14 Best New Orleans Cocktails

New Orleans is the birthplace of some of the world’s most legendary cocktails. From the Sazerac to the Hurricane, the city’s influence on cocktail culture is undeniable. Get a taste of history with these 14 unforgettable New Orleans cocktails.

Sazerac

The Sazerac is a must-try cocktail in New Orleans. Often considered America’s first cocktail, it was invented in the 1830s. The cocktail combines whiskey, bitters, and a hint of absinthe.

If you’re in New Orleans, the Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt Hotel is a prime place to enjoy it.

Ingredients:

• 1 sugar cube
• 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• 1.5 oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey
• 0.25 oz absinthe
• Ice cubes
• Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions:

1. Pack an Old-Fashioned glass with ice.
2. In a second glass, place a sugar cube.
3. Add three dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters.
4. Crush the sugar cube until it dissolves.
5. Add 1.5 oz of Sazerac Rye Whiskey to the bitters and sugar mixture.
6. Stir well.
7. Empty the ice from the first glass. Coat the glass with 0.25 oz absinthe.
8. Discard the remaining absinthe.
9. Pour the whiskey mixture into the absinthe-coated glass.
10. Garnish with a lemon peel.

You can find the best Sazerac at many places in New Orleans. The Sazerac House offers a comprehensive experience.

You can explore the cocktail’s history and enjoy a tasting.

Crafted originally by Antoine Peychaud, this cocktail remains iconic in the city’s culture.

The Sazerac isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience reflecting New Orleans’ rich history. Try it and appreciate its heritage and complex flavors.

Hurricane

The Hurricane is a classic New Orleans cocktail. It was invented in the 1940s by Pat O’Brien. This drink is known for its tropical flavors and rum base.

Ingredients

• 2 oz. light rum
• 2 oz. dark rum
• 2 oz. passion fruit juice
• 1 oz. orange juice
• ½ oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Pack a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Pour in the light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
3. Shake well for 30 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

The Hurricane is a vibrant, refreshing drink. Its balanced flavors make it a favorite. It’s perfect for a New Orleans experience.

Ramos Gin Fizz

The Ramos Gin Fizz is a legendary New Orleans cocktail.

This drink was invented in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos. It gained fame for its frothy, creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. gin
• 1 oz. heavy cream
• 1 oz. simple syrup
• 1/2 oz. lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. lime juice
• 3 dashes of orange flower water
• 1 egg white
• 2-3 oz. soda water

Instructions:

1. Combine gin, cream, simple syrup, lemon juice, lime juice, orange flower water, and egg white in a shaker.
2. Shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds.
3. Add ice and shake again for 30 seconds until well chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled Collins glass without ice.
5. Sprinkle soda water on top until the glass is full.

Enjoy the creamy, citrusy delight of a Ramos Gin Fizz.

Vieux Carré

The Vieux Carré cocktail is a New Orleans classic. Created in the 1930s by bartender Walter Bergeron at the Hotel Monteleone’s famous Carousel Bar, it reflects the charm of the French Quarter.

Ingredients

• 1 oz Rye Whiskey
• 1 oz Cognac
• 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
• 1/4 oz Bénédictine
• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
• Lemon Twist for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add rye whiskey, cognac, and sweet vermouth.
3. Add Bénédictine.
4. Add 2 dashes each of Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters.
5. Stir well until chilled.
6. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice.
7. Garnish with a lemon twist.

This cocktail blends robust, sweet, and herbal flavors. Enjoy it at the Carousel Bar or make it at home. It embodies New Orleans’ rich cocktail heritage.

French 75

The French 75 is a classic New Orleans cocktail. You can find it at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar. This drink has roots in World War I, named after the French 75mm field gun.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz gin (or cognac for a richer flavor)
• 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 oz simple syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water)
• 3 oz Champagne (chilled)
• Lemon twist (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Fill a shaker with ice.
• Add gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
• Shake well until the mixture is chilled.
• Strain into a Champagne flute.
• Top with chilled Champagne.
• Garnish with a lemon twist.

The French 75 is light yet flavorful, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it in the heart of New Orleans or mix it up at home.

Brandy Milk Punch

Brandy Milk Punch is a beloved New Orleans cocktail. It’s a classic choice for brunch. Here’s how to make it.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces brandy
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Freshly grated nutmeg
• Crushed or cracked ice

Instructions

• Add brandy, milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract to a cocktail shaker.
• Shake well for about one minute until frothy.
• In a glass, add crushed or cracked ice.
• Strain the shaken mixture into the glass.
• Sprinkle with freshly grated nutmeg.

You can experiment with more or less sugar to suit your taste. This drink shines at New Orleans spots like Brennan’s and Commander’s Palace. Enjoy the creamy texture and rich flavor.

Pimm’s Cup

The Pimm’s Cup is a celebrated New Orleans cocktail. It’s light and refreshing. This drink has roots in London, made by James Pimm in the 1840s.

A London bar owner named James Pimm created Pimm’s No. 1. This gin-based liqueur became the foundation for the Pimm’s Cup.

In New Orleans, the Napoleon House made the Pimm’s Cup their own. They added lemonade, Seven Up, and a cucumber garnish. This twist is now iconic.

To make a Classic New Orleans-Style Pimm’s Cup, follow these steps:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
• Lemonade or lemon soda
• Ginger ale or Seven Up
• Cucumber slices, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Prep your glass: Fill a Collins glass ¾ full with ice cubes.
2. Combine ingredients: In a shaker, add cucumber slices and simple syrup, then muddle.
3. Add liquids: Pour in Pimm’s No. 1 and lemonade.
4. Shake: Shake well and strain into the glass.
5. Top off: Add ginger ale or Seven Up to fill the glass.
6. Garnish: Place cucumber slices in the glass.

Enjoy your Pimm’s Cup immediately. The cucumber garnish adds a refreshing touch. This drink is perfect for warm days.

Different versions also include fruits or herbs. Feel free to customize.

Daiquiri

A favorite in New Orleans, the Daiquiri offers a refreshing blend of flavors that speak to the city’s vibrant cocktail culture.

Classic Rum Daiquiri Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz rum
• 0.75 oz lime juice
• 0.75 oz demerara sugar syrup

Instructions:

1. Combine the lime juice and sugar syrup in a mixing tin.
2. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Add the rum and ice cubes.
4. Shake quickly and strain into a coupe glass.

Drive-Thru Daiquiri

New Orleans is known for its unique drive-thru daiquiri stands. These stands offer a variety of flavors and have become a quirky part of the city’s drinking culture.

Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 Daiquiri

This variation comes from Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, a renowned tiki bar.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 0.25 oz simple syrup

Instructions:

1. Mix the lime juice and simple syrup.
2. Add the rum and ice cubes.
3. Shake vigorously.
4. Strain into a chilled glass.

Places to Enjoy Daiquiris

• Bar Tonique: Located by Armstrong Park, this spot is known for its craft daiquiris.
• New Orleans Original Daiquiris: Enjoy a daiquiri with a view of streetcars and a ’90s alt-rock playlist.

Mint Julep

The Mint Julep is a beloved cocktail in New Orleans. Known for its refreshing taste, it’s a go-to on hot days.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 oz. bourbon
• Fresh mint sprig (for garnish)
• Crushed ice

Instructions

1. Muddle mint, sugar, and water in a cup.
2. Add bourbon. Stir gently.
3. Fill a glass with crushed ice.
4. Pour julep mix over ice.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

For a twist, you can use mint simple syrup instead. Replace the mint, sugar, and water mix with 1 oz. of mint simple syrup.

Enjoy your Mint Julep on a sunny day.

Absinthe Frappé

The Absinthe Frappé is a legendary New Orleans cocktail. It was created in the 1860s at the historic Old Absinthe House. This drink is famous for its refreshing and bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ oz absinthe or absinthe substitute
• ½ oz simple syrup
• Crushed ice
• Club soda
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with crushed ice.
2. Add the absinthe and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake well until the mixture is cold.
4. Strain the liquid into a highball glass filled with more crushed ice.
5. Top off with club soda.
6. Garnish with fresh mint leaves.

The absinthe adds a strong anise and herbal flavor. The simple syrup balances the bitterness. Meanwhile, the club soda makes the drink light and effervescent. Garnishing with mint adds a refreshing aroma.

This cocktail has historical appeal. Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and General Robert E. Lee were among its famous fans. You won’t find a more storied drink in New Orleans.

Bayou Swizzle

The Bayou Swizzle is a captivating New Orleans cocktail. Its blend of flavors makes it a unique choice.

Ingredients:

• 5 cl Bacardi Superior
• 60 cl Green Tinted Falernum
• 3 cl fresh lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients with crushed ice in a Collins glass.
2. Use a swizzlestick to combine.
3. Garnish with a cocktail cherry and lime crack.

The drink balances the sweetness of the Bacardi with the tartness of lime juice. Falernum adds depth with its spiced, citrusy notes. It’s both refreshing and complex.

Try making this at your next gathering. You’ll impress your guests with an authentic New Orleans cocktail.

Creole Bloody Mary

A Creole Bloody Mary is a spicy twist on the classic cocktail. It’s perfect for brunch or whenever you want a flavorful drink.

Ingredients

• 1 cup vodka
• 4-1/2 cups chilled tomato juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 4-6 dashes Tabasco hot sauce
• Celery salt and black pepper

Garnishes

• Celery stalks
• Lime slices
• Pickled okra
• Asparagus
• String beans

Directions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add vodka, tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.
3. Season with celery salt and black pepper.
4. Shake well to mix all ingredients.
5. Fill a glass with ice and pour the mixture into it.
6. Garnish with celery stalks, lime slices, and your choice of pickled vegetables.

You can customize your Creole Bloody Mary with different garnishes. Also, feel free to add more or less hot sauce depending on your spice preference.

This drink brings the vibrant flavors of New Orleans straight to your glass.

Grasshopper

The Grasshopper cocktail is a classic in New Orleans. It’s known for its sweet, minty flavor and vivid green color.

Ingredients

• 1 ounce crème de menthe
• 1 ounce crème de cacao
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• Ice

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and heavy cream.
3. Shake well until chilled.
4. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
5. Serve immediately.

The Grasshopper was created at Tujague’s restaurant. This place is one of the oldest in New Orleans.

The drink became popular in the 1950s. Enjoy this minty treat as a dessert cocktail.

Planter’s Punch

Planter’s Punch is a classic rum-based cocktail with roots in the Caribbean.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 1 dash Angostura bitters
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Club soda (optional)
• Mint sprig for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine rum, lime juice, simple syrup, grenadine, and bitters in a shaker.
2. Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake well.
3. Strain the mix into a highball glass filled with ice.
4. Top with club soda if desired.
5. Garnish with a mint sprig.

Planter’s Punch variations often include additional fruit juices like pineapple and orange.

Common variations:

• Pineapple juice: Adds sweetness and tropical flavors.
• Orange juice: Enhances citrus notes.
• Cherry juice: Adds color and a hint of cherry flavor.

Ingredients for a crowd:

• 8 oz pineapple juice
• 8 oz orange juice
• 4 oz grapefruit juice
• 8 oz cherry juice
• 32 oz lemon sour mix
• 4 oz grenadine

Instructions for a crowd:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large punch bowl.
2. Add ice to chill.
3. Serve in glasses filled with ice.

You can garnish with cherry and pineapple slices. This simplifies the process for large gatherings.