In New Orleans, the holidays are an especially festive time of year. Stunning light displays, annual events and activities, traditional holiday meals and much more set the tone throughout the Crescent City. Celebrate the most wonderful time of year in the most spirited way with New Orleans' selection of craft holiday cocktails.
Devils Pay - Seaworthy
Red and white port wines, lemon and warm spices go into Seaworthy’s Devils Pay cocktail, which was curated by beverage director Ryan Anderson. First warmed and then cooled and served over ice, the Devils Pay has all the elements of a warm, holiday cocktail with a refreshing twist.
Absinthe Suissesse - the Bombay Club
A seasonal classic found only at the historic Bombay Club, the Absinthe Suissesse is a cream-based cocktail made with Lucid Absinthe and served on the rocks. Touches of nutmeg and orange flower water lighten the frothy favorite for a well-balanced craft cocktail enjoyed exclusively during the holiday season.
Brown Butter Bourbon Milk Punch - Couvant
The Eliza Jane Hotel's in house restaurant, Couvant, added their own twist on the beloved Brandy Milk Punch. The traditional brandy base is swapped out for bourbon, then cream, candied pecans, spice and brown butter added to give this rich cocktail its seasonal flavor. This is the perfect start to Couvant's Reveillon-inspired menu.
Cherry Noir - Cafe Degas
Part of their Reveillon menu, Cafe Degas is offering the Cherry Noir - a cheerful cocktail made with Cherry-flavored Grey Goose and a liqueur of macerated cherries in Kirschwasser. Pair it alongside their four-course pre-fixe holiday menu.
Twelfth Night - Carousel Bar
The Carousel Bar's Twelfth Night cocktail is just as festive and fun as the Twelfth Night holiday. Closeout Christmas and welcome carnival season with this sparkling wine and cognac cocktail found only at the Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar. Traces of fresh lime juice and agave syrup give this bubbly beverage an extra kick.
Grasshopper - Tujague's
Available year-round but especially fitting during the holiday season is Tujague's classic Grasshopper cocktail. The mint green colored cocktail is made with white and green crème de menthe, white and dark crème de cacao, heavy whipping cream and brandy. It is served straight with no ice and garnished with either fresh mint or cacao powder. Grasshoppers are best enjoyed after dinner.
Juniper Tree - Galatoire's 33 Bar and Steak
A sweet and fruity twist that is certain to bring sunshine your way this holiday season is the Juniper Tree from Galatoire's 33 Bar and Steak. This refreshing yet festive cocktail is based with Tanqueray gin and grenadine syrup then topped with lime juice, orange bitters and a lime wedge garnish.
Aged Creole Eggnog - The Rib Room
Spiked especially for the holidays is the Rib Room's Aged Creole Eggnog. Available exclusively throughout the holiday season, this signature holiday cocktail is made with house eggnog, sugar, brandy, bourbon and rum. The Aged Creole Eggnogg is then dusted with cinnamon sugar around the rim and garnished with fresh cinnamon sticks.
Heart Warmer - Vessel
The name says it all. Vessel’s seasonal Heart Warmer cocktail is made with Appleton Estate Jamaican Rum, house-made spicy cider and a touch of vanilla for the perfect combination of festive fun in a boozy beverage.
Pie on the Rocks - Bar 1908
A holiday favorite, but make it drinkable. Bar 1908’s pumpkin pie-inspired holiday cocktail is made with Espolon tequila, Aperol, lime pecan liqueur Ralph’s pumpkin spice mix making for a truly delectable libation. Don't stop there. Make sure to check out all of the deliciously international dishes and bites that the Pythian Market has to offer.
And naturally, because this is New Orleans, the spirited fun doesn’t stop there. Check out even more holiday cocktails here. Or you can learn how to whip up your own holiday cocktails at home, courtesy of this video recipe from Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar below.