The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail Return July 20-25, 2025
What is Tales of the Cocktail?
Tales of the Cocktail® (TOTC) is a week-long celebration of cocktails and mixology hosted in New Orleans. Organized by the nonprofit Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, this global cocktail conference aims to educate, advance, and support cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike.
This year, the foundation has chosen the theme “Evolve” as a celebration of the ongoing transformation of the cocktail industry. TOTC 2025 will be a place to gather and find inspiration from the global cocktail community.
Throughout the week, attendees can immerse themselves in a variety of engaging activities. From tastings and workshops to seminars, competitions, and networking opportunities, Tales of the Cocktail offers something for everyone. Expect to discover sophisticated blends of flavors that will enhance your drinking experience and change the way you enjoy mixed drinks.
Event Details
When: July 20-25, 2025
Where: Citywide (with many events at the Ritz Carlton New Orleans)
When is Tales of the Cocktail and Where Does it Take Place?
The event is week-long but kicks off on July 20th and ends on the 25th, but why not extend your stay a little before or after the event and check out many of the wonderful offerings in the city? Tales events take place all over the city, with the Ritz-Carlton serving as home base.
When should I book my flight for Tales of the Cocktail?
It's never too early to start planning for Tales of the Cocktail. Keep an eye out for flight deals and discounts. Whether you're flying or driving, we recommend extending your stay at least a day before and after the event. This gives you time to settle into your accommodations and explore a few additional attractions in the Crescent City.
Where Should I Stay for Tales of the Cocktail?
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is the official hotel partner for Tales of the Cocktail in 2025. Staying at the Ritz Carlton offers a fully immersive experience, making it the recommended lodging option. Beyond that, many of the events take place in and around the French Quarter, providing several iconic accommodation choices. Consider these additional options for a memorable stay:
Each of these hotels offers a unique New Orleans experience, ensuring you'll be close to the action while enjoying the city's charm and hospitality. Browse our hotel directory here for more options.
How Much are Tickets to Tales of the Cocktail?
Tales of the Cocktail offers various ways to immerse yourself in the week-long event. Purchase tickets here. Ticket prices are as follows:
Fest Entry Pass: $10
Bartender Seminar & Tasting Week Pass: $500 for the week
Bartender Seminar & Tasting Day Pass: $155 per day
Seminar & Tasting Week Pass: $595 for the week
Seminar & Tasting Day Pass: $185 per day
Tasting Week Pass: $175 for the week
Tasting Day Pass: $45 per day
The Tales agenda is packed with more than 315 events across education seminars, workshops, tasting rooms, networking opportunities, and brand events. Aside from the tickets above, there are a few special events that you can purchase tickets for:
Different ticket packages allow access to different events–check the official site for more information and to purchase. But from 9 a.m. to midnight (and later) most days of the event, Tales of the Cocktail offers endless opportunities to explore and enjoy:
The Beyond The Bar
Brand Education
Cocktail Tours
Seminars
Spirited Drinking
Spirited Awards
One Off Special Events
Be sure to check out the comprehensive lineup of the conference agenda to plan your experience to the fullest!
What should I wear to Tales of the Cocktail?
New Orleans in the summer can be unpredictable, so it's important to be prepared for the humidity and warm weather. Here are some tips to ensure you have a great time:
Stay Hydrated: Bring a water bottle to fill as you go. Hydration is crucial, especially while navigating all the opportunities to sample various libations.
Dress in Layers: Some events are indoors with air conditioning, while others are outdoors. If you get easily chilled, consider bringing an additional layer to stay warm.
Comfortable Footwear: For outdoor activities like walking tours, wear closed-toe and comfortable shoes. Also, don't forget the all-important SPF to protect yourself from the sun.
Rain Gear: Summer rain showers can come and go in bursts. Pack a small umbrella or a handy poncho to stay dry.
Express Yourself: In New Orleans, it's important to dress in a way that makes you feel seen. Don’t be afraid to show off your personality and style.
Stay Charged: Invest in a portable charger for your phone, or tuck a phone charger into your bag. You'll want to keep your phone powered up for all the content you'll capture throughout the day.
By following these tips, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy everything New Orleans has to offer during the summer!
Pig & Punch - Tales of the Cocktail
Tales of the Cocktail Events and Activities
I’m not in “the industry” – what are some of the best Tales of the Cocktail activities for cocktail enthusiasts?
If you’re looking for even more recommendations, we have great late-night eats and essential itineraries to help you make the most of your time in New Orleans.
How can I enjoy Tales of the Cocktail outside of festival dates?
Check out the free Virtual New Orleans Cocktail Tour for a taste of Tales outside of festival dates. Led by cocktail historians Wayne Curtis and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, each stop is a fun-sized podcast filled with compelling facts and even more captivating cocktails. Curate this virtual walking tour by choosing your own route and length of stay at each establishment, and enjoy some of the French Quarter’s most quintessential bars. Donations are not required to take the tour but a gift of as little as the price of a cocktail ($5-$15) allows Tales to further their mission.
