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