organization also provides educational resources for professionals and the public through seminars based on the fine art of crafting cocktails. The Museum of American Cocktail aims to broaden career opportunities in the spirits industry.
Event at a Glance
What: “Swing Ball,” benefiting the Museum of the American Cocktail
When: Friday, May 19
Where: Riverwalk Marketplace
