For its seventh anniversary, Tales is stirring things up with its annual cocktail competition. If you think your skills are up to the challenge, Tales of the Cocktail would like you to create a julep that it can use as its official cocktail at this year’s event.

Originally, the term julep would have been used to refer to a medicinal potion, but in the American South it is used to refer to a heavily iced beverage of some type of spirit, sugar and mint.

Today, when you think of a “mint julep” you usually think of that classic drink of the Kentucky Derby, served in its quintessential silver cup. In truth however a julep can take a variety of forms, and Tales is looking to you as its ambassadors to help illustrate this fact.

Bartenders all over the world have been turning back the clock to rediscover forgotten drinks and recipes, such as flips, bucks and cups, which are appearing on many menus around the world. Tales asks you to look back and create a julep of your own for the year 2009 at Tales of the Cocktail.

For rules and more information, visit www.talesofthecocktail.com.

Mixology Mondays at the Museum of the American Cocktail

The Museum of the American Cocktail offers monthly presentations featuring top mixologists.

March 2nd, 2009  – Adam Seger: Market-Fresh, Seasonally-Inspired twists on classic cocktails.

Join us for market-fresh, seasonally-inspired twists on classic cocktails with Nacional 27 Chicago’s Adam Seger, who will be celebrating March’s bounty of winter citrus: Meyer Lemons, Yuzu, Sudachi, Blood Oranges and Tatsumas. Enjoy some delicious cocktails and load up on Vitamin C!

April 6th, 2009 -  Jeff Berry: “Who’s your daddy? A Mai Tai Paternity Test”

The Mai Tai War has raged for over half a century, and it ain’t over yet.  Bandleader Harry Owens claimed he introduced the Mai Tai to the world in 1954. Trader Vic claimed he invented the Mai Tai in 1944; his widow insists he invented it in 1933. Jeff “Beachbum” Berry will examine the evidence, and shake up samples of different Mai Tai recipes. Special guest, rum historian Stephen Remsberg, will discuss the original (now extinct) rums used in these recipes, and how their flavor profiles influenced Tiki mixologists back in the day.

April 27, 2009 -  Julio Bermejo ” Building a Distillery: a Labor of Love and Spirit”
The world renowned Ambassador of Tequila, Julio Bermejo, brings a taste of Mexico to MOTAC the last Monday of April, following Jazz Fest. Mr. Bermejo, who has worked for over two decades establishing the category of tequila in the United States will be sharing his experience of building a distillery in Jalisco, as well as a world class tequila program at his own restaurant – Tommy’s in San Francisco.  Come join us for a tasting some of Julio’s favorite Margarita variations including the Botanga and La Perla, it will be an experience to remember!

6:30 – 8 pm   $20.00 pp when you register online: www.museumoftheamericancocktail.org

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