Jul 20, 2011
Upon arrival at Tales of the Cocktail you are greeted by visitors and locals alike happy to be apart of the festivities; be it as a sponsor, media, bartender, cocktail enthusiasts to spectators. Everywhere you go smiling faces. Maybe its a mix between the cocktails and just being happy to be in New Orleans. The backdrop is no greater place than Hotel Monteleone, a beautiful hotel with a rich history. It doesn’t hurt they have one of my favorite rooftop views, it’s magnificent.
I started my TOTC experience this year with the Tasting Rooms. I was able to visit Pisco Pavillion, Solerno and Truvia. I’m a Pisco girl, so it was nice to try out some of the options. In one room were experts on Peruvian Piscos including Oro, Pisco Portion, Don Cesar, Encanto, and my favorite Macchu Pisco.
After, I ventured over to Solerno & Art in the Age which showcased such things as ROOT that has sassafras, sarsaparilla, and barch bark, among others. My favorite had to be Solerno Blood Orange liquer which was phenomenal specifically in Gypsy Punch.
I later entered a Ladies Dream at Truvia Brand Introduces Tru Cocktails, where Truvia took yummy cocktails and made them low calorie as well as reduced sugar. My favorite recipe I tried had to be the Blackberry Teani, which is only 50 calories per serving and incorporates vodka, blackberries and black tea (learn more here)
I later visited Absolut Vodka Tasting, whom’s special edition this year honored San Fransico. Later in the evening I attended Beefeater Masquerade Ball housed at the fabulous Gallier Hall. If you haven’t attended an event at Gallier yet, you must soon. I just absolutely love this beautiful building and paintings, which also showcase the different mayors of New Orleans. There were several rooms introducing different cocktails, foods and music. I saw a ballerina inside a clear ball, an all female orchestra doing contemporary songs, very interesting!
One of the best things about Tales of the Cocktail is meeting the people. I have the pleasure of meeting locals and visitors from all around the world visiting New Orleans. On Tuesday at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, (FYI I ADORE THE BARTENDER OF Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, Chris Hannah- He so rocks!) I met Marcia Simmons from San Francisco of Drink of the Week , her website is phenomenal and she has a new book out DIY Cocktails. She definitely has the New Orleans spirit and excitement about the craft of cocktails. She let me know she loves New Orleans and contemplates each visit if she should move here. This is definitely a statement I’m sure many locals hear everyday. I also met Brayden Burroughs of DudeKicker today at a Bourbon vs. Rye Luncheon, whom definitely knows his drinks and resides in Boston. Throughout the last two days, I had a chance to talk with local, Editor B of B.Rox on his site he talks about his life in New Orleans; phenomenal blog you should definitely check out.
Things Im Looking Forward to Tomorrow!
- Beyond Punch: Colonial American Drinks
- Rum Cocktails from Stimulant to Elegance
- Turning Drinks into Cocktails
If you can, definitely pick up a Tasting Room Wristband. The tasting rooms are great, filled with yummy cocktails for you to try along with some great food too. You can explore this whole weekend.
*click picture at bottom to see more pictures from the first day of Tales of the Cocktail
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| Tales of the Cocktail 2011 |