24 Tips for Tales of the Cocktail First-Timers
Are you a first-timer attending Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans? As one of the largest and most prestigious cocktail events in the world, it can be overwhelming to navigate the festival's numerous seminars, parties, and events, so we've gathered 31 valuable tips and insights from industry experts and seasoned veterans to help you make the most out of your experience.
From navigating the city to attending seminars and tastings, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know to have a successful and enjoyable time at Tales of the Cocktail.
Moderation is Key. All the events have free drinks. You don’t need to try them all and it's okay not to finish the whole drink.
Arrive Early. Evening parties have long lines and fill up fast, so try to get there early. If you show up at 10:00 pm for the 10:00 pm party, you are going to be waiting for a while.
RSVP. Certain events require RSVPs in advance. These fill up fast too, so make sure to scope these out when they are announced.
Stay Close to the Action. Hotels usually run $100-$200/night, nice ones slightly more. We usually try to find a spot close to the Ritz Hotel where all the seminars are located. Pools are nice, but we are usually too busy to use them. Hotel Selina is a solid choice.
Download the App. The Tales of the Cocktail app provides up-to-date information on events, seminars, and schedules, as well as maps and directions.
Bring a Backpack. A backpack can be a great way to carry all the swag brands give you.
Bring a Charger. Make sure to bring some extra juice cause you are going to be shooting a ton of IG Stories!
Rideshare. There are plenty of Ubers and Lyfts to get you from the airport to the French Quarter. Once you are there, you can pretty much walk everywhere or take a short Uber.
Check these Bars Out. Sazerac, Arnaud's French 75 Bar, Old Absinthe House, Bar Tonique (bartender annex), Pat O'Brien's (tourist hangout), Carousel Bar.
Take a Walking Tour. New Orleans is a city with a spooky history, make sure to check out the Haunted Ghost Tour. Spoiler alert, Nicholas Cage owned the LaLaurie mansion which inspired American Horror Story: Coven.
Attend the Spirited Awards. The Spirited Awards is a highlight of the Tales of the Cocktail event, recognizing excellence in the spirits industry. Make sure to bring the fancy outfits for this event.
Get to Know the Sponsors. The event sponsors are a big part of Tales of the Cocktail, so take the time to get to know them and their products. This is a great opportunity to try new cocktails, spirits, and food.
Take Breaks. With so much to see and do, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Take breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge.
Ask Questions. The event is a great opportunity to learn from industry experts, so don't be afraid to ask questions and engage in conversations.
Attend the Spirited Dinners. The Spirited Dinners are a unique dining experience that pairs food and cocktails from some of the best chefs and bartenders in the industry.
Follow Tales of the Cocktail. Keep up-to-date on the latest news and events by following Tales of the Cocktail IG.
Attend the Seminars. The seminars are a great way to learn about the latest trends and techniques in the spirits industry.
Plan for Hot and Humid. New Orleans in July can be pretty toasty, so be sure to dress accordingly. There is a good chance it will rain.
Wear Old Shoes. Let’s just say the city is known for horse and buggy rides. Consider yourself warned.
If You Get Separated from Friends. Just head to Erin Rose, cause that’s where everyone ends up. Try the Irish Cofee.
Save Room for Dessert. Cafe Beignet has the best beignets in New Orleans.
Navigation is Suspect. Don’t always trust the GPS in New Orleans. It tends to have a mind of its own. We learned the hard way.
Leave the French Quarter. The whole city is amazing, try to get out and explore.
Shop Small. Make sure to check out some of the cool boutiques while you are there and buy some swag from our friends at Mover and Shaker.
Be part of the ultimate cocktail experience. Get your tickets to Tales of the Cocktail 2023 now and immerse yourself in the world of mixology AND spirits.
Looking for a Discounted Room During Tales of the Cocktail? Don’t miss the chance to stay close to all the events happening in the French Quarter this summer. Tales attendees are eligible to receive discounted rates using Tales hotel blocks at: