New Orleans may not be the birthplace of the original cocktail, but it is where several popular drinks such as the Grasshopper (created at Tujague’s), the Vieux Carré the Ramos Gin Fizz, and the Sazerac were born. As part of the city’s cocktail scene, many dining establishments and bars continue to serve these and other classic cocktails, and most have their own ‘signature’ drink. Yet, time and again, we notice visitors to New Orleans stick to ordering mundane beverages like beer and wine, or mixed drinks like Screwdrivers and Crown and 7; drinks they can easily get at home. In doing so, they’re missing out on the unique cocktail culture in New Orleans. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of some of the classics and signature drinks we think are worth trying while you’re in NOLA.
Mint Julep – served in a traditional silver cup filled with crushed ice, this drink consists of bourbon, cane sugar, and mint.
The place to get the best Mint Julep is Revel Cafe and Bar, an establishment owned by bartender and cocktail historian Chris McMillian, who also happens to be a co-founder of the Museum of the American Cocktail. 133 N. Carrollton Avenue.
Sazerac – considered to be the first ‘mixed drink’ – and definitely one of the most famous to come out of New Orleans – the Sazerac is (by law) the ‘official cocktail of the city of New Orleans’. It’s a mix of rye whiskey (sometimes cognac), sugar, and Peychaud’s Bitters, in a glass rinsed with absinthe.
The one to try is from the Roosevelt Hotel’s aptly named Sazerac Bar where their premium version is made with Sazerac Rye Whiskey and local herbsaint (instead of absinthe). 130 Roosevelt Way.
French 75 – this classic cocktail is a blend of champagne, cognac, lemon juice, and sugar.
You’ll find the best one in the aptly named French 75 Bar at Arnaud’s. 813 Bienville Street.
Grasshopper – a minty cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cocoa, brandy, and cream;
the best place to get it is the place where it was first created – Tujague’s in the French Quarter. 823 Decatur Street.
Vieux Carré – this classic New Orleans cocktail is a mix of cognac, rye whiskey, vermouth, herbal liqueur, and bitters.
Try one in its place of origin – the Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone.
Napoleon Complex – this powerful mixed drink of cognac and cherry brandy
is one of several nice options from the Empire Bar at Broussard’s Restaurant. 819 Rue Conti.
Ramos Gin Fizz – this classic, 19th-century New Orleans cocktail takes a while to make – about 12 minutes – so be patient. The drink consists of Cointreau, cream, gin, citrus, orange flower water, and fresh egg white – but don’t let the thought of raw egg in your drink put you off; that egg white turns into a thick sweet meringue-like foam on the top of your drink.
And, it’s fascinating to watch as it rises straight out of the glass as your bartender – at Bar Tonique – pours your drink. 820 N. Rampart Street.
Pimm’s Cup – a refreshing cocktail made with Pimm’s No. 1 gin-based liqueur, lemon juice, cucumber, and soda water.
The cocktail bar at Kingfish serves one of the best in New Orleans, and for a tasty twist they garnish it with seasonal berries. 337 Chartres Street.
Absinthe – for an authentic absinthe experience stop by the historic Jean Lafitte’s Old Absinthe House,
an establishment known as much for its role in the War of 1812 (it’s alleged that Andrew Jackson discussed war strategy here with pirate Jean Lafitte) as it is for its absinthe menu (an extensive selection of French and Swiss absinthe containing Artemisia absinthium, aka wormwood). 240 Bourbon Street.
Hendricks Royal Cup – a variation of the Pimm’s Cup mixed with Hendricks Gin, Sprite, and garnished with cucumbers.
The place to get it is the Royal House Oyster Bar. 441 Royal Street.
Space Cowboy – this very nice hand-crafted cocktail is a mix of bourbon, citrus, ginger syrup, mezcal, and paprika.
It’s the signature cocktail of, and only available at, the High Hat Café. 4500 Freret Street.
Jalapeno Pineapple Cilantro Margarita – this amazingly delicious salsa-inspired cocktail is a refreshing blend of cilantro-infused Agavales Tequila, jalapeño, and pineapple.
It’s one of the best drinks we’ve tasted and it’s only available at Araña Taqueria y Cantina. 3218 Magazine Street.
Sweet Leaf – a refreshing, citrusy drink made with Acqua di Cedro citron liqueur, gin, and Chios Mastiha liqueur.
This is one of many great cocktails unique to Cure. 4905 Freret Street.
Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch – this grown-up milkshake is perfect on a sweltering New Orleans day. Consisting of bourbon and house-made vanilla gelato garnished with a dash or two of nutmeg;
it’s the signature drink at the Bourbon House.
Note: if you happen to be in New Orleans during Mardi Gras season, try their King Cake version. 144 Bourbon Street.
Summary
Reviewer
Mike Young
Review Date
Reviewed Item
New Orleans Cocktails
Author Rating