Every July, Tales of the Cocktail takes over New Orleans with a spirited celebration of all-things-cocktail culture. A packed schedule of seminars, tastings, and special events have the whole city buzzing with excitement. Whether you’re a cocktail expert or a home-brewed enthusiast, this week-long gathering has something for everyone.
Wondering what to add to your stellar Tales of the Cocktail itinerary? Here’s some suggestions for a spirited schedule!
Tales of Cocktail is back for another year of special cocktail events. Photo by Jennifer Mitchel Photography via thebestofneworleans.com
Tales of the Cocktail Seminars
With more than 200 seminars scheduled for this year’s festivities, there’s plenty of interesting topics to choose from.
If you’re a total cocktail beginner, you can get a proper schooling with the “101 Seminar” series. These daily events at Hotel Monteleone cover all the basic knowledge of essential spirits. Learn about gin’s beginnings from the juniper berry, or the interesting journey of rum from sugarcane to bar glass.
Photo courtesy of Talesofthecocktail.org
Beer lovers can sign up for “Hop School,” a Tuesday tasting that lets you fine-tune your palette. Learn the history of brewing and discover all the subtle notes of each technique with a guided hop evaluation.
Take part in the cultural discussion of cocktails with “A Seat at the Bar: Social Justice through Cocktails.” This seminar focuses on the power of cocktails to communicate, highlighting the importance of diversity in the drinks industry.
Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Dinners
On Thursday, the Spirited Dinner Series brings the best of New Orleans’ food, culture, and cocktails together. Local chefs work with renowned bartenders and mixologists to make your dining experience one-of-a-kind.
Hosted at local favorites like SoBou, Landry’s Seafood, and Morton’s Steakhouse, you can’t go wrong with any of these special meals.
Partake in a truly spirited dinner at Napoleon House. Photo by Greg Miles via bizneworleans.com
If you’re looking for an extra-special treat, Napoleon House’s dinner is quite literally spirited. Vodou Priestess Sallie Ann Glassman will play host, pairing every course of your meal with a summoned Vodou spirit— the rum loving and crossroads spirit, Legba; the all things pink and feminine spirit, Freda; and the legendary Vodou Priestess, Marie Laveau.
Tales of the Cocktail Special Events
The New Orleans Cocktail Tour is a must for every cocktail aficionado. Offered every day of the festivities, this tour takes guests through the rich cocktail history of New Orleans.
Come along for a spirited romp that hits all the city’s famous bars and restaurants. Led by a knowledgable guide, you will learn about the drinks and characters that put New Orleans on the cocktail map.
Sip on the finest drinks in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail. Photo by Fred Plunkett via The Advocate
On Thursday, the House of Blues hosts one of the biggest Tales of the Cocktail events – the “Meet the Distillers” happy hour. More than 40 distillers from across the country and around the world will serve up their creations neat so you can appreciate every note.
Join the crowd for light bites and some local music as distillers share the secrets behind their spirits.
Experience Tales of the Cocktail at Bienville House
Tales of the Cocktail is one of New Orleans’ most spirited yearly events, and Bienville House’s historic French Quarter location puts you right in the center of it all. From the legendary tiki cocktails at Latitude 29 to the multiple events happening just outside your doorstep, you can enjoy the best of Tales of the Cocktail when you book your stay at Bienville House.