The Spirited Traveller: A tippler's dilemma in New Orleans

Regardless of what's in the glass, New Orleans has long been an iconic city noted for its rich and colourful cocktail heritage. In 2002, Paul Tuennerman, co-founder (or as he prefers to be called, "Co-Instigator") of Tales of the Cocktail, set out to make sure that the city got its due.

What began as a walking tour of the town's historic bars and restaurants grew to become an enormous mecca of a cocktail conference. This July, Tales celebrates its 10-year anniversary.

"New Orleans has long been the gateway to the "New World" and home to some of the most tenacious cast-offs that have arrived at our shores for hundreds of years," Tuennerman says.

"Along with them, they've brought their culinary and cocktail heritage for all to enjoy, for centuries to come."

For those passing through town, whether for Tales or other pressing business matters, most will start their journey on famed bawdy Bourbon Street. But just steps away, Arnaud's French 75 offers well-made classic cocktails in the heart of the French Quarter within a restaurant steeped in history.

"I frequently tell my travelling companions that if you've limited yourself to Bourbon Street, you've never really been to New Orleans," Tuennerman warns. "There's so much more to the city, especially when it comes to dining and drinking."

Agreed. One choice cocktail spot far from the tourist fray is Cure , which has

... contd.