Louisiana is a place of many wonders, from its delicious seafood to its lively music and culture. But one of the things that truly sets Louisiana apart is its cocktail scene.
With a rich history and a diverse range of ingredients, Louisiana cocktails are some of the most unique and flavorful drinks you'll find anywhere in the world.
At the heart of Louisiana's cocktail culture is the state's love of good times and good company.
Whether you're sitting at a bar in New Orleans or enjoying a drink on a sunny afternoon in Baton Rouge, you're sure to find a friendly atmosphere and a delicious drink to match.
But what makes Louisiana cocktails so special?
For starters, the state's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico means that fresh seafood and spices are readily available, and many of the state's most popular cocktails feature these ingredients in creative and unexpected ways.
Another key factor is Louisiana's long history of French and Spanish influence.
This has led to a blending of flavors and techniques that you won't find anywhere else in the United States, resulting in cocktails that are both complex and satisfying.
So, whether you're a long-time fan of Louisiana cocktails or you're just starting to explore this exciting world of drinks, there's no better time to dive in and discover all that this amazing state has to offer.
From classic Sazeracs to refreshing Hurricanes and everything in between, Louisiana cocktails are sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
1. Pat O'Brien Hurricane Cocktail
The Pat O'Brien Hurricane Cocktail is an iconic Louisiana drink that packs a punch with its three ounces of rum and sweet fruit juices. Created in the 1940s, it's perfect for those who love tropical and fruity flavors with a kick of rum.
The hurricane lamp-shaped glass is a must for serving this drink properly and adds to the classic look. It's a must-have on your cocktail menu for a Mardi Gras party, pool party, or tiki party.
2. Hurricane Martini
The Hurricane Martini is a unique twist on the classic Hurricane cocktail from New Orleans. This sweet and fruity martini is made with light and dark rum, orange juice, grenadine, and lemon, and is garnished with an orange slice.
The Hurricane Martini is a perfect choice for those who enjoy the flavors of the Hurricane cocktail but want a more sophisticated feel. This cocktail is sure to transport you to the French Quarter with its familiar flavors. If you're looking for a Louisiana cocktail that's both fun and elegant, the Hurricane Martini is definitely worth a try.
3. Blue Hurricane
The Blue Hurricane is a Mardi Gras inspired cocktail that adds a unique twist to the famous Hurricane cocktail. It gets its blue color and sweet flavor from the blue curacao syrup made with pure cane sugar.
It's a refreshing and unique cocktail that's perfect for any celebration or when you want to add a little bit of New Orleans flavor to your drink.
4. Sazerac
The Sazerac is a classic cocktail that has been around for centuries and is the official cocktail of New Orleans. Made with Sazerac Rye, Peychaud’s Bitters, Herbsaint, a sugar cube, and a lemon peel, this cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of Louisiana.
The ritual of making the Sazerac is part of its story and tradition, making it a unique and intriguing cocktail. The use of Peychaud’s Bitters and Herbsaint give the Sazerac a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other cocktails. If you're looking for a taste of New Orleans, the Sazerac is a must-try.
5. Pimm's Cup
The Pimm's Cup is a classic New Orleans cocktail that has been around since the 1940s. This refreshing drink is made with Pimm's No. 1, lemon juice, sugar, and ginger ale. The gin-based liqueur adds a light and floral flavor to the drink, while the ginger ale and lemon juice provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
The cocktail is garnished with thin slices of cucumber, which add a refreshing and crisp element to the drink. The Pimm's Cup is a perfect summertime cocktail that will transport you to the vibrant culture of New Orleans. If you're looking for a refreshing and easy-to-make cocktail, the Pimm's Cup is definitely worth trying.
6. Hurricane
The Hurricane cocktail is a must-try for anyone visiting Louisiana. This sweet and fruity drink is made with both light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine. It is traditionally served in a tulip-shaped glass and is a great addition to any home bar.
This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweeter drink and want to experience the flavors of New Orleans. The Hurricane is a classic cocktail that is sure to transport you to the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Louisiana.
7. Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane Cocktail is a tropical drink that originated in New Orleans during the Prohibition Era. It's made with two kinds of rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine, simple syrup, and lime juice.
The cocktail is named after the Hurricane lamp-shaped glasses it was originally served in. It's a strong, fruity drink with a fascinating history and is perfect for anyone who loves a classic cocktail.
8. Vieux Cocktail
The Vieux Carré Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich and complex flavors of Louisiana. This cocktail, named after the famous French Quarter, is a blend of cognac, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, Peychaud's and angostura bitters.
Created in the 1930s by Walter Bergeron of the historic Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter in New Orleans, this cocktail is a true classic. The Vieux Carré Cocktail is a little sweet, a little bitter, and a little herby – it has everything. This is a cocktail that we absolutely loved and would highly recommend to anyone looking for a unique and delicious drink.
9. Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic cocktail that originated in New Orleans and is still a popular drink today. This frothy and creamy cocktail has a delicate balance of citrus and floral notes that make it a refreshing and easy-to-drink cocktail.
The addition of egg white gives it a frothy topping that is a signature of the drink. The cocktail requires a lot of shaking, making it a fun and interactive drink to make with friends. The Ramos Gin Fizz is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the rich cocktail history of Louisiana.
10. King Cake Daiquiri
The King Cake Daiquiri is a must-try cocktail for anyone looking to celebrate Mardi Gras in style. This refreshing drink is a twist on the classic daiquiri, with a homemade king cake simple syrup that adds a touch of sweetness and a blend of cinnamon and lemon flavors.
The cocktail is light, crisp, and perfect for sipping on a warm spring day. The rim of the glass is coated with green, yellow, and purple sanding sugars, giving it a festive look that's perfect for any Mardi Gras celebration. Overall, the King Cake Daiquiri is a fun and delicious cocktail that's sure to be a hit at any party or gathering.
11. Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake
If you're looking for a boozy and indulgent cocktail that perfectly captures the spirit of Louisiana, the Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake is a must-try. This rich and creamy drink is a mashup of two classic Louisiana treats: beignets and coffee. The cocktail is made with ice cream, vodka, and espresso liqueur, and topped with whipped cream, powdered sugar, and a beignet.
The dark chocolate frosting rim adds an extra layer of decadence to this already indulgent drink. It's the perfect way to celebrate Fat Tuesday or any occasion that calls for a sweet and boozy treat. Trust us, one sip of this cocktail and you'll be transported to the heart of New Orleans.
12. Grasshopper
The Grasshopper is a classic cocktail that hails from the French Quarter of New Orleans. It's a sinfully sweet and creamy drink that tastes like a chocolate mint milkshake. The combination of creme de menthe and creme de cacao makes it a perfect dessert drink, ideal for after dinner.
The Grasshopper has a unique creamy texture that takes the edge off the mint flavor, making it more mellow and smooth. It's a nostalgic and lovable drink that reminds you of childhood treats. Although it has fallen out of fashion, it's long overdue a revival. If you're a fan of Thin Mints or Peppermint Patties, this cocktail is definitely worth trying.
13. Sazerac Cocktail
The Sazerac Cocktail is a classic Louisiana drink that has been around since the mid-1800s. Originally made with Cognac, the recipe was later changed to Rye Whiskey due to the grape shortage caused by phylloxera. The cocktail is made with bitters, sugar, and a lemon peel, and is served in a chilled glass that has been rinsed with absinthe.
The Sazerac Cocktail is a perfect after-dinner drink, with its herbaceous and sweet flavors making it a great way to cap off a meal. For those who want to try something different, a peated Scotch variation can also be made, adding a smoky twist to the classic recipe. Overall, the Sazerac Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the flavors of Louisiana.
