New Orleans is the birthplace of cocktails and has given rise to innovations such as the cocktail to-go cup, drive-thru bars, and iconic drinks like the Hurricane, Grasshopper, and Sazerac. As the only city in the U.S. where public drinking on the street is allowed, its cocktail culture is profoundly entrenched. Below are some must-try cocktails for enthusiasts visiting New Orleans, each offering a taste of the local culture.
The Sazerac
Originally, this crisp and refreshing drink was created in the 1840s by London bartender James Pimm, who developed its secret recipe. By the 1940s, the owner of Napoleon House in the French Quarter of New Orleans refined the recipe of Pimm’s Cup by adding lemonade, 7-Up, and cucumber slices, infusing it with a distinct New Orleans flavor – and ever since, it has remained a standout among the city’s representative cocktails. This beverage is especially popular in New Orleans, particularly during the hot summer months. With gin as its base and very low alcohol content, it has a lighter taste that appeals to everyone.
In a historic city like New Orleans, enjoying cocktails is an absolute must – not just for living in the moment, but also for toasting to the old times engraved in history. While savoring New Orleans’ signature cocktails, don’t forget to raise a glass to the past as well.
About the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation
The New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation is a nationally certified destination marketing organization with over 1,100 members. It is also the largest and most successful private economic development organization in Louisiana. Headquartered in New Orleans, it has offices in Chicago, Columbia (South Carolina), Washington D.C., China, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, and Brazil. Through direct sales, marketing, public relations, branding, visitor services, and local promotional campaigns, it influences decision-makers and travelers in collaboration with its members and partners. As one of the top five destination marketing organizations in the nation, the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation celebrated its 58th anniversary in 2018.
For more detailed information, please visit Neworleans.com/about