Tales of the Cocktail is an industry event, first and foremost. It’s a way for the people behind the booze to schmooze in a city that built its name on libations. But even if you aren’t a certified mixologist, there’s plenty to take in at the annual cocktail convention. Under new ownership and with a new focus on giving back, there are plenty of parties, events and tastings that will make you feel pretty good while you’re feeling pretty good.
Boogie for a good cause
Tales has spent the last 16 years in New Orleans, a city that wears its LGBT pride on its sleeve like so much andouille cream sauce. In spite of that, it’s never hosted an official LGBT-centered event. Until now.
Studio 504 will take over Mid-City cocktail and art gallery Treo, turning the somewhat high brow digs into a sweaty disco for a cause. The spirits on hand will all come from LGBT-owned and operated companies across the U.S. All profits will be turned over to BreakOUT NOLA, a non-profit that teaches leadership skills to LGBT youth.
When: Thursday, July 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Where: Treo
Price: $30
Get your read on
Drinking with a good book is a great way to tell the world you don’t want to be bothered. Drinking with a good book about drinking can only elevate that experience, right? Find your next buffer among similarly literary lushes at the Bookstore and Bitters Market, which offers exactly what it says on the label.
Authors will sign books and hawk their latest in-between demos and pitches of bitters from around the country every day of the event.
Where: Hotel Monteleone
When: Throughout
Price: Free
Bounce out the booze at our launch party
Very Local’s launch party just happens to be a Tales of the Cocktail event. We’re bringing the royalty out to bestow their blessing upon this thing we have going on. R&B and bounce princess Denisia and Queen Diva Big Freedia will each provide the entertainment while guests enjoy free cocktails from Mid-City distillery Atelier Vie. Y’all get back to the House of Blues.
Where: House of Blues
When: Thursday, July 19, 8 p.m. – midnight
Price: $15 covers admission and open bar
Get weird in a favorite spot
“Dynamic Duos” events throughout the city will bring in a visiting brand, bartender or other industry type to transform well-known haunts all over town into something a little different. Everything from slightly twisted Tiki drinks at Tiki Tolteca to pepper-laced tequila at d.b.a. is on offer and open anyone looking to quench their thirst with something new.
Where: Various
When: Throughout
Price: Free
Crawl to the Finish
Join the TOTC hordes in this unticketed crawl up Freret Street to close out the weekend. Strip hotspots like Company Burger and Midway Pizza aren’t letting the fact that they aren’t strictly bars keep them from joining ranks with CURE, Bar Frances and the Freret Beer Room.
Where: Various
When: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Price: Free
