New Orleans has never been known for being a teetolaling town. Au contraire, we are known to be quite self-indulgent when it comes to our alcohol consumption. It is part of our culture from family gatherings to business functions, you can bet that there’s drinking involved. Some have even credited us with being the birthplace of the cocktail and I’m going to share with you some of our local favorites that you can sample all in most of the bars and hotels recommended on this site.
The Sazerac – Created in the 1850’s by pharmacist Antoine Peychaud, this New Orleans classic cocktail remains for all intents and purposes unaltered by time. It began as a Cognac beverage it’s now most often prepared with rye bourbon , it’s signature Herbsaint, Peychaud’s Bitters and a dash of basic syrup.
Mint Julep – Mint Juleps are uniquely southern beverages made of bourbon, mint leaves, and sugar cubes. Served chilled, one can imagine them in the hands of great Southern writers like William Faulkner and Tennessee Williams. Lovely to enjoy on a columned porch of an antebellum home.
Ramos Gin Fizz– The Ramos Gin Fizz was created by Henry Ramos in the late 1800s at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in New Orleans. It’s made with cream, gin, egg whites, citrus juice, orange blossom water, syrup, and club soda. Because of it’s frothy consistency it is often a good alternative to a bloody mary.
Pimm’s Cup – The Pimm’s Cup is an invigorating blend of Pimm’s No. 1 (a citrus flavored gin) lemonade, club soda and a slice of cucumber. Brought from London by a bartender at the renowned Napoleon House, this summertime cocktail rapidly got to be one of New Orleans’ most adored warm climate drinks.
The Hurricane – Pat O’Briens put the Hurricane on the map. A blend of sweet fruit juices and lots of alcohol, you cannot taste how strong it is until your already too drunk to do anything about it. Prepared by the right bartender, one drink is all it needs to make you Cat 5 inebriated.