10 Quintessential New Orleans Cocktails

New Orleans, NOLA, Cocktails, Ingredients, Drinks, J. Crew, French Quarter

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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