Tales of the Cocktail recognizes the best bars and bar talent from the United States and around the world. The 2015 “Spirited Awards” took guests from Bourbon Street to the festive streets of Havana with the theme of “Destination Cuba.” This colorful fête paid homage to the sights, sounds and flavors of Cuba, and honored the best of the spirits industry from bars and bartenders to writers and distillers in 26 award categories.
This year’s special honors were presented to Jonathan Downey for the Lifetime Achievement Award and Steve Mannan, the first recipient of the Sam Guarino Citation, which recognizes the unsung hero in bartending
Partygoers donned their best Cuban attire, listened to Cuban jazz tunes and sipped on daiquiris as they celebrated the people that change the way the world drinks. The Sheraton Hotel served a Cuban-inspired menu at a family-style dinner to continue the theme. New Orleans’ OTRA performed throughout the evening with afro-cuban sounds that honored the roots of Latin music.
Ann and Paul Tuennerman served as Show Executive Producers; Show Producers were Tom Caltibiano, Simon Ford and Michelle Dunnick.
Approximately 1,010 patrons attended the event, as well as 1,652 unique viewers on the Bacardi live stream, spanning 44 countries.
EVENT AT A GLANCE
What: Tales of the Cocktail presents the 9th annual “Spirited Awards,” benefiting New Orleans Culinary and Culture Preservation Society
When: Saturday, July 18
Where: Sheraton Hotel New Orleans
