This is the first in a series of reports from Tales of the Cocktail 2009.

I arrived in New Orleans on Tuesday, the day before Tales of the Cocktail would be in full swing. Still, there were a few events scheduled for the evening. First off, the bloggers reception held at M.S. Rau Antiques on Royal Street. There, I was fortunate enough to meet many of my fellow cocktail bloggers and see some really amazing … Read more

Tales of the Cocktail kicked off today on Royal Street in New Orleans. Ann and Paul Tuennerman, Founder and Executive Director of the New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society and Tales of the Cocktail, opened the festivities with Herbsaint Frappés and Creole Juleps, the official cocktail of TOTC 2009.

Joining the Tuennerman’s was Robert Hess of Herbsaint which is celebrating their 75th Anniversary. To honor this unique flavor of New Orleans, the New Orleans … Read more

At the recent Nightclub & Bar Conference in Las Vegas, I had the pleasure to attend a seminar lead by Georg Riedel. What a treat, not only did I learn firsthand from a master about fine glassware and how it enhances all types of spirits but I learned how the Reidel family figured it all out. Said Greog to my question, “We’ve been doing this a long time.” And they have the family-run Austrian company … Read more

Cocktail week is back again with an opening gala at Le Colonial tonight and after party at 15 Romolo. Tomorrow, Harry Denton’s Starlight Room hosts a US Bartender’s Guild National Competition with a host of celebrity judges, after party at Cantina. Events continue throughout the week, the highlight being Thursday’s Bar School, a series of classes taught t by SF’s best bartenders in their native environment. Saturday, I am looking forward to the North Beach … Read more

Each year for the Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve creates a limited edition $1000 Mint Julep Cup for collectors. The proceeds are donated to a charity associated with helping those involved in horse racing. More info on this years $1000 Mint Julep Cup and charity.

If you didn’t get a cup, you can still enjoy the Kentucky Derby in style with these cocktails from Woodford Reserve.

Woodford Reserve Mint Julep

Ingredients:
3-5 mint leaves
1 teaspoon … Read more

Image via Wikipedia

Crown Royal participates in Derby Weekend by sponsoring the Crown Royal American Turf Stakes since 1995. The race, a 1�-mile race for three-year-old horses, runs just prior to the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.

Crown Royal created these race-inspired drinks, the Crown of Roses and the Royal Stretch, to celebrate the spirit of the sport. The Crown of Roses� deep color is inspired by the garland of roses presented in victory circleto … Read more

In preparation for the Kentucky Derby, I’ve created a cocktail named after the top contender—Regal Ransom.

This drink accentuates some of the bourbon’s undertones. Mixing bourbon with a syrup of honey and pears brings out the spirit’s sweeter side. The tea and lemon balance the sweetness and compliment the oaky qualities of the bourbon. Overall, this cocktail lets the bourbon shine through while still giving you something light and refreshing.

Mardi Gras, French for Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday but can fall anywhere from February 3 to March 9. The floating date is always 47 days before Easter. This Mardi Gras we keep the Hurricanes flowing and forget the economy if only until Wednesday. Learn more about Mardi Gras.

SoCo & Lime Hurricane
Ingredients

3 oz Southern Comfort
1.5 oz sweet and sour mix
½ oz blue curacao
½ oz sweetened lime … Read more

Carnival is the party that runs up to lent. One of the biggest celebrations takes place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. to celebrate the season the makers of Leblon Cachaca sent us some Caipirinha cocktails. The traditional Caipirinha is Brazil national drink and for Carnival they add blackberries for color. For some added color checkout this years body painted Carnival Queen (NSFW). Courtesy of Leblon Cachaca.

The Traditional Caipirinha

Ingredients:
2 oz Leblon Cachaca
½ … Read more

Celebrate Oscar like the stars. How? With swanky cocktails of course. The folks at Oval Vodka and Absinthe Mata Hari sent in a few fun recipes you can try at home. Enjoy “The Red Carpet” as the stars parade into the auditorium, and the “Starlet Cocktail” as they dole out the statues.

The Red Carpet

Ingredients:
1 ½ oz Oval vodka
1 oz Campari
1 oz Hiram Walker pomegranate schnapps
1 oz pomegranate juice
½ … Read more