We’re heading into an exciting time of year. Festivals are returning and social events are back in full swing for the first time in over two years. Tales of the Cocktail, the annual trade conference, festival, and gathering of cocktail and spirits industry professionals, returns on July 25-29 for its 20-year anniversary.

Tales of the Cocktail presents a curated lineup of seminars, events, and, of course, festivities all in the name of “progress”—the conference’s official 2022 theme. Attendees can expect Tales of the Cocktail signature educational initiatives, including more than 70 unique sessions, seminars and panels including “Meet the Distillers,” an all-new “New Orleans Cocktail Tour” series, the annual “Spirited Awards,” and more. 

Additionally, Tales of the Cocktail will offer a mix of in-person programming at the official host hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, plus digital programming via the virtual Tales of the Cocktail platform, allowing guests from near and far to enjoy the conference’s programming.

Tales of the Cocktail will feature more than 65 educational sessions, including seminars, roundtable discussions and more across Tales’ three education streams. Highlights include business, culture and beyond-the-bar sessions featuring more than 250 industry leaders.

Citywide dining and drinking events showcase the best of New Orleans’ bars and restaurants on a global stage. Local venues host a variety of collaborative happenings with midday happy hours and late-night last call nightcaps with your favorite spirit.

Tales of the Cocktail second line down Frenchmen Street. Photo by Randy Schmidt

Events

ASTRALogy

Rooftop pool party happy hour at The Ace Hotel by Astral Tequila, Tuesday, July 26, 4 p.m., Alto Rooftop Bar at the Ace Hotel, 600 Carondelet Street.

Follow the White Rabbit

A Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Dinner at Compere Lapin presented by Rabbit Hole, Wednesday, July 27, 5:30 p.m., 535 Tchoupitoulas Street.

Hard Truth

Brunch and cocktail competition, July 28th, 12 p.m. at Monkey Board, rooftop bar at The Troubadour Hotel, 1111 Gravier Street.

Tales of the Piña

Hosted by Kevin Diedrich and Shannon Mustipher featuring Hotaling & Co.’s spirits at Vals, Wednesday, July 27, 7 p.m. 4632 Freret Street.

Talesgating

Presented by Filthy premium cocktail garnishes and mixers, at the Alibi Bar and Grill, Sunday, July 24, 2 p.m. and daily Monday-Friday 9-11 a.m., 811 Iberville Street.

Spirited Awards

The 16th annual Spirited Awards ceremony will celebrate a full slate of winners including U.S. and International recipients for Timeless Award, Best New Cocktail Bar, Best Restaurant Bar, Bartender of the Year. Global categories including World’s Best Bar, the five awards within the writing and media categories, the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, Pioneer Award, and more. The awards ceremony will take place at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans on Thursday, July 28 at 5 p.m., 921 Canal Street.

Tickets for Tales of the Cocktail can be purchased here.