If ever you wanted to perfect your Sazerac skills

In most places, “conferences” mean skill-building and hobnobbing, but in South Louisiana it’s a chance to learn about the art of drinks. The sixth-annual Tales of the Cocktail summer festival took place this past weekend in New Orleans, and featured award-winning mixologists, authors, bartenders, chefs and designers putting on all sorts of pairings, cocktail demos and tastings, seminars to perfect your mixing skills, mixing competitions, design expos, book-signings and more.

Organized by Tales of the Cocktail, a nonprofit devoted to preserving culture, specifically the beverage side of the Crescent City’s rich culinary heritage, the five-day conference was at the Hotel Monteleone around the French Quarter. Proceeds support historic cemeteries, home, no doubt, to many a happy barfly. Last year, event organizers measured success in garnishes, calculating 7250 mint leaves, 3580 lime wedges, 800 watermelon cubes, and 560 gin-soaked dried cherries and more.