Where To Drink During Tales Of The Cocktail

Cocktails and New Orleans go together like Cajun bites and Sno-balls. It's no secret that New Orleans may just be home to the most burgeoning cocktail scene in, dare we say, the country (no offense, New Yorkers), so it only makes sense that New Orleans puts on the biggest cocktail party of the year: the Tales of the Cocktail, held July 17 to 21.

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The Tales of the Cocktail, which began 11 years ago, is an industry invitational that lets beverage professionals try what's hot and happening in cocktail culture. Sure, there's no shortage of sips to slake your thirst in the Hotel Monteleone during Tales of the Cocktail, the annual cocktail bonanza —  ahem, we mean serious spirits conference. But if you're looking to escape the crowds of bartenders, media, and cocktail enthusiasts for a drink away from the madding crowd at its headquarters, here's our hot list of cool Big Easy bars. Whether you're attending or not, there are more than enough New Orleans bars to crash this week.    

From an out-of-the-way former brothel that offers free food and a libation that promises to make everyone appear more attractive to an outdoor wine bar boasting free live music and bug spray, these eight New Orleans drinking dens offer a respite for weary Tales attendees, along with drink specials that won't break the bank (think $0.25 martinis!).