Tales Of The Cocktail, what happened at the festival?

22.07.2019

Five days to bring together the best of bartending, mixology and cocktailry in New Orleans. Tales Of The Cocktail ended yesterday and revealed the winners of its thirteenth edition.

A foundation dedicated to cocktails since 2002

Tales of the cocktail was founded in 2002. The annual spirits conference attracts thousands of people from the United States and around the world each year. Typically, it takes place at the Royal Sonesta Hotel from July 16-21.

This year for the thirteenth edition of the Spirited Awards® emotion gripped bars, bartenders, journalists, restaurateurs and brand ambassadors. A total of five categories brought together at least 31 diversified winners. “As a Foundation, we are privileged to honor this select group of national and international talents who continue to raise the industry bar,” said Caroline Rosen, president of the foundation.

This year’s theme, called “Cultivate,” reflects how the Foundation strives to actively engage partners and participants to stimulate thought leadership and foster meaningful connections within the hospitality industry. Cultivar embodies the Foundation’s commitment to Educate, Advance and Support the global community of spirits and hospitality.

In addition, this year was the year of the “Highball” cocktail, this tall and not-so-easy-to-do classic cocktail was selected by popular vote. By the way, this is one of the most trendy cocktails of the moment.

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Around 140 industry experts chose the winners from the following categories

Charlotte Voisey (President of Spirited Awards); Jacob Briars (President of International Spirited Awards); Paul Clarke (President of Writing); Bridget Albert and Kiowa Bryan (U.S. Jury Chairs), and Joseph Mortera; Lauren Mote, Claire Warner, Giuseppe Gallo, Micaela Piccolo, Zdenek Kastanek, Kurt Schlechter and Rebecca Sturt (International Jury Chairs).

Highlighting Personalities for Lifetime Achievement

The Tales of the Cocktail foundation also rewards this prominent cocktail figure every year for his excellent career and commitment to the spirit medium. This year the Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award went to Javier de las Muelas. This master cocktail maker is champion as one of the most prominent master cocktail makers in Spain and the world.

Tasting with class

This year G.H. Mumm champagne was the official champagne of Tales of the Cocktail, along with Perrier water as the official mineral water and Q Mixer as the official cocktail mixer. Representing sustainability, Aardvark Paper Straws is the sponsor of “Tales of the Cocktail Foundation” throughout the year. For his part, Riedel generously donated the trophies for the Spirited Awards®.

Winners Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards® 2019

The categories of Tales of The Cocktail Spirited Awards® 2019 were as follows:

American Categories
International Categories
Global Categories
Writing & Media Categories
Additional Industry Awards (World’s Best Bar, Helen David Lifetime Achievement Award, Philantropy Award, Timeless American Award).

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In the American Categories category, the prize for the best bartender was won by Julio Cabrera, from the Cafe La Trova bar in Miami, Florida. The best American cocktail bar Attabiy in New York, the best hotel bar Compére Lapin at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery and the best new bar Katana Kitten in New York.

The award for best international bartender went to Norwegian bartender Monica Berg, known for her alliance with the Tayer and Elementary bar in the United Kingdom. The best international cocktail bar was for Singapore’s Atlas Bar.

Other awards included Ivy Mix and Lynette Marrero as Best Bar Mentor, and the world’s best bar went to New York’s Dante.

For more information visit www.talesofthecocktail.org

Don’t drink and drive. Enjoy responsibly.