Tales of the Cocktail
From July 19-24, enjoy the cocktail festival that draws mixologists for five straight days of tastings, performances and special events around New Orleans. There are seminars, parties and something for every type of ‘tail lover. The event began in 2002 and is now the top global cocktail fest and where many bartenders flock to network and learn new skills. Tales Restaurant Week stretches from July 18-25 with prix fixe menus at 10 New Orleans restaurants with all fare paired with the perfect cocktail.
The week also offers the New Orleans Cocktail Hour series where Joe Gendusa guides you through the cocktail history of the city. It begins at Le Booze, and you’ll be taken through some of the most famed bars in the city. The Dynamic Duos are also in town, a gathering of the most renowned bartenders in the world, and they’re taking over shifts at bars around the city.
That’s the Spirit!
Make reservations for a Spirited Dinner Series at restaurants around town offering dinner and drink pairings. Some of the speakers in town include Grant Achatz, Michael Dolan and Bridget Albert. Seminars and sessions are planned throughout the week with topics like “Time for the Vine: Wine-Based Cocktails” and “Braintending: Cognition Across the Bar.”
It all culminates with the 10th annual Spirit Awards where the best bartenders and bars are recognized from 110 panel judges. Get tickets to events and the full schedule here.