On Thursday, July 16, GREY GOOSE kicked off Tales of the Cocktail with a private media brunch held in the sunny courtyard of Maison Montegut.

The idea was simple: surround the guests with a sensory experience that blended the flavors of Grey Goose and the scents of summer.

Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller

The event began with a lively cocktail hour, where guests were met with refreshing GREY GOOSE Le Grand Fizz cocktails, a welcome reprieve from the New Orleans heat. After some introductions and a bit of mingling, guests were invited to take a seat at the lush farm table and were greeted with welcoming words from North American Ambassador, Julien LaFond.

Julien delivered a dynamic overview of GREY GOOSE and Summer Soirée, and then instructed guests as they participated in a guided cocktail creation activity. Each guest had the full selection of GREY GOOSE flavored vodkas in front of him or her, along with Perrier, a choice of citrus, and sprawling herb planters from which they snipped and incorporated mint, basil, thyme and rosemary into their individual cocktails. Also on hand to meet and toast with our guests were VP of Marketing for GREY GOOSE North America, Tom Swift, and GREY GOOSE Senior Brand Manager, Paul McDonnell.

Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller Photo Courtesy of Kent Miller

Throughout the brunch, guests enjoyed courses that consisted of Porcini and Wild Mushroom Tartelette, Saint-Tropez Scallops, Duck à L’Orange, and Vacherin Lime Meringue. Each course was paired specifically with signature Summer Soirée cocktails that accentuated the herb and citrus flavors within.

Guests lingered long after the meal ended, taking photos and enjoying a few more cocktails before departing for the rest of the day’s activities at the French Embassy. Before they left, each guest received a jute gift tote filled with cold Perrier to brave the afternoon heat, as well as all of the ingredients needed to recreate a Summer Soirée cocktail at home.