Tales of the Cocktail: July 20-24

Now in its 9th year, Tales of the Cocktail returns to the Big Easy on July 20-24, 2011 with 5 days of seminars, events, competitions, tastings, dinner pairings and workshops.

There are more than 150 events with both experts and amateurs alike where you can meet distillers, enjoy creative cocktails and watch the masters at work. It attracts bartenders and mixologists from around the world as well as regular folk who want to see the latest and greatest in the world of distilled spirits.

Some of this year’s events cover how to build a a cutting edge ice program, how to make your own soda, interviews with legendary bartenders and of course, lots and lots of tastings.

There’s also the World’s Largest Genever Slurp, the ZU Bison Riding Party and the Cocktail Funeral on Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

It all takes place at the Hotel Monteleone. There are various prices for each event. Some are free. Daily seminars are $45 and spirited dinners are $75-120. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit the web site.