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Historians may argue over whether the cocktail was first invented in New Orleans, but no other city in the world celebrates the cocktail quite like we do. Every year, thousands of bartenders, spirit makers, bar pros and tippling enthusiasts pour into New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail, the world's premier cocktail festival.

For five days every July, the French Quarter is transformed into a playground and study hall devoted to the art and science of the cocktail. The Spirited Dinner series matches the city's best chefs and restaurants with the world-renowned mixologists for multi-course meals and cocktail pairings. The Hotel Monteleone, Royal Sonesta New Orleans and other French Quarter hotels host seminars and panel discussions, new spirit launches, cocktail tastings and demonstrations conducted by leading authorities on cocktails, bartending, spirits and mixology.

Tales of the Cocktail will celebrate its 10^th Anniversary in July 2012.

Things to do when you're in town for Tales of the Cocktail:

• Check out the Museum of the American Cocktail inside the Southern Food and Beverage Museum
• Visit the best hotel bars in New Orleans
•  Take a tour of the Old New Orleans Rum Distillery
•  Learn the essentials of Cajun and Creole cooking at Crescent City Cooks
•  Take the Boos! & Booze French Quarter Hauntings Tour