With Tales of the Cocktail set shake, stir and strain from Wednesday next week we thought that it was only appropriate that we give you an insight into three of our seminar picks from New Orleans, Louisiana (pronounced by the locals ‘N’awlins Loose-anna’). We also know that it’s a long way from home, so if you’re felling a little homesick these three presentations ought to set you right.

No. 1: From Convicts to Cocktailians: The Release of Australian Flavour

Well this one is a no-brainer - a must see. It is of course being presented by the Bartender team, David Spanton and Simon McGoram along with honorary Aussie Jacob Briars - the 42 Below ‘Vodka Professor’ and Matt Bax owner/executive bartender of Melbourne’s Der Raum and Singapore’s Tippling Club.

This seminar will take attendees on a tippling tour of Australia’s coulourful history from the Rum Rebellion to the Six O’Clock Swill, from the dark days of Australian bar culture through to it’s current enlightenment. The session includes a tasting of award winning Aussie spirits: Inner Circle Green Dot and Tamborine Mountain Distillery Quandong and Gentain Bitters Liqueur as well as 42 Below Manuka Honey Vodka from our cuzzie-bros across the dutch.

No. 2: A Shot of Black Stuff - Amazing Amaros and Brilliant Bitters

Jacob Briars is stepping up again here - this time with the help of Sebastian Raeburn -  the 2008 Bartender magazine Bartender of the Year and owner of Melbourne’s award winning 1806.

Whilst few drinkers have done more than dip their toe into the bitter black world of amaros and bitters Jacob and Sebastian have both been dunked into the witch’s cauldron of these dark potions and somehow re-emerged relatively unscathed.

You’ll also be exposed to some of the creative, and occasionally whimsical ways in which these spirits are being used by bartenders seeking to broaden their appeal.

If you can’t make it to Tales never fear - A Shot of Black Stuff will be aired at Sydney BarShow in September.

No. 3: Bax vs Clift:  Progressive Cocktail/Cooking Techniques from Tippling Club & Der Raum

The third Tales seminar that we’re touting to be a winner is brought to you from award winning duo behind Singapore’s Tippling Club –   head bartender Matthew Bax (also of Melbourne’s Der Raum ) and Chef Ryan Clift (formerly of Vue de Monde and Marco Pierre White protégé).

The pair are bringing  to Tales their contemporary food and drink matching philosophies and techniques.  Bax and Clift specialise in creating awe-inspiring degustation food and drink pairings with a focus on art, panache, and flavour.