If all you’re looking for is a beer and a bit of buzz don’t read this post. If you’re in search of something subtler, something more succulent read on.
It’s almost Tales of the Cocktail time down in New Orleans. Set for July 25 – 29, this is the 10th anniversary celebration of the art of mixology. Some of the country’s best-known bartenders will be in town for this one. On tap are lectures, luncheons, and lessons – all with the aim of expanding your imbibing horizons. Just shy of two-dozen top New Orleans restaurants have a hand in this year’s doings.
If you’re up for July’s heat, sign up for the Confederacy of Cruisers bike tour. It departs from the Hotel Monteleone on two of the festival’s days and takes you to urban honey and chicken farms, as well as some of the city’s best bars and eateries.
No contest as to 2012’s Official Cocktail. That’s already been decided. Dominic Venegas of New York City’s MoMad Hotel copped top honors this year for his Rum Row Old Fashioned. Here’s the recipe: Put one barspoon of Muscavado Sugar in an Old Fashioned glass. Drop orange and burlesque bitters in that sugar, add .25 oz of water and then add three to four cubes of ice. Stir for five to seven seconds. Pour in .75 oz of Bank’s 5 Islands rum and 1.25 oz of El Dorado 12-year-old rum. Garnish with a naval Orange peel and enjoy.
You’re going to want to make reservations ahead of time for Tales of the Cocktails events. Summertime is usually low season in New Orleans, when hotels can be had for – in some instances – for almost half price compared to the year’s cooler months. But when an event like this one hits town, the best rooms can go fast.
(Image: Editor B)
