New Orleans is famous for its vibrant music scene, lively nightlife, and delicious cuisine. However, the city is also known for its unique and flavorful drinks. From classic cocktails to local favorites, New Orleans has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most famous New Orleans drinks and teach you how to mix them like a pro.
New Orleans is a city known for its lively music, distinctive cuisine, and of course, its iconic drinks. Whether it’s a Sazerac or a Hurricane, there are plenty of famous cocktails associated with the city. In this article, we’ll explore some of New Orleans’ most well-known drinks and provide instructions on how to mix them up yourself. So grab a shaker and get ready to experience a taste of the Big Easy.
Classic Cocktails
Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is considered by many to be the first cocktail ever created. It is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube. To make a Sazerac, start by chilling an old-fashioned glass. Next, in another glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. Add ice, rye whiskey, and stir. Rinse the chilled glass with absinthe and strain the cocktail into it. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a frothy and refreshing cocktail that was invented in New Orleans in 1888. It is made with gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg white, cream, sugar, and orange flower water. To make a Ramos Gin Fizz, combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a glass and top with soda water. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Hurricane
The Hurricane is a sweet and fruity cocktail that was created in New Orleans in the 1940s. It is made with rum, passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, and grenadine. To make a Hurricane, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice and garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Local Favorites
Pimm’s Cup
While not exclusive to New Orleans, the Pimm’s Cup is a favorite in the city, particularly during the hot summer months. It is made with Pimm’s No. 1, lemonade, and ginger ale, and is served over ice with a cucumber slice. To make a Pimm’s Cup, fill a glass with ice and add one part Pimm’s No. 1, two parts lemonade, and two parts ginger ale. Stir and garnish with a cucumber slice.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper is a sweet and creamy cocktail that was invented in New Orleans in 1918. It is made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. To make a Grasshopper, combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake vigorously. Strain the mixture into a glass and garnish with a mint leaf.
Local Beers
Abita Beer
Abita is a local brewery that produces a variety of beers, including Amber, Purple Haze, and Turbo Dog. The Amber is a classic lager with a smooth and crisp finish, while the Purple Haze is a fruity beer made with raspberries. The Turbo Dog is a dark beer with a rich and malty flavor.
Dixie Beer
Dixie Beer is another local brewery that produces a variety of beers, including Dixie Lager, Blackened Voodoo, and Jazz. The Dixie Lager is a light and refreshing beer, while the Blackened Voodoo is a dark beer with a smoky flavor. The Jazz is a seasonal beer that is only available during the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
FAQs for Famous New Orleans Drinks and How to Mix ‘Em
What are some famous New Orleans drinks?
New Orleans is famous for its cocktails, and some of the most popular ones include the Sazerac, the Hurricane, the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Vieux Carré, the French 75, and the Grasshopper. Each of these cocktails has a unique flavor and history that reflects New Orleans’ cultural heritage.
How do I make a Sazerac?
To make a Sazerac, you need rye whiskey, absinthe, Peychaud’s bitters, and a sugar cube. Start by chilling an Old Fashioned glass with ice water. In a separate mixing glass, muddle the sugar cube and a few dashes of Peychaud’s bitters. Add ice and 2 oz of rye whiskey to the mixing glass and stir to combine. Discard the ice water from the Old Fashioned glass and rinse it with absinthe. Strain the cocktail into the absinthe-rinsed glass and garnish with a lemon twist.
What goes into a Hurricane?
A Hurricane is a sweet, fruity cocktail made with light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, orange juice, and lime juice. To make a Hurricane, combine 2 oz of light rum, 2 oz of dark rum, 1 oz of passion fruit syrup, 2 oz of orange juice, and 1 oz of lime juice in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a Hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
How do I mix a Ramos Gin Fizz?
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a creamy, citrusy cocktail made with gin, cream, egg white, lemon, lime, sugar, and orange flower water. To make a Ramos Gin Fizz, combine 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of heavy cream, 1 oz of simple syrup, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, 1 egg white, and a few drops of orange flower water in a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously to emulsify the ingredients. Add ice to the shaker and shake again until well-chilled. Strain the cocktail into a tall glass, top with club soda and garnish with a lemon twist.
What is in a Vieux Carré?
The Vieux Carré is a cognac-based cocktail that combines rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud’s bitters, and Angostura bitters. To make a Vieux Carré, combine 3/4 oz of cognac, 3/4 oz of rye whiskey, 3/4 oz of sweet vermouth, 1/2 oz of Bénédictine, and a few dashes each of Peychaud’s and Angostura bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice. Stir to chill and strain into an Old Fashioned glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
How do I mix a French 75?
The French 75 is a sparkling cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and champagne. To make a French 75, combine 2 oz of gin, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a champagne flute. Top with chilled champagne and garnish with a lemon twist.
What is in a Grasshopper?
A Grasshopper is a minty, creamy dessert cocktail made with crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. To make a Grasshopper, combine equal parts (usually 1 oz each) of crème de menthe, white crème de cacao, and heavy cream in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a sprig of mint.