Tales of the Cocktail '09

New Orleans, Louisiana

July 8^th-12^th, 2009

If you enjoy making cocktails, enjoy drinking cocktails or simply know a registered voter, then Tales of the Cocktail is for you. It's the largest and most prestigious cocktail-oriented event in the world. The annual festival is a celebration of culture and cuisine that pays tribute to the extraordinary life and times of the American cocktail. Now in its 7^th year, the five-day event will bring together the best and brightest of the international drinks community--award-winning mixologists, authors, writers, bartenders, chefs and cocktailian gurus.

            Tales of the Cocktail will be held in New Orleans on July 8^th-12^th. The schedule of events includes a series of spirited dinners, demonstrations, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties, all of which will be accompanied by flights of the breathtaking cocktails. Last year, more than 16,000 people poured into the historic French Quarter to attend the Tales of the Cocktail.

            This year's roster of participants reads like a Who's Who of mixology, including such celebrated folks as:

            • Gary Regan, mixologist, author, journalist and celebrated drinks writer

            • Ted Allen, Emmy Award winner and star of "Top Chef"

            • Kevin Brauch, host of "The Thirsty Traveler"

            • Dale DeGroff, author, celebrated mixologist, a.k.a. "King Cocktail"

            • Tony Abou-Ganim, celebrated mixologist, a.k.a. The Modern Mixologist

            • Audrey Saunders, mixologist, owner/operator of The Pegu Club, New York

            • Charlotte Voisey, award-winning mixologist and Hendrick's Gin brand ambassador

            • Julie Reiner, co-owner and creative director of the Flatiron Lounge, New York

            • Francesco Lafranconi, mixologist and international cocktail authority

            • Adam Seger, noted bar chef, sommelier, general manager of Nacional 27, Chicago

            • Jack Robertiello, author, journalist, consultant and former editor of Cheers

            • David Wondrich, celebrated mixologist, author and drinks historian

            • Georg Riedel, 10th generation glassmaker and president of Riedel Crystal

            • Donna Hood Crecca, editorial director of Nightclub & Bar Magazine

            • Jim Meehan, drinks author, trade writer, PDT, New York

            • Ted Haigh, author and cocktail historian, a.k.a. "Dr. Cocktail"

            • Simon Ford, mixologist, Plymouth Gin brand Ambassador

            • Jared Brown and Anistatia Miller -- directors of the Exposition Universelle des Vins et Spiritueux (EUVS)

            Tales of the Cocktail is hosted by the non-profit New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society. Its mission is to preserve the rich history of the restaurants and bars of New Orleans and the unique culture of dining and drinking famous to the city, while educating locals, visitors and the hospitality industry about this culinary heritage.

            Founder Ann Rogers Tuennerman has created one of the most spirited, thoroughly enjoyable gigs in the country. Tales is a "can't miss" event hosted by the coolest city in North America. A grateful and parched nation thanks you. Ann. You're the mint in our Mojito.

            For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit the website at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511. Tickets for all events are now on sale.

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Robert Plotkin is a judge at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and has recently authored his 16^th book, Secrets Revealed of America's Greatest Cocktails. He can be reached at www.BarMedia.com or by e-mail at robert@barmedia.com.