It is not at all surprising that a city that founded the Sazerac and has a mere love for cocktails would be hosting the seventh annual Tales of the Cocktail, July 8-12, 2009. This July, look forward to five days of mingling with mixologists, attending thought-provoking seminars and experiencing an array of beverages in various tasting rooms.
Ann Tuennerman founded Tales of the Cocktail in 2003 because of a combination of her love for the cocktail and the city of New Orleans. Her vision started off as a handful of events with a couple hundred visitors, and has grown to a five-day event with many visitors traveling to attend. Tales of the Cocktail serves an abundance of out-of-state attendees and is made possible through The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society.
With over 100 events, seminars and tastings offered, deciding where to go and what to do for Tales of the Cocktail may be a bit overwhelming. Seminars cover topics anywhere from a demonstration of tools that mixologists use, to what really causes a hangover.
Here is a preview of 21 different areas that participants should add to their schedule. Tickets are available for purchase for five-day passes, single-day passes, or single-session passes. Purchasing of tickets can be done onsite or through Tales of the Cocktail’s Web site, www.talesofthecocktail.com. Purchase early to avoid sell-outs!
Cocktail Fresh Market, Wed. July 8, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Mezzanine (Hotel Montelone) Event
The Cocktail Fresh Market is an all day event on Wednesday that will feature fresh, seasonal and organic products for cocktails. Visitors will be able to pick fresh ingredients then have those items transformed into handmade cocktails by guest bartenders.
A Nutty Twist on Cream Liqueurs, Wed. July 8, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Royal Room C (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
Stop by this tasting room to get a taste of Castries Peanut Rum Crème. Castries is trying to prove that peanuts are no longer just a bar food anymore but an integral ingredient for any cocktail.
Toast to Tales of the Cocktail, Wed. July 8, 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Riverview Room (Hotel Monteleone) Event
At this press conference meet the authors, chefs, and mixologists that will be apart of the Tales experience over the next five days. Make sure to stick around after the press conference to sample this year’s official cocktail.
The Fine Art of Banging Out the Drinks like a Maniac: Great Bars around the World and Throughout History that Make Great Cocktails Fast, Wed. July 8, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Queen Anne Ball Room (Hotel Monteleone) Seminar
Philip Duff and Dushan Zaric present how to double the amount of cocktails made per hour without sacrificing taste, presentation or quality.
The Duque Coffee Bar, Thurs. – Sat. July 9, 8:30 a.m. – 10: 30 p.m. Mezzanine (Hotel Monteleone) Event
The Duque Coffee Bar is the perfect way to start the morning off right, whether it be a delicious fresh brewed hot or iced coffee, or a daily featured coffee cocktail, the Duque Coffee Bar is defiantly the first place to stop Thurs. – Sat.
Mixologists and Their Toys, Thurs. July 9, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. PMLA Nouvelle Orleans East & West Ballroom (Hotel Monteleone) Seminar
Top mixologists and industry experts will demonstrate new products and techniques that were recently introduced. Fernando Castellon, Evan Wallace and Done Lee who all have invented new toys for the Industry.
Leblon Cachaça ‘Brazil’s Finest’ Tasting Room, Thurs. July 9, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Royal Room C (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
Experience Brazil’s Finest at the ultimate Caipirinha Bar. First taste the freshly pressed cane juice, then learn how it is transformed to Leblon Cachaca. Finally learn how to make a Caipirnha at home.
Passport to Europe, Thurs. July 9, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Bonnet Carre (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
The closest thing to exploring Europe in New Orleans is by visiting this tasting. All attendees will receive a passport upon arrival and will receive a stamp for every tasting – Drambuie, Disaronno Originale, B&B and Benedictine Liqueurs. The different passport pages have the story of the brad, history of craftsmanship and room for personal comments. At the end of the tasting, guests will be able to fill out information for a chance to win a trip to the Benedictine Palace in France.
Green Hour, Thurs. July 9, 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. LA Nouvelle Orleans East & West Ballroom (Hotel Monteleone) Seminar
During this seminar participants will learn about Absinthe, its comeback to the States, and the many different brands that are now available. Tastings of the different brands are available.
The Modern Day Old New Orleans Rum Mojito Buffet, Fri. July 9, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Bonnet Carre (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
New Orleans is known for its lavish drinking, but pairing it up with a Mojito Buffet could be lethal. Come to this tasting to experience the delectable selections of Mojitos with seasonal fruits and herbs.
Wedding Cakes and Cocktails, Fri. July 10, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. (Antoine’s) Event
Wedding Cakes and Cocktails will have Maria McBride, author and style director of BRIDES magazine, discussing the importance of making the wedding day memorable. Participants will be able to taste wedding cakes along with complementary cocktails. Antione’s Menu includes, Souffle Potatoes, Cup of Alligator Soup, Louisiana Tomato stuffed with Shrimp Regua, Meringue Glace, Coffee or Tea.
The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl, Fri. July 10, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Charles Room (Astor Crowne Plaza) Seminar
Simon Ford and Angus Winchester take participants on The World’s Biggest Bar Crawl that starts in New Orleans and brings participants around the world. On this tour, one will learn about the basic culinary art of cocktails and will even explore the bar or bartender that created it.
Martinis and Massages by Rain Organics Vodka, Fri. July 10, 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. Royal Room C (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
After three long days of tastings, seminars and cocktails nothing could be better than a mini massage and martinis by Rain Organics Vodka. Bartenders will be mixing up some unique, but very delicious, martinis: Honey Mango Melon, Red Grape Hibiscus, Cucumber Lime and Lavender Lemonade.
Secrets to Successful Cocktail Photography, Sat. July 11, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. LA Nouvelle East & West Ballroom (Hotel Monteleone) Seminar
This seminar will teach participants everything they need to know to create scrumptious looking photos of cocktails with or without professional equipment. During this seminar, learn the basics of camera settings, lighting and software. After the seminar each participant will receive Chef Ron Oliver’s booklet “Drink Charms” and an online feedback form to critique photos.
Carnivorous Cocktails, Sat. July 11, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. St Charles Room (Astor Crowne Plaza) Seminar
Bacon might be appearing around the rims of your margarita glass instead of those late night hamburgers. At this seminar, learn about all of the new trends that meat-loving mixologists have created. Whether it be pulverized bacon dust, demi-glace in a Bloody Mary or a tasty Manhattan with tastes of salumi. Learn and taste how you can incorporate delicious meats in cocktails at home.
A Better Way to Drink: Acai, The World’s Super Foot and VeeV, The World’s First Acai Spirit, Sat July 11, 4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m. Royal Room D (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
Acai is quickly becoming known as one of the Super Fruits that many athletes and celebrities are enjoying in various ways in food and beverages. This small purple berry, only harvested in Brazil and VeeV, the first Acai spirit, will be available for tastings.
Seven Deadly Sins, Sat. July 11, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Grand Ballroom (W Hotel) Event
To Celebrate Tales of the Cocktails’ 7th anniversary seven different cocktails will be served to represent the Seven Deadly Sins. Lust sponsored by Cabana Cachaça, Envy sponsored by 10 Cane Rum, Greed sponsored by Kubler Absinthe, Pride sponsored by Scorpion Mezcal, Sloth sponsored by Corazón Tequila and Gran Gala Italian Liqueur, Gluttony sponsored by FireFly Vodka and Anger sponsored by Tommy Bahama Rum and Fenitman’s Botanically Brewed Beverages
Paying the Piper: Your Hangover and you, Sun. July 12, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Riverview Room (Hotel Monteleone) Seminar
Sunday morning is the perfect morning to learn all about the hangover. This seminar will go through the scientific causes of the hangover and explore some of the remedies that can “cure” a hangover. If one wants to try out some of these remedies, make sure to participant in many Tales of the Cocktails events and the local bar scene Saturday night.
Double Duty Drinks- Non-Alcoholic Drinks and Products That Can Take Some Sprit, Sun. July 12, 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. Royal Room C & D (Hotel Monteleone) Tasting
After a long week of tasting, one’s liver may need a break, visit the Double Duty Drinks to sample some of the Alcohol Free beverages. Here one can try anything from mocktails, Bloody Marys, and try some alcohol free brands such as Fee Brothers Bitters, Fever Tree and Maui Mixerz.
Beer Garden, Sun. July 12, 2:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. Queen Anne Ballroom (Hotel Monteleone)
Come experience an assortment of Beers at the Beer Garden. Brew Masters will be at each station to answer any questions following the samples. The following brands will be represented: Brothers Thelonious, Shiner, Woodchuck, Warsteiner, Anchor Steam, Carlsberg, Kronenbourgh, Flying Dog, Singh, Ayinger Brau-Weisse, Lindemans Pomme, Samuel Smith Organic Ale, Dubbel (Gluten-Free Endeavour) and New Orleans very own NOLA Brewing Co.
Second Annual Wormwood Society Grande Soiree d’Absinthe, Sun. July 12, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. (Muriel’s)
The last event for the Tales of the Cocktail is a recreation of Green Hour with no other than Absinthe. At the Soiree, one can discover the Green Fairy for the first time by tasting the top absinthe brands. Pre-ban-era cocktails will be available at the bar. The Wormwood Society Absinthe Association began the Grand Soiree d’Absinthe last year, and due to an overwhelming response the Association tripled its space. Make sure to register or RSVP to ensure a spot.
To purchase tickets and browse the other events please visit www.talesofthecocktail.com.