Tom Bullock was the first African-American to write a cocktail book, entitled The Ideal Bartender in 1917. Bullock, who was born in Louisville, Kentucky shortly after the Civil War ended, began working at country clubs at a very young age starting from the entry-level positions. Later he became to be a well-recognized bartender of the time at St. Louis Country Club, where he served for government officials and other elite members. George Herbert Walker, grandfather of George W. Bush, was one of the big fans of Bullock's cocktails, who contributed his writing to Bullock's book in introduction. The Ideal Bartender includes a feast of pre-Prohibition cocktail recipes, many of which we would not have today if it hadn't been for Bullock's book. After publishing his book, Prohibition made his profession illegal, yet the bartending culture was stronger than ever. Bullock moved frequently and changed professions during the dry period, but kept bartending at St. Louis Country Club where people could still drink. Bullock died in 1964.

Constructed in Moss Point, Mississippi, the Creole Queen took her maiden voyage on October 1, 1983. She is an authentic paddlewheeler powered by a 24- foot diameter paddlewheel and the most modern, fuel-efficient GE diesel-electric system ever installed in a boat of this class. Even though the Creole Queen would have been right at home in the New Orleans of 1850, passengers of that era could never have conceived of a paddlewheeler with her luxury, comfort and safety. Ninety tons of air conditioning and heating keep the interior spaces pleasant all year round. Luxurious private rooms, stereo music and sound systems, modern restrooms and handicapped accessible facilities all combine to make this iconic riverboat a true floating palace.

Tales of the Cocktail® is the world’s premier cocktail festival, bringing together the most respected minds on mixology for five days of cocktails, cuisine and culture. Held annually in New Orleans, this international event has something for cocktail professionals and enthusiasts alike with a spirited schedule of seminars, dinners, competitions and tasting rooms where brands showcase their latest products. Tales of the Cocktail® returns July 25-29, 2012 for a historic milestone—its 10th Anniversary of rocking the cocktail world.