Day two of Tales of the Cocktails in New Orleans was jam-packed with activities and more drinks! In the early afternoon, Mijenta Tequila hosted a happy hour in the media lounge to highlight their tequila and a few signature cocktails.
Mijenta is a small batch artisanal tequila from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico.
The Story of Mijenta Tequila
Juan Coronado the co-founder of Mijenta was on hand for the happy hour to speak to the press representatives about the history and story of the brand.
The story is that Mijenta is inspired by “Mi Gente” meaning “My People.” It refers to a collective mindset, a way of being and a community of like-minded people who come together to celebrate life.
Aztec legend believes that when the sun secretly meets with the moon, the most beautiful maguey plants are born. When they grow, the fields blend with the sky they become a mesmerizing gift to humankind.
For centuries, loving hands of ancestral farmers carefully harvested the precious agave and turned it into a masterpiece.
The “Centzon Totochtin” is a folk story that tells the legend of Mayahuel, the goddess of the agave plant, and Patecatl the god of Pulque, whose union produced 400 mischievous rabbits with a taste for good company, good spirits and good times.
My favorite drink of the hour was the Serenata and the ingredients are below.
The Serenata
- Mijenta Blanco
- Fallernum de Jamaica
- Dollin Dry Vermouth
- Earl Grey Tea Garnished with Dehydrated Lemon Slices
- Dehydrated Edible Flowers
The Ritz Carlton’s All Kinds Cocktail Bar
On my way out of the hotel I saw a small cart on the side of the lobby that led to a little secret room that housed the All Kinds cocktail bar sponsored by the Ritz Carlton.
I was greeted at the door outside with a milk punch welcome cocktail that was poured out of what looked like golden milk cartons. I usually do not enjoy bourbon cocktails but this version was so subtle that I loved it.
Upon entry into the back room there was a 360-degree projection room to welcome you with a video highlighting New Orleans art. Inside the speakeasy like atmosphere had artwork on display from prominent NOLA artists for sale.
Caviar canapes were passed and specialty drinks flowed from the bar all day in this gem hiding in plain sight inside the conference.
The House of Blues Liquid Death Creepy Tiki Party
In the evening after dinner, I stopped by the Liquid Death Creepy Tiki Party at the House of Blues. The party was complete with a DJ, palm reader and a standing coffin for guests to take photos in for social media.
I had only known Liquid Death water from my festival experiences where it is now the official supplier of many of the major music festivals. The water comes in cans and it looks like a beer but it is just water.
The Liquid Death party at the House of Blues was the first time I had seen the drink paired with spirits. New flavors of Liquid Death include Mango Chainsaw and Severed Lime sparkling water flavors matched perfectly with Havana Club Rum to make the Mango Death-Quiri and the flavorful Berry Mai Alive.
The Bacardi Drag Ball
At 10 PM I headed over to Oz for the Bacardi Drag Ball. The ball was the first official LGBTQ+ formally sponsored event to take place at a Tales of the Cocktail. The event was so popular it reached capacity four minutes after the doors opened with people spilling into Bourbon Street waiting for entry.
The event featured A’keria C. Davenport a drag queen best known for competing on the 11th season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Other local Louisiana Drag Queens and Kings provided non-stop entertainment at the world-famous LGBTQ establishment. Oz brands itself as the #1 Gay Dance Club in New Orleans and is known for its weekly drag shows so it was the perfect location to host this fun night out with Barcardi and Tales.