Tales of Tales of the Cocktail

Editor’s Note: Welcome to Josh Davis — better known as Mr. Mixologist. Josh is the president/CEO of DrinkXXX on Me, Inc., a mobile bartending service in the Chicago area. Josh will be offering up a weekly taste of what’s on his mind in the cocktail world every Friday. Please make him feel welcome!

Ron Jeremy, alcohol, Bourbon Street, Canal Street, po boys, alcohol, drinking out of a fishbowl, a HUGE ASS FLASK, more seafood, hookers, music, more alcohol, more Ron Jeremy…

This was what my trip to New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail was like. This being my first piece for Cocktails, 365, I thought that I’d give you guys a short recap of my visit to NOLA last month.

So basically Tales is a weeklong event that began 9 years ago by Paul and Ann Tunneman. It’s a collection of the top mixologists, brands, and just all around cocktail enthusiasts who meet and wreak havoc on the New Orleans bars clubs and hotels. This year was my first, and I can say I was completely blown away.

My first night there was an eventful one to say the least. I’m a member of the USBG (United States Bartenders Guild)-Chicago Chapter, and I received an e-mail that the entire USBG (all chapters) would meet up on Bourbon Street at the Old Absinthe House. All I can say is WOW!!! It was at least 200 bartenders out there, great times networking, punch bowls flowing thru the street and an all around GREAT TIME! But this event is more than just parties. It’s a myriad of educational seminars, networking opportunities, tasting rooms, and just a big taste of the New Orleans culture.

So, for being a first-time Tales attendee, I had a wonderful 5 days and this will become an annual trip for me. Anyone who loves this industry should make the trek down there next July. The dates are already set for July 25-29, 2012. And it’s the 10th anniversary, so I’m sure Paul and Ann have some surprises in store for us all. Also as a note for our friends in Canada, there is a Tales in Canada as well in March. These dates are TBD.

Hope you enjoyed my first note on Cocktails, 365.

There will be more to come. Expect some funny bar stories, drink recipes to go along with the AMAZING drinks Mark provides daily, and updates on my endeavors in this business!

Cheers,

Josh Davis

“Mr.Mixologist”