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Tales of the Cocktail® is another of those things that seems perfect for a hot summer weekend in New Orleans. Running this year from July 16-20, based at the Monteleone Hotel in the French Quarter, Tales is an international event bringing together professional spirit-minded individuals to learn about “what’s now, what’s new, and what’s next in bartending.”

There’s a variety of informational seminars, invitation-only tasting seminars, complimentary events, “spirited dinners,” tasting rooms, and general fun to be had, all centered around The Cocktail.   Since we claim in New Orleans that our famous Sazerac was the earliest known American cocktail, it was a natural here. Tales of the Cocktail® started 14 years ago now as a nonprofit, intended to promote New Orleans cocktail culture. Since then, hand-crafted cocktails have become a part of American culinary life everywhere in the country. We think we get at least some of the credit for that.

Meet world-famous bartenders and cocktail historians, and find out what’s next on the menu at your local watering hole. And the parties! This year, Bacardi Rum hosts a Miami Vice pool party–get out your white linen and loafers for that one. Or stop by a seminar on “How to Go Broke: Opening a Distillery.” If you’re a bartender striving to reach the next level, “How to Win Cocktail Competitions” is for you. Although the festival is primarily geared to professionals, ticketed events are open to the public, and there are participating restaurants with special tasting menus for Cocktail-ers. All hail the cocktail!