It’s the most wonderful time of the year…no, I’m not talking about the holidays.  I’m talking about Tales of the Cocktail (TOTC), the world’s premier cocktail conference held in New Orleans.  Each July, more than 2,500 bartenders, spirits brand ambassadors, spirits companies and yes, public relations professionals endure the NOLA heat all for the love of cocktails.

This was my fourth year attending TOTC and let me say it was one of the best. Not only did I spend six days with eight other fabulous Hunter PR team members, I also had the pleasure of attending and executing events with some of the best bartenders in the country who have become some of my best friends. That’s one important thing I’ve learned – always befriend your bartender.  They are some of the smartest, passionate and most kind people you’ll ever meet.

But I digress, back to TOTC.  While there, we attended some truly memorable events including a 1940s party at the World War II Museum, the Diageo Happy Hour with 40 bartenders making cocktails and the closing Bartenders Breakfast where everyone danced the night away.

I also had the opportunity to experience all the amazing food New Orleans has to offer. No judgment, but I ate at Mother’s three times, Cochon Butcher twice and August and Herbsaint once. 

Although it’s hard to believe, we actually do learn a lot at a “cocktail conference.”  By attending seminars and trying new products you really have your finger on the pulse of cocktail culture.

Even though TOTC just ended, I’m already counting down the days to 2012!

- Vanessa

Being the resident “boozehound” at Hunter Public Relations is no small task.  Multiple times a week I’m asked dinner/drink recommendations, and with limitless possibilities in New York City there isn’t a cookie cutter answer.  You have to think about the size of the group, location, type of food, and the list goes on and on. 

While I can’t write about all of the best places to eat and drink in the city (this post would go on forever), I can mirror GQ who recently released their “25 Best Bars in America.” I’m doing a more concentrated version and present my “Top 4 Go-To New York City Bars” in no particular order.  Good drinks are important, but it’s the person behind the stick that creates a memorable experience.

Eleven Madison Park (11 Madison Ave., at 24^th St.)

I frequent Eleven Madison Park often, not because it’s only two blocks away from our office (which is a nice perk), but because Leo Robitschek is creating some of the best cocktails in the city.  Don’t shy away from the 4-star atmosphere.  The bar is welcoming and Leo immediately makes you feel at ease.

Painkiller (49 Essex St., between Hester St. and Grand)

Hands down the best Pina Colada in the city, served in a pineapple of course!  Bartenders Giuseppe Gonzalez and Richie Boccato have put their heart and sole into this Lower East Side bar and have really led the Tiki resurgence happening across the country.

Daddy-O (44 Bedford between Leroy St. and Carmine)

Daddy-O has everything you’d ever want from a good bar – great food, cocktails and TVs.  I suggest saddling up to the bar and saying hi to the bearded owner, Phil Casaceli.  You’ll end up sitting there for hours, but don’t leave without trying the macaroni salad.

Mayahuel (204 E. 6^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Ave.)

We all know that Mayahuel has one of the best tequila and mezcal selections in the city, but I go there to hang out with the bartenders.  Phil Ward, Eryn Reece and the whole staff are awesome and cranking out some top-notch cocktails, which is just icing on the cake.

Vanessa