New Orleans is a city known for its unique culture, rich history, and spirited lifestyle. It’s no surprise that some of the world’s most famous cocktails were born here, crafted in the city’s historic bars and enjoyed by generations of locals and visitors alike. These drinks are as much a part of the city’s soul as its jazz music and Creole cuisine. Whether you’re visiting the Big Easy or just wanting to bring a taste of New Orleans into your home, these iconic cocktails are sure to transport you to the heart of the French Quarter.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is often hailed as one of the oldest known cocktails, originating in New Orleans in the 1830s. It was created by Antoine Peychaud, a Creole apothecary who served his customers a blend of cognac and his signature bitters. Over time, rye whiskey replaced the cognac, but Peychaud’s bitters remained a key component, making this drink synonymous with the city’s cocktail scene.
Recipe:
- 1 sugar cube
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- Absinthe
- Lemon peel
Muddle the sugar cube with the bitters in an Old-Fashioned glass. Add the rye whiskey and a few ice cubes, stirring well. Rinse a second glass with absinthe, discarding the excess, and strain the mixture into this glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Hurricane
Invented in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s bar, the Hurricane was initially created to use up an excess of rum during wartime. Named after the hurricane lamp-shaped glasses in which it was served, this fruity, rum-heavy cocktail quickly became a New Orleans staple. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular drinks, especially during Mardi Gras.
Recipe:Ra
- 2 oz light rum
- 2 oz dark rum
- 1 oz passion fruit juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz, originally called the New Orleans Fizz, was created by Henry C. Ramos in 1888 at his bar, the Imperial Cabinet Saloon. Known for its frothy texture, the Ramos Gin Fizz stands out for its use of egg whites and heavy cream, making it a rich, creamy cocktail with a citrusy twist. Legend has it that Ramos employed dozens of “shaker boys” to handle the labor-intensive shaking needed for the drink.
Recipe:
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 2 oz heavy cream
- 1 egg white
- 3 drops orange flower water
- Soda water
Shake all ingredients except the soda water vigorously with ice for about 1-2 minutes. Strain into a chilled glass and top with soda water.
Vieux Carré
Named after the French Quarter (or Vieux Carré, meaning “old square”), this cocktail was created in the 1930s at the Hotel Monteleone’s famous Carousel Bar. The Vieux Carré combines the flavors of whiskey, cognac, and vermouth with bitters, reflecting the city’s mix of cultures and tastes.
Recipe:
- ¾ oz rye whiskey
- ¾ oz cognac
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- 1 bar spoon Bénédictine
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Lemon twist
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Brandy Crusta
The Brandy Crusta was created in the 1850s at Joseph Santini’s bar in New Orleans. Known for its distinctive sugar-crusted rim and use of brandy, this cocktail is often considered a precursor to the modern-day Sidecar. Its citrus and brandy combination offers a refreshing yet complex flavor.
Recipe:
- 2 oz brandy
- ½ oz orange curaçao
- ½ oz fresh lemon juice
- ¼ oz maraschino liqueur
- 2 dashes Angostura Bitters
- Sugar for rimming
- Lemon peel for garnish
Rim a glass with sugar and set aside. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a long lemon peel.
Pimm’s Cup
While the Pimm’s Cup originally hails from England, it gained iconic status in New Orleans thanks to the Napoleon House, where it’s been a signature drink since the 1940s. Known for being light and refreshing, this cocktail is a perfect antidote to the city’s steamy weather and is popular during the summer months.
Recipe:
- 1½ oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 3 oz lemonade
- Club soda
- Cucumber slice, mint, lemon, and orange slices for garnish
Fill a glass with ice, add Pimm’s and lemonade, and top with club soda. Garnish with cucumber, mint, strawberry, lemon, and orange slices.
French 75
This sophisticated cocktail, named after a World War I French field gun, is a blend of gin, Champagne, and citrus, making it a staple in New Orleans’ elegant bar scene. The drink is believed to have originated at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar in the French Quarter, where it continues to be served to this day.
Recipe:
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- Champagne
- Lemon twist for garnish
Shake the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a Champagne flute and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.
These iconic cocktails offer more than just a delightful sip; they are a taste of New Orleans’ history, culture, and charm. Whether you’re savoring the complexity of a Sazerac or enjoying the light refreshment of a Pimm’s Cup, each drink tells a story of the city and its timeless appeal. So, grab a shaker, mix one up, and toast to New Orleans!
