No trip to New Orleans is complete without indulging in at least one of these iconic cocktails. Whether you’re sipping in a bar or taking a stroll through the French Quarter, these drinks are sure to make your stay in the city memorable.
The Hurricane cocktail is a popular drink that hails from the city of New Orleans. It was created in the 1940s and has since become a staple in bars and restaurants across the country. Its signature red hue and tropical flavor make it a fun and refreshing drink to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Many people associate the Hurricane with the famous Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it can be found in many of the lively bars and restaurants. The drink’s name is said to have originated from its hurricane lamp-like shape, and it has become a symbol of the spirit and resilience of the city. Click here for recipe!
The Absinthe Frappé is a refreshing and iconic cocktail that gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is closely associated with the consumption of absinthe, a highly alcoholic and anise-flavored spirit that was once banned in many countries due to its perceived hallucinogenic effects (though these claims have been largely debunked).
The Absinthe Frappé has historical significance as a popular way to enjoy absinthe, particularly during the late 19th century “Belle Époque” era in France and other parts of Europe. Click here for recipe!
The Vieux Carré cocktail is a classic and historically significant drink that originated in New Orleans. Its name translates to “Old Square” in English, which refers to the city’s French Quarter.
The drink is a potent and complex mix of flavors, combining elements of rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Benedictine liqueur, and bitters. This cocktail has become a beloved favorite amongst cocktail enthusiasts across the globe for its rich and sophisticated taste and its connection to the rich cultural history of New Orleans. Click here for recipe!
The Brandy Milk Punch is known for its smooth and creamy texture, with the brandy providing a subtle warmth and complexity to the drink. It is a popular choice for brunches and special occasions and has a rich history dating back to the 19th century.
The milk adds richness and the powdered sugar and vanilla extract provide sweetness and flavor, while the nutmeg garnish adds a touch of aromatic spiciness. Click here for recipe!
A Pimm’s Cup is a refreshing and light cocktail that originated in England. It’s a perfect drink for warm summer days and outdoor gatherings. The signature reddish-brown hue of the cocktail comes from its main ingredient, Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur that’s been infused with herbs and spices.
A Pimm’s Cup is typically served over ice and then mixed with a combination of fruit, vegetables, and carbonated beverages, giving it a slightly effervescent quality. The garnish typically includes slices of lemon, cucumber, and mint, which are all complementary to the cocktail’s flavors and aromas. Click here for recipe!
The Grasshopper cocktail is a luxurious and indulgent dessert cocktail that is the perfect way to cap off a night of fine dining or special occasion. This creamy and green-hued cocktail combines sweet and tropical flavors with a hint of chocolate, creating a complex and sophisticated taste.
Served in a chilled, elegant glass, the Grasshopper is visually impressive and a festive choice for celebrations or a nightcap. This cocktail is both delicious and classic, with a history dating back to the early 20th century. Whether you’re a fan of mint, chocolate, or just want to try something new, the Grasshopper cocktail is a must-try for any cocktail enthusiast. Click here for recipe!
The French 75 is a classic cocktail originally made with gin, simple syrup, lemon juice, and Champagne. Its origins are a bit murky, but it is said to have been created during World War I by a barman in Paris who wanted to create a drink as powerful as the French 75mm field gun.
It is a refreshing and effervescent cocktail that is perfect for celebratory occasions or simply as a way to liven up any meal or social gathering. The combination of the tartness of the lemon juice and the sweetness of the simple syrup is perfectly complemented by the floral and bubbly notes of the Champagne. Click here for recipe!
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail that hails from New Orleans, Louisiana. It’s a frothy, creamy cocktail that’s both sweet and sour. Some even describe it as a dessert in a glass due to its light and fluffy texture. The drink was popularized in the late 1800s by bartender Henry C. Ramos and became a signature drink of his bar the Stag’s Head.
The cocktail is served in a Collins glass with a straw and is garnished with a piece of orange or lemon peel. Though it may sound simple, the Ramos Gin Fizz is a bit of an art form to create just right, requiring the perfect balance of ingredients and an active shaking process that can take up to 15 minutes. The result is a deliciously unique cocktail that’s definitely worth a try. Click here for recipe!
A Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri cocktail is a refreshing and fruity drink that is perfect for a hot summer day. It is typically made with ripe strawberries that are blended with ice, rum, sugar, and lime juice to create a delicious slushy consistency.
The sweet and tangy flavor of the strawberries is balanced by the tartness of the lime juice and the boldness of the rum, resulting in a well-rounded and satisfying beverage. Click here for recipe!
The Sazerac cocktail is a classic drink that originated in New Orleans in the mid-1800s. It is named after the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac, which was originally used in the recipe. Over time, rye whiskey became the preferred spirit for the recipe.
The Sazerac cocktail is known for its complex flavor profile, which is both sweet and bitter. It is typically garnished with a lemon twist or a spritz of absinthe to enhance the aromatics of the cocktail. Today, the Sazerac is considered a classic cocktail and is enjoyed by whiskey lovers around the world. Click here for recipe!