Finally ready for Tales of the Cocktail 2024! Last year was my first year participating as an attendee of the actual festival, with a wristband and all. Tales 2023 was awesome, and I’m excited to put some new things into play this year. Actually as I type this, I remember I have two emails to send. Three. Whew. Below, I’ll briefly share my plans for Tales 2024, some highlights from Tales of the Cocktail 2023, and some general tips that may help Tales attendees.
Before we begin, let me share one sad Tales tradition for me. Last year and now this year, I learned I didn’t get a job I just knew I would get. Last year, it was a job working for a publication I’ve worked with before, who approached me to freelance for them in 2020 (back when hiring Black folk was en vogue). This year, it was a criminal legal system reform writing position. Both times, it was a long process of which I’d reached the end. So, if you’d like to please leave me a tip or donation I’d be so thankful. I’ll share this in another post, but the cycle of poverty is just… it breaks your spirit and I’m trying not to let it.
“So drink, muthafucka, drink muthafucka, DRINK!”- Black proverb
Tales of the Cocktail 2024 Plans
Last year, I said “yes” to almost everything. And it was cool! My Tales bestie Joey Cirilo and I took the town. But I went too hard that first night with him and ended up drinking Suero Oral the whole day, even having to turn down drinks at Galatoire’s for the Altamura Distilleries three-martini brunch. It was evening before I started drinking again haha.
Tip: It’s OK to ask for a small sip or to sip and dump the rest. I learned that drinking wine in Paso Robles. The point of Tales of the Cocktail is for people to enjoy getting to know new spirits, try fun mixers, etc. You can’t do that if you’re dying.
This year, I’m sticking mostly to by invitation only events. I’ve got Spirited Dinners with Hotaling & Co. at Justine, with Mozart Chocolate Liqueur at Maypop; three-martini brunch with Altamura Distilleries at Galatoire’s, dinner with Pinhook Bourbon at The Chloe, Italian feast with Pernod Ricard and Macchialina and Cafe Spaghetti at Hotel St. Vincent (though I’m mad it’s there because that’s out my way and they don’t do Uber codes).
Super excited about the Fords Gin media preview, La Bombonera from William Grant & Sons at the Orpheum, Cristalino Coleccion de Mexico at Cure with Proximo Spirits (again, too far for my taste). Also attending the Noche Neon from Espolon (my go-to tequila at bars) and Wheels Up from Pernod Ricard at The National WWII Museum.
And that’s not everything!
I’m sad that I’ll have to miss the Tales of Absolut media preview, like super sad. But it’s from 4:45-10 and I’m booked during that time. I thought it was going to be a drop in sort of thing, and I’ll try and see. But it doesn’t seem that way.
Tip: Only commit to one, maybe two events that are 3-hours or more daily. You won’t get FOMO, but it’s important to try lots of spirits. Or no-, low- and hiiiiigh (wink wink) products.
Last year I missed the whole area where you could just casually try products, until the last day. Soooooo much great stuff! It’s a big ol tasting area, I forget the name. But you need a tasting room pass, of course. You can buy Tales of the Cocktail 2024 tasting room day passes! Hoping the Suntory event like the one they had at Fourth Wall happens again (Suntory has some amaaaazing events and they give awesome treats!) and I’d love another media hospitality suite like Campari America hosted last year at the Virgin Hotel New Orleans.
This year I am wearing tennis shoes. Who am I here to impress, everyone is tipsy. Gonna dress comfy and wear some biking shorts under my sundresses or whatever. Also last year I did a lot of tipping with Cash App and Venmo, but this year I want to get cash from the bank. It’s just quicker. Speaking of quicker and money, I might take the bus there but last year I would get so much stuff that I’d have to go home to drop it off and then come back. So I might just park and walk. I can’t park in the Quarter unless I’m in a paid lot, since my car is hella illegal and I just can’t afford to make it legal since I’ve been unemployed since spring 2020. Le sigh. Thankful for freelance, overrrrrr net 30 payments.
“Give me your grit money!”- Dr. Umar (seriously, please and thank you)
My plan is to make a quick blog post daily, so I don’t forget any Tales stuff. We’ll see if that happens, because (Lady Eloise voice) “my schedule is oh so very tight.” My poor newsletter ain’t been written in months, but also I just be stressed and working on other stuff. And don’t get me started on summer as a 10-year-old’s mama! Whew.
