Day four of the Tales of the Cocktail conference in New Orleans landed on July 24 which just so happens to be National Tequila Day. It seemed only right to attend Patrón’s National Tequila Day Headquarters event. Hosted by the Royal Sonesta Hotel right on Bourbon Street from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., guests were encouraged to partake in all their favorite tequila cocktails and explore Mexican Mixology.
Members from Superbueno in NYC took over the Royal Sonesta’s beautiful courtyard while Limantour from Mexico City set up inside the Jazz Playhouse. Various skilled flair bartenders performed throughout the day, showcasing their skills in the manipulation of bar tools and liquor bottles. A fantastic jazz band provided music while guests enjoyed their drinks. Patrón’s Master Distiller David Rodriguez was even available for exclusive tastings.
A stand with fruit cocktails offered two specialty drinks, Patrón En Su Jugo and Fruta Fresca Con Chamoy. The Jugo cocktail was a sweet mixture of Patrón Silver, grapefruit, watermelon, and shiso. The Fresca was a blend of seasonal fruit with homemade chamoy and tajin.
At a separate cocktail stand, bartenders Vache Manoukian and Christian Delpech offered up some “Flairgaritaville” drinks. On their menu, the License To Chill Margarita consisted of Patrón Silver, Patrón Citronge Orange, lime, and blue shimmer. The 5 O’Clock Somewhere was an island cocktail made with Patrón Reposado, passionfruit, turmeric, pineapple, lime, and Hagave spiced nectar. Several of our cocktails was served in a super cute glass that was shaped like a bottle of Patrón that could be sipped through the lid.
The last cocktail on the menu was called Booze In A Blender, made with Patrón Reposado, Patrón XO Café, crème de banane, coconut, and banana. Our bartender excitedly juggled around his bottle of spirits and his mixing cup before they carefully landed on his arm and he poured our drink. This blended frozen drink was our favorite sip of the day and was the perfect way to cool off from the excessive New Orleans heat on Wednesday afternoon.
Words by Emily Cigan @emily.cigan and Amy Harris @thetraveladdictig