For one week each July, Bartenders, Brand Ambassadors and Cocktail Enthusiasts from all over the world converge on New Orleans for the annual event Tales Of The Cocktail.

It was a exciting and fun filled week…so many parties, so many wonderful people!
We talk about everything from Mezcal, to Cocktail Competitions & Seminars and of course, the parties!
Take a listen to the TOTC 2015 wrap-up show with the player below, or subscribe on iTunes or Stitcher Radio.

We talk with Julie Reiner about her new book The Craft Cocktail Party: Delicious Drinks for Every Occasion.

Also mentioned on this week's show, Alchemy in a Glass: The Essential Guide to Handcrafted Cocktails by Greg Seider.

The Shake The Vine Cocktail Winners are in! Results, recipes and pictures below.

Cheers!

Shake The Vine Competition Results:
Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and BACK BAR USA have announced Zachary Patterson as this year’s “Shake The Vine” wine cocktail mixology competition winner which took place at “Tales of the Cocktail” in New Orleans on Wednesday, July 15, 2015.
Patterson prepared his original submission, “The Summer Dress,” made with white grapes, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates’ Red Diamond Chardonnay, Grey Goose La Poire, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, Oro Blanco grapefruit, fresh lemon juice and simple syrup; and a second original recipe, “Ode to Bacchanal,” handcrafted with strawberry jam, rosemary, lemon juice, lime juice, Manzanilla Sherry, La Diablada Pisco and Michelle Sparkling Rose, which earned him the grand prize of $5,000.

Angostura Orange Bitters Roof Top Pool Party at Hotel Monteleone:

Pictures from the Shake The Vine Cocktail Competition: