Sharing is caring!

New Orleans is a city where the drinks have as much history as the buildings. Several famous cocktails like the Sazerac were born here, and you can follow their trail through the French Quarter and downtown in a single evening.

If you're still planning your trip, start with my family-friendly weekend in New Orleans guide, then save one evening for this adults-only cocktail tour.

The Sazerac: The Official Cocktail of New Orleans

The Sazerac was named the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008, and it's the best place to start. It was popularized in the 1850s and is made with rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters, and sugar, served in a glass rinsed with absinthe.

The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans is known for its namesake drink. Order one there and sip it slowly. It's a spirit-forward drink, so it's meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

Ramos Gin Fizz: Worth the Wait

Henry Ramos created this drink in 1888 at his Imperial Cabinet Saloon. It combines gin, cream, lemon, lime, orange flower water, and egg white, and it's shaken until it forms a thick, foamy top.

It takes a lot of shaking, so most people order one out instead of making it at home. The Sazerac Bar is also known for serving it.

Vieux Carré at the Carousel Bar

The Vieux Carré was created in the 1930s at the Hotel Monteleone. Its name is the French term for the French Quarter, and the drink fits the neighborhood: layered, historic, and a little grand. It blends whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth with a touch of Bénédictine. If you'd like to try drinks like it at home, browse some of the best cocktail recipes for an easy place to start.

The Carousel Bar inside the hotel slowly rotates like a carousel, so even a short stop feels like an event. Arrive a little early if you want a seat at the bar.

Add the Sazerac House to Your Itinerary

The Sazerac House opened at the end of 2019 as an interactive exhibit on the history of New Orleans cocktails. Reports from recent visitors describe a free tour with small tastings. Check current hours, ticket availability, and age policies before you go.

It's a good midday stop, and it gives you the background to enjoy your evening drinks even more.

How to Make a Classic Sazerac at Home

You can bring a little of the French Quarter back to your own kitchen. Peychaud's bitters is the one ingredient you shouldn't skip.

Ingredients

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 sugar cube (or ¼ oz simple syrup)
• 3 to 4 dashes Peychaud's bitters
• A small splash of absinthe
• 1 lemon peel
• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice and set it aside to chill.
2. In a second glass, muddle the sugar cube with the bitters and a few drops of water until dissolved. (If you're using simple syrup, just stir it in with the bitters.)
3. Add the rye and fill the glass with fresh ice. Stir for about 30 seconds.
4. Empty the ice from the chilled glass. Add the splash of absinthe, swirl it to coat the inside, and pour out the extra.
5. Strain the whiskey mixture into the absinthe-rinsed glass.
6. Squeeze the lemon peel over the drink to release its oils, then add it as a garnish or discard it.

Serve it without ice. The drink should taste cold, strong, and slightly sweet, with a little anise on the finish.

Keep Exploring Cocktails at Home

Once you've mastered the Sazerac, there's a whole world of drinks to try. Pick one new classic each week and build your home bar one bottle at a time.

• Witches Brew Cocktail
• S'mores Campfire Cocktail

New Orleans makes it easy to fall in love with a good cocktail. Whether you sip one at a historic hotel bar or make one at home after your trip, take your time, enjoy responsibly, and let the drink tell its story.