Drinking The World

Tales of the Cocktail is just days away. I'm trying to get ready, new seersucker suit, vintage 1920's boater hat, bottling up a few cases of prototype products to hand out, and putting together my schedule for the seven days I'll be in New Orleans. Like usual, my schedule is way overbooked; and some really great events, dinners, etc. aren't even scheduled yet. But here is my schedule to date. It looks like over 50 items are on the list so far, just for one week. I hope I survive. Schedule after the jump.

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It's just 14 days until Tales of the Cocktail 2010. For the past few weeks I thought that I might not be able to make it due to business conflicts, but I'm back on track and raring to go. I even have a new collection of Tiki shirts and Panama hats, a seersucker suit, and a vintage Boater hat from the 1920's, so I can look my best while I handle the summer heat.

Check out the line-up of seminars and events. As well as the spirited lunches and dinners, competitions, and tasting events. Make sure you get your tickets before they are all sold out. I recommend one of the packages to get the best deal.

I'm signed up for some interesting seminars like: From Convicts to Cocktailsians, A Shot of the Black Stuff- Amazing Amaros and Brilliant Bitters, Science of Stirring, Techniques and Problems of Historical Cocktails, and The Julep Story from 1488 to Present. And I'll also be attending some great VIP events like: The Drambuie @ The Rusty Nail, Grey Goose Behind the Bar, Beefeater Gin's Welcome Reception (guaranteed to be an amazing event), William Grant and Sons - Promenade of Jubilation, Diageo's cocktail Hour, Ricard's Midnight Petanque (I have to brush up on my game), Grand Marnier's Bar Room Brawl, Plymouth Gin's Bartender Breakfast, and of course the Award Ceremony (If I can get a seat at a table from someone, since the tables are all sold out.)

See you in NOLA!

Well, it's July and that means Tales of the Cocktail. Besides all the seminars and events, I'm looking forward to attending the Spirited Awards ceremony, where many of my friends and acquaintances are nominated for awards.

The following is from the Tales of the Cocktail site: "This summer the international community will converge on the city where spirits live 24/7. Shaken from their slumber within the bottle, the spirits will take on a life of their own in New Orleans at Tales of the Cocktail 2010.

At Tales of the Cocktail, The Roosevelt will welcome the stars of the cocktail industry for the 2010 Spirit Awards, a red carpet affair hosted by Pernod Ricard USA. Dress the part of a 1960’s “mad” man or woman with real life Mad Man, Bryan Batt as we recognize individuals and establishments for their work in pushing the craft of making cocktails forward.

What would a celebration in New Orleans be without great music and food. Reserve your table for the Spirits Awards and enjoy the cool jazz sounds of Tom Fischer and Friends as you sample some of the best cuisine New Orleans has to offer from Domenica Restaurant, Creole Cuisine, Fleur de Lis Catering, Damn Good Sweets and, of course, The Roosevelt."

Tales of the Cocktail® Announces 2010 Spirited Award® Nominees after the jump

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