The world's best mixologists recently gathered in the Big Easy for the 5th annual Tales of the Cocktail Spirited Awards, held at the Mahalia Jackson Theater on July 23. Stars of the cocktail industry were honored at this red carpet event hosted by Pernod Ricard USA. This year's party theme? “1920's Atlantic City” straight from “Boardwalk Empire” (ie gangsters glamming it up to Big Band tunes).
We weren't surprised to see the Langham London and The Savoy nab top honors. A long-time favorite, the glam, David Collins-designed Artesian Bar at The Langham won the award for the “World's Best Cocktail Menu,” while The Savoy scored “World's Best Hotel Bar.” The Savoy is home to not one but two world-class watering holes: the legendary American Bar and the new Beaufort Bar, opulently designed in gold and black. Skip the line at the American Bar in favor of the Beaufort's "Gilded Cage," a decadent drink for two that's served in an actual bird cage.