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[title]What is Tales of the Cocktail?
Think of the most knowledgeable cocktail aficionado in your social orbit. Now imagine that person, along with thousands of like-minded people, all gathering in New Orleans—a city that knows how to host a good time—for the drinks industry’s leading annual conference. A truly eclectic mix of veterans, industry newcomers, social barflies, enthusiasts, and everything in between gathers at Tales of the Cocktail to exchange new ideas, sample new products, and learn new techniques.
While celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s event will feature in-person educational events, tastings, networking, a career fair, and awards programming, among other offerings. Attendees will be imbibing all in the name of progress—the festival’s official 2022 theme. Chosen to recognize the nimble and adaptive development of the drinks industry, this year’s theme showcases the transformative atmosphere and nature of the resilient cocktail community. Tales, as most refer to it, was founded in 2002, and has drawn more than 15,000 ticketed attendants from around the world (nothing helps break down language and cultural barriers like open bars and tastings).
When is Tales of the Cocktail?
The five‐day, in‐person program runs from July 25-29, with Pre-Tales kick-off events starting Sunday, July 24.
Where is Tales of the Cocktail?
Most of the action can be found in the French Quarter, though many Spirited Dinners (featuring top spirits paired with meals at top restaurants), product launches, and coveted after-parties take place in the city’s coolest venues, including museums and opulent private mansions. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans—one of the city’s swankiest cocktail spots—is this year’s host hotel. Events (both official and unofficial) are held at venues around the city. Make the right friend, and you may end up at a boozy pool party sponsored by your new favorite spirit.
Who can attend Tales of the Cocktail?
Though the majority of attendees (especially those with all-access passes) are industry professionals and cocktail enthusiasts, all are welcome to most of the events. Tickets are available here.
What can I do at Tales of the Cocktail?
Serious types start the day with clear-eyed seminars led by world-renowned experts, while others head to the tasting rooms, learning about highly-prized spirits and exclusive new releases straight from master distillers and brand ambassadors.
A full slate of supplemental events, including cocktail-themed walking tours led by industry experts, sessions focused on physical and mental health, and seminars on social justice behind the bar round out the daily offerings.
Then there are the Spirited Dinners, in which top-notch, multi-course feasts are usually paired with a particular brand’s portfolio; there’s nothing like learning about a rum by tasting your way through its lineup, finishing with its 15-year reserve paired with a gourmet dessert at one of the city’s best restaurants.
Nightly parties are always a draw. Even if you can’t get into one of the coveted private events such as the William Grant or Diageo bashes, you can still soak up the atmosphere by grabbing drinks and making friends at the host hotel or at one of the best bars in New Orleans, many of which turn into unofficial clubhouses and meeting points for industry professionals during the event.
Perhaps the biggest event of all is the Spirited Awards, which resembles the Oscars for the industry (there’s even a red carpet). These coveted awards honor the best in the world, from World’s Best Bar to Best New Cocktail Bar to Bartender of the Year and more. Find your way into the ceremonies, or just grab a ticket to watch the live stream with lots of curious onlookers.