Now in its seventh year, Tales of the Cocktail (July 8-12, 2009) celebrates the art of making delicious drinks with a 5-day series of dinners, cocktail demonstrations, drink tastings, mixology competitions, seminars, book signings, tours and other special events. The main event — tasting rooms, of course — is in the French Quarter at the Hotel Monteleone, while the other events are at nearby area venues including Antoine's, Broussard's, Café Adelaide, Maximo's, and many more.

Tales of the Cocktail is hosted by Ted Allen (of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and Iron Chef) and Kevin Brauch (host of The Thirsty Traveler), as well as several other well-known authors, bartenders, and connoisseurs.

The official cocktail this year is the Creole Julep (pictured), created by Maksym Pazuniak of Rambla and Cure.

This event is made possible by The New Orleans Culinary and Cultural Preservation Society, a nonprofit dedicated to furthering the Crescent City's storied drinking and dining culture.

For tickets, a printable schedule of events, and more information, visit the Tales of the Cocktail web site.