DRINK CULTURE
Tales of the Cocktail Hosts Another Seminal Gathering
Th e king of cocktail events rolls out the red carpet for another year. By Liza B. Zimmerman
Tales of the Cocktail is only a year away from its ten-year
anniversary and it is amazing how the gathering has evolved. It was more packed, and more consumer-focused, than ever before. Th e range of seminar and tasting options also continue to grow. Th is year's gathering attracted what founder Ann Tuennerman
estimates to be close to 20,000 guests. Attendees consumed 17,322 whole limes, 15,520 whole lemons (as a close second) and featured 286 brands, according Tuennerman. Twenty 23 of the 25 spirited dinners sold out. Th e one I had at August was meat- laden and paired with robust, yet balanced, DiSaronno cocktails that could stand up to dishes like a rich plate of pork belly. It also featured a star lineup of bartenders, including Debbi Peek from Th e Bristol in Chicago, Steve Livigini of La Descarga in Los Angeles, Willy Shine of Contemporary Cocktails in New York, Francesco Turrini of Milk & Honey London and Carlo Splendorini of Michael Mina San Francisco. Two of the more notable trends included a larger European
and Australian bar presence both in attendees and seminar topics. Also more herbs were used in cocktails than in years past, taking the focus off of bacon and pork products. Also
Attendees at Tales of the Cocktail participated in the world's largest slurp.
more supporting and non-alcoholic products, such as ice and sodas, were covered than in years past. Th ere was also a greater focus on the history of drinks, such as punch, South American spirits and the Mai Tai. Suppliers unrolled the red carpet at fun events like Pernod
Ricard's Pétanqe tournament on Royal Street and Spirited Award Ceremony, Diageo's Cocktails Around the World Party, Bacardi's Piña Colada competition, LVMH's Bar Room Brawl, Don Julio's "Party Like a Don" festivities and William Grant's Portfolio Party. Th e fi ve day event was capped off by the surprise wedding of
iconic bar fi gures Audrey Sanders of Pegu Club and DrinkBoy's Robert Hess at the Bartender's Breakfast the last evening.
Tales of the Cocktail featured a large range of mixology seminars. 12 | SEPTEMBER 2011 www.cheersonline.com
CAMERON SMITH
