Haute Event: Botran Rum Tiki Lounge at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans

Saving the best for last, one of the final events during the Tales of the Cocktail week was the much anticipated Botran Rum Tiki Lounge tasting suite. Held at the Royal Sonesta Hotel off of Bourbon Street on Saturday, July 23, the notorious Guatemalan rum brand transported guests to a whimsy tiki island land channeling the vibrant era of the 1950s.

Over 350 guests visited the lounge the Botran Rum Tiki Lounge during its 1 1/2 hour duration. Guests received festive Polynesian leis and floral blooms and grooved to the Hawaiian melody that filled the room. A hula model outfitted in a coconut bra and grass skirt not only enticed guests to move their rumps, but to pose for pictures with her bird’s nest hats and other island accessories.

Tommy Merolla aka the Tribal Chief of Mixology shook things up as the event’s head mixologist serving innovative tiki-inspired cocktails with a modern twist. The event’s signature cocktail was the Double Rock Zombie, a refreshing blend of Botran Reserva and Solera Rums, fresh fruit puree, and a tangy garnish not seen in any other tasting suite: Polynesian rock candy. Guests also enjoyed Cajun infused cuisine of spicy boiled shrimp and crawfish pies, provided by the Royal Sonesta Hotel, which paired perfectly with the signature cocktail.

Botran Rum is one of the most revered rums in the world as it is available in two distinct styles, Reserva and Solera, that pairs excellent in both cocktails and on the rocks. Other than a great party, Botran Rum has much to celebrate these days as the Solera style has recently been reintroduced to the United States after years of not being available.

To learn more about Botran Rums and their six decades of exquisite craftsmanship, visit their website.