10 Quintessential New Orleans Cocktails

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As soon as you arrive in New Orleans, you instantly pick up on the history that surrounds the city. That also applies to the creation of the world’s most recognizable, and notorious, cocktails. Between the two of us, David and I have had almost every drink that originally calls NOLA home. On this most recent trip, I wanted to start from scratch and take a hard look at each drink with fresh eyes. Learning about each cocktail and their significance to the city was only an added bonus! Here are 10 quintessential New Orleans cocktails to give a try.

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The Classics

Sazerac

For any true lover of New Orleans, you know that the Sazerac should always be at the top of the list. After all, it was named the official drink of the city. Legend says that this was America’s first cocktail. Although there is little proof of that, it can still safely be called one of the first.

• Ingredients: Rye Whisky, Peychaud’s Bitters, Sugar, Absinthe Rinse
• Where to Sip: The Sazerac Room at the Roosevelt Hotel

Ramos Gin Fizz

If you’re already at the Sazerac Room, then you won’t have to go far for this next cocktail. The Ramos Gin Fizz also calls this historic hotel home, but that’s pretty much where the similarities end. It became widely popular in New York in the 1890s. This drink tastes like a slice of lemon meringue pie and is a refreshing relief on a humid New Orleans day.

• Ingredients: Gin, Heavy Cream, Simple Syrup, Lemon and Lime Juice, Egg White, Orange Blossom Water, Vanilla Extract
• Where to Sip: The Sazerac Room at the Roosevelt Hotel

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What’s On Bourbon

Hurricane (or Strawberry Daiquiri)

Let’s take a quick turn from the sophistication at the Roosevelt Hotel to the partying on Bourbon Street. I’m not normally one for overly boozy frozen concoctions, but sometimes that’s just what the doctor ordered. The Hurricane drink is what made Pat O’Brien’s a household name. While the bright red drink lures in countless visitors each year, I prefer their daiquri. Whatever cocktail you choose, opt to have the drink ‘to-stay’ and sit in their courtyard for world class people watching.

• Ingredients: Rum, Drink Mix, Cherry Garnish
• Where to Sip: Pat O’Brien’s Patio

Voodoo Daiquri

Warning! This drink is not for the faint of heart and I actually recommend splitting with a friend. It has other notorious nicknames like sneaky drink and deal closer. This grape flavored drinks almost makes you think of your childhood days, but will wipe you out if you’re not careful. The location itself, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, is much more memorable. Claimed to be one of the oldest bars in America, I can often be found around the dimly lit piano bar at least once during my trip.

• Ingredients: Bourbon, Everclear, Grape Flavoring
• Where to Sip: Jean Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

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The Green Ones

Grasshopper

Normally, I tend to have pause when it comes to drinking bright green drinks, but I’ve learned to make an exception with the Grasshopper. If you like a good mint milkshake, then you’ll love this drink! It’s original to the second oldest restaurant in the city, Tujague’s. The owner entered it into a NYC cocktail contest in 1918. How it only won second place, I will never understand!

• Ingredients: Creme de Menthe, Creme de Cacao, Cream
• Where to Sip: Tujague’s

Absinthe Frappe

Admittedly, of all of the drinks on my list, this is probably my least favorite. Absinthe, in general, has a pretty bad rep for its hallucinogenic effects, but today it’s only used for the licorice taste. It still maintains the bright green color. This frappe is actually a pretty refreshing drink, but I just have never been a fan of licorice or anise. If you like that taste, than this drink may be a huge win for you.

• Ingredients: Absinthe, Simple Syrup, Soda Water
• Where to Sip: Old Absinthe House

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Refreshing Sips

Pimm’s Cup

Asking about my favorite cocktail on this list is an easy decision. It is hands down the Pimm’s Cup! Although it’s originally an English drink, New Orleans wanted to beat the sweltering humidity and put their own twist on a classic in the process. This drink is low in alcohol, which is perfect for keeping your wits about you. Order the classic or seasonal option from Napoleon House. It also just so happens to be one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

• Ingredients: Pimm’s No. 1, Lemonade, Seven-Up, Cucumber Garnish
• Where to Sip: Napolean House

French 75

This drink is a new to me cocktail. I can’t believe it took me so long to order it, but I’m now a lifelong fan. Named after the French artillery during World War I, this cocktail wasn’t invented in New Orleans, but has definitely made itself at home. It’s a great combination of fruity and bubbly. It’s had a recent surge in popularity as a mimosa alternative during brunch, but I loved it as a post dinner pick me up.

• Ingredients: French Cognac, Champagne, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup
• Where to Sip: Arnaud’s French 75 Bar

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The Tamest

Abita

To get a real sense of a new city, I highly recommend looking towards the local brews. Often times, they use local ingredients and incorporate city quirks and history. The big name to know in New Orleans is Abita. Although it’s brewed on the other side of Lake Ponchatrain in Abita Springs, it’s still a part of the city. My dad claims that nothing pairs better with a bowl of gumbo than a glass of Abita Amber and I can’t help but agree. Abita can be found at nearly every single bar in the city, but for a unique drink, make it The Boot. It’s only available in the state of Louisiana.

• Ingredients: Beer
• Where to Sip: Literally Anywhere!

Cafe Au Lait

After a night of drinking, you’re going to need a strong cup of coffee to survive the next day. Lucky for you, New Orleans is home to a coffee stand that is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. In my opinion, the best way to experience a cup of Cafe Au Lait at Cafe du Monde is in the early hours of the morning. The lines found around the block during the day are gone and it feels like you have the spot to yourself.

• Ingredients: Dark-Roast Coffee with Chicory, Milk
• Where to Sip: Cafe du Monde

Now that you’ve read about enough libations to knock out the most seasoned of drinkers, I want to give you a firm word of caution. David and I tackled this list over the course of several days. We made sure to get plenty of water and food in-between. Most importantly, we would absolutely never get behind the wheel after even one of these drinks. New Orleans is a simplyamazing city, but just like anything, needs to be enjoyed responsibly.

Love from New Orleans,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Exploring the CBD

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I know what this title sound like! I’ve actually never taken CBD oils and won’t be talking about those today. Instead, I want to introduce you to one of my favorite New Orleans neighborhoods, the Central Business District. Although people normally list the French Quarter or Garden District first, the CBD is an absolute gem tucked right between the two. Whenever we come into town, it’s our number one preference to stay. Here’s a quick guide to exploring the CBD.

Originally built in the early 1800s, this area was known as the American Sector, to differentiate from the French Quarter. As the current name suggests, it is the home to many companies and businesses that call the Crescent City home. Amongst the high-rises though, you’ll also find trendy boutique hotels, new-school Creole restaurants, intimate bars, and quirky coffee shops. In other words, it has everything I could possible want in a neighborhood.

Hotels:

My favorite spot to call home while in New Orleans is, hands down, the Ace Hotel. I think it’s the ideal example of what a boutique hotel should be like. Decorated in a combination of modern and traditional elements, you are greeted by an onsite coffee shop, bar, and award-winning restaurant. In true New Orleans fashion, they also have an intimate venue for local musicians. The crown jewel to this hotel is their rooftop pool and bar. Even if you’re not staying here, you can pay a cover to enjoy frozen concoctions and sunshine. When it comes to recommending NOLA hotels, this is always my number one recommendation.

Restaurants:

If you want world class, traditional restaurants, your first destination should be the French Quarter. But, if you want to be introduced to a new class of James Beard award-winning restaurants, then you need to come to the CBD. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will not leave hungry.

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, you need to start off a Willa Jean. This southern inspired restaurant and bakery opened in 2015 and was an instant classic. Sampling their biscuit station may be the best decision you make in the day. I’m always partial to the boudin and greens biscuit, but I recently had the chicken biscuit with a side of pimento cheese and was in food heaven!

For a later meal, you have a whole slew of options! On this most recent trip, we enjoyed a new take on Creole/Cajun style cooking at both Herbsaint and Compere Lapin. Most meals were absolutely fantastic and have an epic collection of cocktails to pair with your meal. For a more casual affair, I have to lean towards Cochon Buchter. Vegetarians and vegans beware! They describe themselves as pork-focused, but offer a long list of sandwiches and sides. Be sure to come hungry.

Coffee Shops:

I tend to judge a city by it’s local coffee scene and New Orleans is one of the best! While touring a new museum, we learned that this passion for coffee stems back to the foundation of the city. Coffee shops, originally called exchanges, was where all of the city business was accomplished. New Orleans is a port city and was constantly receiving shipments of coffee from the Caribbean and beyond.

In modern day NOLA, the CBD has some of my favorite coffee shops. We had previously discovered Revalator and Mammoth on past trips. They are great for a round of cold brew or pour over coffee. If you are looking for a more substantial bite with your morning cup, I am happy to introduce you to Congregation Coffee. They have a full menu of breakfast items, but their quiches and croissants are enough to fill the hungriest traveler.

The next time you’re in New Orleans, by all means, explore and learn to love the French Quarter. Once you have your fill of drinking and Bourbon Street, take a quick walk down the road to find a more refined way of enjoying NOLA in the Central Business District.

Love from New Orleans,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.

Night Out in New Orleans

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I know I’ve been sharing that nights out are really my scene, but you should give yourself at least one opportunity to let loose when in New Orleans. Knowing that my best friend was coming into town too, I waited for her arrival to be out until the wee hours of the morning. After we were positively stuffed from Thanksgiving dinner, we went to some of our favorite bars in the French Quarter. We event got to try a few new spots too. Here’s a quick look at our night out in New Orleans.

Our night really started at Brennan’s. It’s one of the most cherished restaurants in the city and a personal favorite. Just look for the bright pink building on Royal Street, you can’t miss it! To get reservations for Thanksgiving, I’m pretty sure my mom called them everyday for a month straight. Her persistent definitely paid off, thanks Mom, because our meal was absolutely phenomenal. Around the table for this holiday were my parents, brother, my best friend, her mom, David, and I. Since it was a prix fixe meal, there were many different options. I’m pretty sure we all nearly had something different. Such a feast!

After dinner, the “grown-ups” parted ways from the kids and I was able to hop around the French Quarter with David and my friend. Since I know Brooke oh-so well, I knew she would love the quiet and intimate vibe at the French 75 Bar. We were able to grab seats in a cozy corner booth to spend the next few hours sharing cocktails and stories. We also made a quick pit-stop at the Old Absinthe House on Bourbon Street. The Saints were playing and I wanted to try their absinthe frappe, a uniquely New Orleans drink. Tasting like straight licorice, I know it’s not for everyone, but still good to sip.

Our next destination was a repeat from the night before. The Bombay Club is a great spot to grab a drink and snack. Since it’s one block past Bourbon Street, it seems like it’s off the beaten path, but still part of the action. They have an endless cocktail list and a piano player in the corner to help create a mood. Since the Saints game was still on, he had a little competition for attention, but the whole bar game him love during the commercial breaks.

Our last spot for the evening was at The Black Penny. Brooke was meeting a friend there and it was his recommendation. Still in the French Quarter, it has a reputation for being a local hang-out with nearly endless hours. It’s extremely minimalistic, especially compared to the other bars we had been to, but a great way to cap of the evening. I’m always a fan of talking to the regulars and this is the place to do it.

We ended our night, at 3 in the morning, by walking through the French Quarter back to our hotel. This may be one of my favorite times to take in the neighborhood. The streets are quiet and you feel like you have the whole world to yourself. It can be incredibly romantic! I’ve never felt unsafe here, but I always make sure to use common sense. Stay with a group, avoid dark side streets, and trust your gut. Most important, New Orleans is a city to have fun and explore a new side to yourself. Enjoy it!

Love from New Orleans,
Katie

If you are more interested in travel than style, be sure to visit my exclusive travel page, here.