I just got back from five days in New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. As expected, it was a total whirlwind of food, booze and friends. There’s a way of existing at the convention that is easy to fall into, but hard to recover from.

First, it’s hot and very, very humid. The San Francisco contingent weren’t the only ones having a hard time adjusting. There’s also that constant buzzed feeling to be maintained, partially because there are just so many fun things to drink, partially because it’s so hot, and mostly because it’s the easiest way to keep going on so little sleep, especially when the tastings start at 10:30 am. Everywhere you turn there’s someone inviting you to have a drink or offering you a taste of something. The seminars come complete with cocktails, even the ones that aren’t about mixing drinks. And the cocktail parties every night are fully hosted

A few of my personal highlights…

1. Sneaking away on Friday night to see a friend’s band on Frenchman street.

2. A long Saturday afternoon by the pool saying hi to old friends, making new ones, and a dinner of Jambalaya later that night at Coop’s Place.

3. Pisco punch by the pool at Hotel Provincial.

4. A shot of Canton and Fernet and mint juleps at Old Absinthe House.

All in all a fabulous few days. Can’t wait to do it again next year!

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Folks, start jogging your livers NOW in preparation for next year’s Tales! I know I will.