Absinthe: A love story.

By Brooke A. Boudreaux

New Orleans is in a love affair with absinthe. But that’s no secret. You can tell that by looking at our official cocktail, the Sazerac, which is made by first coating a glass with absinthe. (And, mind you, when I say official cocktail, I mean documented by the government).

In New Orleans, we have a tendency to gravitate towards the old and the dramatic: antiques, 18^th century architecture and old-fashioned cocktails, just to name a few. We embrace our history and we carry it with us. Here, everything old really is new again… and again… and again.

Enter Absinthe; A strong alcoholic beverage with a long and stormy history in the world of cocktails, and a reputation for providing people with inspiration, while simultaneously driving them to madness. Given our love of high proof liquor and our flair for the dramatic, how could we NOT fall in love?

It’s no wonder that it is a New Orleans native, Ted Breaux, who is credited for lifting the ban on genuine absinthe in the United States, after it had been illegal for 95 years.

I had the opportunity to meet Ted Breaux and attend the Launch of Jade Absinthes at the Windsor Court hotel’s Polo Lounge hosted by Viridian Spirits. This marked the first time that the three Jade Absinthes had been served on U.S. soil. How fitting that it was during Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans; and it is especially fitting that one of the Jade Absinthes is named Nouvelle-Orléans.

The Polo Lounge served a selection of food that pairs well with absinthe. These included fried sweet breads, which I had never eaten before, but loved. Also served, was a delightful sampling of tuna tartar and coconut macaroons.

I was able to sample the three Jade Absinthes in the traditional way: absinthe, sugar, and a slow drip of water. I sampled the JL 1901 Absinthe Supérieure, the C.F. Berger (Verte Suisse) Absinthe Supérieure, and the Nouvelle-Orléans Absinthe Supérieure. All three were delicious, but I would have to say that my favorite was the Nouvelle-Orléans. It was light with a smooth finish. My second favorite was the 1901; there was a stronger finish, but an enjoyable one. Not at all over powering.

In addition to the Jade Absinthes, Lucid Absinthe was used in the preparation of two different cocktails: the Absinthe Frappe¢ and the Absinthe Ginger Mint Flip.

I watched the faces of my fellow taste testers as they imbibed that evening; some of them from the out of town, some of them local, but all of them smiling; Happy to play a part in the New Orleans – Absinthe love affair.

Absinthe Frappé

1oz absinthe

Dash syrup

Shake over ice

Serve in a glass with ice with a splash of soda

Absinthe Ginger Mint Flip

1oz absinthe

Dash syrup

2oz Half and half

Shake over ice

Serve in glass with ice and muddled mint, with a splash of ginger ale

Farewell to Tales of the Cocktail 2010

This year’s Tales of the Cocktail Festival was

beyond memorable. Visitors from all over the world embarked upon a journey to

New Orleans. Spirit enthusiasts not only took over the Historic Hotel Monteleone,

but all over town. Tourists and locals alike took this as opportunity to

venture around the city to see what cuisine and cocktails New Orleans has to

offer through special events and spirited dinners providing unique

opportunities to bring recognition to such classic New Orleans locations.

Special events took place across the city at Royal Sonesta Hotel, Antoine’s Restaurant, The Cabildo, Arnaud’s Restaurant, Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse,Boardof Trade, Generations Hall, Le Meritage, Iris Restaurant, Roosevelt Hotel and more.

Full Story at Humid Beings

For More Pictures

Final Day at Tales of the Cocktail

Secret Sherry Society's French Toast Breakfast / Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail's Spirited Sunday Brunch

Had a fabulous last day, but truly bitter sweet; sad to see this great festival come to an end. I started my morning with a Secret Sherry Society’s French Toast Breakfast. Visitors tasted yummy French toast along with the French Toast Flip cocktail. The ingredients to this cocktail are sweet old Oloroso Sherry, Apple Brandy and Malt Whiskey. It was great to see the Secret Sherry Society again. (My new imaginary friend)

Not soon after, I enjoyed more food and spirits, while visiting the Mr. and Mrs. Cocktail’s Spirited Sunday Brunch. Many Tales of the Cocktail visitors came to celebrate their final hours together over jambalaya, gumbo and other New Orleans favorites. To accompany our delicious New Orleans style brunch were Stella Artois, Herbsaint Frappes and Vitamix blended cocktails.

Next GINeration Cocktail Challenge

Next up, I had a little fun and visited the New Amsterdam Gin tasting room for the Next GINeration Cocktail Challenge. The participants had ten minutes to create a New Orleans inspired cocktail.  I made a yummy Magazine Street Nola Dream; which included gin, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and mint.  This was definitely an exciting session. I didn't win the competition though. :-(

Fat Tuesday

A creative spin on a New Orleans classic cocktail, this recipe blends savory flavors with a refreshing bubbly finish.

2 oz New Amsterdam Gin

Dash of bitters

3 slices of daikon or radish

1 ½ oz cranberry juice

½ ox simple syrup or agave nectar

2 oz ginger beer

Muddle radish in bottom of shaker. Add all other ingredients except the ginger beer and shake vigorously. Strain over ice into a lowball or rocks glass. Add ginger beer to float on top. Garnish with a radish slick or lemon peel.

The Eggpire Strikes Back

Later, I visited my last seminar, The Eggpire Strikes Back.  This seminar was moderated by Timo Janse with panelists Henrik Hammer and Andrew Nicholls.  This seminar help put an end to me and others alike fear of using egg in cocktail ingredients.

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A Tales of the Cocktail Exclusive: A Sit-Down with master distiller Jean Sebastien Robicquet

By Brooke Boudreaux

During the second day of Tales of the Cocktail, I had the opportunity to meet with Jean-Sebastien Robicquet, master distiller of EuroWineGate (EWG).  At one point, I asked him what differentiates his spirits from those of his competitors. In a thick French accent he, in turn, asked me, “Which would you rather eat, a grape berry or corn?”

Using grapes and grapevine flowers in their process of distillation gives G’Vine, EWG’s gin brand a very distinctive flavor. I first had a taste of their G’Vine gins, Floraison and Nouaison. I found Floraison to have some nice tropical notes, but my favorite was clearly the, Nouaison. I’m not exactly a gin drinker, but I really enjoyed the Nouaison, which was much more fragrant and had stronger notes of juniper, which I really liked.

I was then asked to sample their two newest products, L’Esprit de June and Excellia.

JUNE is a fruity grape-based liqueur with extracted flavors of vine flowers. June’s taste is sweet, but subtle and delicate with hints of peach and white strawberries. I found it to be quite enjoyable on the rocks. It was even more delicious as a simple cocktail created by adding a little of the G’Vine gin to it. It was so refreshing, I could easily imagine drinking this makeshift cocktail around a pool on a hot day or pairing it with a mid-day brunch.

The next libation to pass my lips was that of Excellia, a 12 year old agave that is aged in Cognac barrels and Sauternes wine casks and then blended to make one amazingly full-bodied tequila. I really enjoyed this tequila. This is definitely sipping tequila.

In the words of Jean-Sebastien Robicquet, “[Excellia] will talk to you. [Every time you take another sip], it will tell you another story.” And it most certainly does.

Saturday at Tales of the Cocktail

I started my day out with the sounds of Dr. Jazz & the New Orleans Dixeland Sounds, while overlooking the city and river (such a fabulous view of New Orleans at Hotel Monetelone Riverview Room). As I enjoyed the scenery, I was able to have a wonderful breakfast with cocktails provided by Van Gogh Vodka. This has to be one of my favorite vodka choices with colorful flavors as Double Espresso, Dutch Caramel and Acai Blueberry.  I truly enjoyed the beautiful and delicious cocktails provided. Here are two fabulous Van Gogh cocktails I tried!

Berry Prussian Blue

1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Acai-Blueberry Vodka

½ oz St. Germaine

½ oz Fresh sour

¼ Pear (sliced)

Paradijs

1-1/2 oz Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka

1 oz Soda

1oz Pineapple Juice

3 Strawberries

Cut two strawberries into small pieces and place in a mixing glass. Use back of spoon to crush strawberries. Add ice and Van Gogh Pineapple Vodka, pineapple juice and shake. Pour into a rocks glass and add a splash of soda. Garnish with a strawberry.

Laird’s Election Day Brunch/ Absolut Bloody Mary Bar

Next, I visited Laird's Election Day Brunch. Visitors voted on their favorite Laird Applejack cocktail. Cocktails in the competition were Applejack Libation among two cocktails prepared with Casoni Limencello and Lazzaroni Amaretto. One of my favorites that I tried was the Jersey Shore Breakfast drink, which included Laird’s 100 Apple Brandy, Lazzaroni Amaretto, orange bitters and Angostura bitters. After brunch, I visited the Absolut Bloody Mary Bar. I'm not a big fan of Bloody Mary, but definitely a fan favorite in New Orleans. An Absolut Bloody Mary includes Absolut Vodka, tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, tobasco, lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Mount Gay Rum Lunch

Mount Gay Rum provided a wonderful lunch and bar! All attendees received an opportunity to make their own rum punch! I got to try some of their great rum products and cocktails that were absolutely delicious. To make this luncheon perfect was the tropical scenery. Everything set up so beautiful, making any Nola Lover want to sip on rum while looking out at the river. Note: Mount Gay rum is the rum that invented RUM! It was created in 1703 in Barbados.

Tasting Rooms

Hendrick's Gin

This gin tasting incorporated rose and British cucumber, amazing combo. I tried the Mallard's Mallet with Hendrick's gin, Maraschino Luxardo, celyon tea, gooseberry jam, lemon peel, soda water, ice and edible flowers.

Sazerac

I couldn't pass up a New Orleans favorite, Sazerac. The Sazerac Company has such fan favorites as bourbons, tequilas, Canadian whiskeys, vodkas, cordials and more!  This tasting was sponsored by Buffalo Trace Bourbon and Sazerac Rye Whiskey.

Ladies Only with Tony Abou-Ganim

My first seminar was "Ladies Only", Hands on with Tony Abou-Ganim, the modern mixologist.  I took a journey through what it really takes to make a classy drink! I learned all the tools of the trade, such as how to make a Moonshine Rum Punch, Smash, The Blood and Sand, Pisco Sour and the classic Cosmopolitan. The exciting teacher Tony Abou - Ganim also showed us the skill of muddling, martini shaking and garnish. I truly learned a lot in this class and can't wait to make all types of cocktails. This seminar was sponsored by Barsol Pisco, Catdaddy Carolina Moonshine and Cherry Heering.

Worldwide Cocktail Excursion

Later in the evening, I visited the Worldwide Cocktail Excursion at the Sugar Mill. I took a tour of cocktails from Scotland, France, St. Croix, Holland, Mexico, Kentucky, Canada, even a Speak Easy that was password protected (the password was smooth!). The atmosphere was beautiful; each place had a different set up to represent their area. This event was presented by Beam Global Spirits & Wine.

USBG Milagro Tequila Margarita Competition at Tales of the Cocktail

Tonight, I attended USBG Milagro Tequila Margarita Competition. Fifteen bartenders from different United States Bartender's Guild chapters brought out their best margaritas to compete! I tasted many festive spirits as I enjoyed the perfect scenery at the New Orleans Board of Trade. So many beautiful places in New Orleans  to discover every day of the week! Check out a list of the bartenders in competition and their specialty margaritas.

Austin
Marcelo Nascimento - Roasted Chili Pineapple

Chicago
Daniel M. de Oliveira - Pride of Pilsen

Dallas
Michael Martensen - Ay Carbo'n

Denver
Bryan Dayton - Ginger's Lost Island

Hawaii
Kyle Reutener - Makakilo Magarita

Las Vegas 
Patricia Richards - Fiesta Fatale

Los Angeles/ SOCA
Rhachel Shaw - Cherimilagro

Miami
Gabriel Orta - Sun and Spice

Milwaukee
Marthias Simonis - The Brat Stop

New Orleans
Eric Molina ( The Carousel Bar ) - Bonita

New York
Abigail Gullo -  Magarita de Lavanda

Philadelphia
Phoebe Esmon - Rosa

Phoenix
Cassandra La Pietra - Valley Fever

San Francisco/ NOCO
Alex Smith - Pearl of Wisdom

St. Louis 
M. Matt Obermark Jr - Grove Smash

William Grant & Sons House Party

This week, William Grant & Sons had a fabulous House party with over 800 attendees! Locals and tourist alike, enjoyed the atmosphere and got a chance to try the featured Hendrick's Croquet Pitch, a Citrus Grove.  Along with Hendrick's, were cocktails from Milagro and Solerno, Lillet, Husdon Whiskey and Root.  All the wonderful cocktails you can handle while spending time in a beautiful Garden District Mansion.

Second Day of Tales of the Cocktail

Today was a fabulous day at Tales of the Cocktail! I started out my morning with a Moonshiner's Breakfast! Piedmont Distillers invited me out to try some moonshine over a traditional southern breakfast. Later, I was able to attend the Sherry Council Luncheon. If you haven't you must check out some form of sherry. For more about the luncheon, here you go!

Tasting Rooms

Engineering Gin

Today, I went to a very educational tasting for Citadelle Gin. I learned the secrets behind gin production and Citadelle Gin's 18 botanicals.  The packed room all got a chance to preview the Citadelle Gin Reserve Vintage 2010, which isn't on the market in the US yet.

Oxley Gin

A huge crowd got a chance to taste the world's first small batch of cold distilled gin. This was another educational session, with speakers breaking down the science of cold distills and the process of making their very smooth 94 proof gin.

Cointreau "Bar Star" Mix-Off

This tasting room was a very popular one, with estimated 200 visitors. Four finalists competed in a shake to stir battle, with elite judging panel.  The winner's original cocktail creation earned them the title of the Next Bar Star and a trip to Paris.  Visitors to the room got a chance to try some of the delicious Cointreau cocktails and food from Chef John Besh.

Absolut Brooklyn

This was absolutely my favorite tasting room! Everyone coming in enjoyed the atmosphere, music, food and most importantly yummy cocktails.  Absolut Brooklyn is the new limited edition, city inspired flavored to be added to Absolut Vodka with red apple and ginger flavor. In this tasting, you could have a hot dog with your cocktail as you watch some break dancing!!! One of my favorite cocktails was "The Commute", ingredients included Absolut Brooklyn, Pernod Absinthe, lime juice, Benedictine, pear nectar, honey syrup and angostura bitters.

Check Out Pictures!
Check Out Video!

The Secret Sherry Society at Tales of the Cocktail

I lived the secret life at least for a moment! I attended the  Secret Sherry Society at Tales of the Cocktail.  The Secret Sherry Society travels across the coast, throwing secret cocktail parties and fashion shows. Each city they dedicate one style of Sherry to the location. In New Orleans, the Sherry of choice was Oloroso in a Jerezhatten cocktail; which was paired with some yummy gumbo and salad! New Orleans locals and tourists, love the sherry!!!!

Quick Tip: Authentic Sherry wines can only come from Jerez, a town in Spain.

The Sherry Council also announced the U.S.  National finals for the Copa Jerez wine and food pairing competition, being held in New York City on October 6th, 2010.   Chef and sommelier teams are invited to compete. Panel will judge entries, which will compete in Spain against 8 other countries. For more information contact nalhonte@clsdc.com

For more information and secretive cocktails, visit the Secret Sherry Society: http://www.secretsherrysociety.com

Sherry Margarita

1 ½ oz Dry Sherry
1 oz Tequila
2 oz Fresh Orange Juice
¾ oz Grand Marnier
Combine all in a mixing glad with ice;
shake and strain into a martini glass.
Garnish with an orange slice

Pairs perfectly with Mexican Tacos

Dita Von Teese "Be Cointreuversial"

I'm a little late, but a few days ago the wonderful Dita Von Teese gave an fabulous performance for Cointreau at the House of Blues New Orleans. The evening also featured performances by Selene Luna, Perle Noir and Duke Lafayette.

Check out the picture of Dita Con TEESE on the carpet sipping a Cointreau cocktail, while wearing a Sonia Rykiel dress.

Her performance for New Orleans was "Be Cointreuversial", in which she does a show in a giant Martini glass. Everyone has been truly excited about this performance and talking about it for days. This was Dita's first time performing in New Orleans in over ten years. New Orleans fans and Tales of the Cocktail guest were happy to welcome her! We hope she comes back soon.

Cointreau unveiled three original short films starring Dita, that tells the the history of three classic cocktails; Cointreau Original Margarita, Cointreau Cosmopolitan, and Cointreau Sidecar. Check them Out!



 More details are available at  www.cointreau.com and www.facebook.com/Cointreau

Photo Credit: Leo Borovskiy / Cointreau

First Day Adventures at Tales of the Cocktail

When I walked in the door of the beautiful Hotel Monteleone, I was greeted by cheerful Tales of the Cocktail volunteers. I was then whisked away to a Kahlua Lounge, where I tried a delicious Black Paloma.

Black Paloma is a brunch cocktail with Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, Kahlua, Lime, Grapefruit juice, bitters, salt, and club soda.  This cocktail was extremely mild, yet tasty morning treat created by Rick Stutz!!!

Later in my adventure, I was able to attend the Oxley Gin Brunch, with a certified yummy meal.  I got a chance to try a traditional English breakfast with scones, eggs with hard black pepper, sausage, ham and more.

To accompany my yummy breakfast, I tried an Oxley Gin, "Executive Lady", which consisted of Oxley, Lemon, simple syrup, crème de peche, and egg white.  I'm definitely not a morning drinker, but this was absolutely amazing.

Later I roamed around and tried a few tasting rooms. It was such an amazing experience to learn about the different alcohols, especially the aged formulas.

Tasting Rooms

There and Back Again: Dos Maderas Rum, the World's Only Dual Aged Rum

This was a fabulous tasting that brought the flavors of the Caribbean and the spirit of Spain into a yummy cocktail. I tasted the aged rum that was born in the Caribbean and sailed across to Spain for three years of aging in Sherry infused oak casks. This double aging created such a smooth taste! My favorite cocktail was the Matador.

Matador consisted of Dos Maderas, Amaretto, Orange Curacao, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh Orange Juice, and Angostura. Another great cocktail was Caribbean Punch which included Dos Maderas, ginger clove syrup, lime juice, orange juice, grapefruit juice and a rum float!

Good Nola was happy to get to know a little more about Sherry. I tried an Oloroso, which is a dry wine with overtones of nuts!  In the same tasting was a wonderful Crema De Alba cocktail called Crea-tini, with ingredients of Crema De Alba and vanilla vodka.

Wodka Polska

What a fun tasting! Wonderful music, popsicles, mojitos, Polish sausage and much more! This tasting featured Sobieski Vodka, which is not yet available in the US.

Team Spirits Imports and Friends

This tasting consisted of Castries Peanut Rum Crème, Reserve Rum, and St. Lucia Distillers.

Suntory Presents: "Blending" Harmony with Nature

Along with Master Blender, Shinji Fukuyo guest were able to blend harmony with nature while making their on 12 year old blend HIBIKI.

St - Germain

As I was leaving, I was greeted at the door with a St- Germain cocktail. This cocktail consisted of dry sparkling wine, St - Germain and club soda. This mixture made a beautiful ending for my day!

Welcome Reception

Last night, the spirits came alive at the Welcome Reception hosted at Contemporary Arts Center. I tried Beefeater cocktails crafted by London's most accomplished bartenders.  The theme was Alice and Wonderland, everything looked spectacular. I tried all sorts of wonderfully crafted cocktails by London’s most accomplished bartenders!

Good Nola had an absolutely good time at all the events of Day One. This is truly a festival that catches the New Orleans spirit!

For More Pictures Check Out Good Nola Facebook

Don't Miss Toast to Tales of the Cocktail in 30 minutes!

TALES OF THE COCKTAIL KICKS OFF WITH TOAST TO TALES 

The kick off event brings together the stars of Tales of the Cocktail 2010 as attendees share a toast to the official start to the festivities.

 

          

Tales of the Cocktail, the five-day festival of cocktails, cuisine and New Orleans culture, will officially kick off on Wednesday, July 21 at 2:00pm with a Toast to Tales held on the steps of the Hotel Montelone. This free event is open to all Tales of the Cocktail attendees and will feature many of the festival’s featured guests including this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Ambassador, Wendy Waren.       

During this event Ann Tuennerman, founder of Tales of the Cocktail and the host of the Toast to Tales, will announce the first-ever recipients of the Sazerac Seal of Approval. This program seeks to recognize those New Orleans bars and bartenders that adhere to the highest preparation standards, resulting in the highest quality Sazeracs, the official Cocktail of the City of New Orleans.           

Attendees will be treated to the first sips of the official cocktail of this year’s festivities, Death in the South Pacific, created by Evan Martin. Tales of the Cocktail’s official non-alcoholic cocktail, Self Imposed Prohibition Punch, will also be available for attendees to sample.

 “This is always one of my favorite events as it means that Tales of the Cocktail has officially arrived,” said Ann Tuennerman, founder of Tales of the Cocktail. “It embodies what our festival is all about: sipping drinks, talking shop and reconnecting with old friends.”

WHEN:             

Wednesday July 21, 2:00pm

WHERE:           

Front Steps of the Hotel Monteleone

214 Royal Street

WHO:               

Ann and Paul Tuennerman welcome all Tales of the Cocktail guests to the steps of

the Hotel Monteleone for this free event. They will be joined by Wendy Waren, the

2010 Tales of the Cocktail Ambassador, as well as many of the Cocktail Apprentices

mixologists, authors, distillers and chefs that will be featured during the week

events. 

Two New Orleans Bartenders Receive Flo Woodard Bartending Scholarship

Jill Odom and David Bridgewater are the scholarship’s first honorees, receiving admission to the Crescent City School of Bartending Management Course.

NEW ORLEANS, LA—July 16, 2010 The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society and Crescent City School of Bartending are pleased to announce that New Orleans bartenders Jill Odom and David Bridgewater are the first recipients of the Flo Woodward Memorial Bartending Scholarship. Odom and Bridgewater will each attend Crescent City School of Bartending’s Bartending/Beverage Management Course, a 12-week program taught by Daniel Victory and valued at $3000.00.

 

“Choosing the recipients was a tough decision but the passion that Jill and David have shown for their craft and their eagerness to continue learning was what really set them apart,” said Ann Tuennerman, Executive Director of New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society. “ I have no doubt they will go on to do contribute things in the cocktail industry.”

 

Odom is currently the manager of Pirates Alley Café while Bridgewater is a bartender at Desire Oyster Bar located at the Royal Sonesta. Both have expressed a desire of one day owning their own bars in New Orleans.

 

“Over the years a lot of people have asked me why I'm still doing what I do, and why I haven't ventured on to a more ‘career’ oriented path. It's simple...I love what I do. I've tried other types of jobs, but I always come back to bartending,” said Odom.

 

The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society and the Crescent City School of Bartending partnered to create the Flo Woodward Memorial Scholarship in April 2010 to honor Floria Woodward, a long-time bartender at the Court of Two Sisters. During her 30-year career behind the bar at the Court of Two Sisters, Ms. Flo’s award-winning drinks and affable personality brought scores of loyal bar patrons to the Court of Two Sisters.

 

“Ms. Flo reminds me of the bartenders that I bar backed for when I was learning the trade,” said Bridgewater. “They knew that a bartender is a psychologist, a party host, a chemist, and a friend all rolled into one. They all took the science of bartending and elevated it to an art form.”

 

About Tales of the CocktailTales of the Cocktail is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community—award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers—for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.
About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city’s world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail and, most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the New Orleans cocktail industry.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit the website at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511. TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE. 

SAZERAC SEAL OF APPROVAL HONOREES TO BE RECOGNIZED AT TALES OF THE COCKTAIL

Bars receiving the Sazerac Seal of Approval will be honored at Toast to Tales, being held July 21.

 

July 12, 2010 – New Orleans – The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is proud to announce the first recipients of the Sazerac Seal of Approval. This program honors those establishments that adhere to the traditional Sazerac recipe, making the highest quality Sazeracs New Orleans has to offer. Ann Tuennerman, Executive Director of the NOCCPS, will honor Bar Tonique, Carousel Bar, Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, Sazerac Bar, DBA, French 75, Cure and Bar Uncommon during Toast to Tales, Tales of the Cocktail’s welcome event held July 21 at 2 pm on the front steps of the Hotel Monteleone.

 

“The Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans so we wanted to shed a little light on the bars that are committed to the past, present and future of this drink,” said Tuennerman. “What’s great about our list of honorees is whether you’re in the French Quarter, Marigny, CBD or Uptown, you can always have an exceptional Sazerac.”

 

These establishments were selected by a team of “Secret Sippers” that sampled countless Sazeracs throughout New Orleans, evaluating them based on quality of ingredients, taste and presentation. Three different Secret Sippers visited each location on three separate occasions to ensure that each establishment being recognized provided a consistent Sazerac across its bartending staff.

 

“Just as you'd demand a great crab cake in Baltimore, or deep dish pizza in Chicago, when you come to New Orleans you want an authentic po-boy, bowl of gumbo, beignet, etc. Same goes for drinks. If a New Orleans bartender can't make you a good Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz or Vieux Carre, well, I don't hold out much hope for mankind,” said Phil Greene of the Museum of the American Cocktail and a descendant of Antoine Peychaud.

 

Secret Sippers will continue to sample Sazeracs throughout the year to determine other establishments deserving of the Sazerac Seal of Approval. Announcements of future honorees will be made at future New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society events. For more information about the Sazerac Seal of Approval program, please contact Ann Tuennerman at ann@talesofthecocktail.com.

About Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community—award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers—for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.
About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation SocietyThe New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city’s world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail and, most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the New Orleans cocktail industry.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit the website at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511. TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE.

WENDY WAREN NAMED 2010 TALES OF THE COCKTAIL AMBASSADOR

Tales of the Cocktail, the world’s premier cocktail festival, has selected Wendy Waren to serve as this year’s Tales of the Cocktail Ambassador. Waren has been a supporter of Tales of the Cocktail since its inaugural year and continues to support the industry through her position as the Vice President of Communications for the Louisiana Restaurant Association.

 “It’s a privilege to be apart of such a truly unique event that celebrates and benefits the cocktail and culinary culture of such a beloved city,” said Waren. “Tales of the Cocktail has it all and there’s no place better to experience the joie de vive than New Orleans.”

Prior to joining the Louisiana Restaurant Association Waren served in communications roles for Dillard University and Peter A. Mayer Advertising, both in New Orleans. In addition to her professional pursuits, Waren seeks to better the community by volunteering her talents to the Irish Channel Neighborhood Association, Laurel Elementary and the Loyola University Institute of Politics.

Waren is Tales of the Cocktail’s third Ambassador, following Kevin Brauch in 2008 and Robert Hess in 2009. She is the first event’s first non-cocktail professional Ambassador. The Tales of the Cocktail Ambassador program seeks to recognize one cocktail professional or enthusiast for their commitment to the cocktail and culinary industries. The Ambassador serves for one year and represents Tales of the Cocktail during that time.

“We selected Wendy because she has not only been such a long-time supporter of Tales of the Cocktail but, more importantly, because of her commitment to the culinary industry in Louisiana,” said Ann Tuennerman, founder of Tales of the Cocktail. “She loves great cocktails. She loves great food. She loves New Orleans. What’s not to love about her?”

About Tales of the CocktailTales of the Cocktail is an internationally acclaimed festival of cocktails, cuisine and culture held annually in New Orleans, Louisiana. The event brings together the best and brightest of the cocktail community—award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers—for a five-day celebration of the history and artistry of making drinks. Each year offers a spirited series of dinners, demos, tastings, competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and parties all perfectly paired with some of the best cocktails ever made.
About the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society
The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society is a non-profit organization committed to preserving the unique culture of dining and drinking in New Orleans and the storied bars and restaurants that have contributed to the city’s world-wide culinary acclaim. This organization supports members of the hospitality industry through education and the production of events like Tales of the Cocktail and, most recently, Trails of the Cocktail, a scholarship program for emerging talent in the New Orleans cocktail industry.

For more information on Tales of the Cocktail, visit the website at www.TalesoftheCocktail.com or call 504-948-0511. TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE.