Refreshing Summer Cocktails

New Orleans embraces frozen cocktails with unparalleled enthusiasm. In the French Quarter, Manolito crafts artisanal frozen daiquiris that transcend the drive-through variety, providing perfect refreshment before French Market explorations. The historic Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop—America's oldest bar—serves their legendary purple "Voodoo Daiquiri" in an atmospheric setting. Uptown near Oak Street, Bourrée combines fresh fruit daiquiris with savory bites, creating an elevated frozen experience.

The blush-colored frozen delight has become synonymous with summer sophistication. At Willa Jean in the Arts/Warehouse District, their expertly crafted frosé provides the perfect companion as you explore the nearby Julia Street galleries. When sunset calls, Wrong Iron  and Bayou Beer Garden beside Bayou St. John offer the ideal backdrop for this photogenic pink concoction. More of an orange wine girlie? Check out the frozen orange wine at Really Really Nice Wines–a hip hybrid wine shop and bar located along Magazine Street–it's perfect for taking to go as you stroll along.

When caffeine and cooling refreshment must coexist, New Orleans delivers with frozen Irish coffee. Two French Quarter institutions—Molly's at the Market and Erin Rose—have perfected these boozy, caffeinated delights. Pair with morning beignets for an authentically indulgent New Orleans breakfast experience that balances sweetness with, well, sweetness!

The quintessential Southern refresher—bourbon, mint, simple syrup, and crushed ice—creates magic in a metal cup. Place your bets at Fairgrounds Race Course & Slots in Mid-City where juleps and thoroughbreds form a timeless pairing. For a truly iconic experience, the revolving Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone offers juleps with a side of whimsy. Along Freret Street, Cure elevates this classic with meticulous attention to detail alongside their impressive culinary offerings.

This British import (bit refreshing, innit?) found its American home at the historic Napoleon House in the French Quarter, where it's been perfected over generations. Their signature combination of Pimm's #1, lemonade, 7-Up, and cucumber represents New Orleans summer in a glass. For comparison, visit the stately Columns Hotel on St. Charles Avenue or the converted church setting of The Elysian Bar in the Marigny, where each establishment offers their distinctive interpretation. 

The bright, citrus-forward combination of tequila, grapefruit, and lime creates an instant summer classic. Enjoy panoramic views with Hot Tin's elevated "Second Line Spritz" atop the Pontchartrain Hotel. For traditionalists, Barracuda and Val's pair classic Palomas with exceptional tacos. Perhaps the ultimate summer indulgence awaits at The Country Club, where poolside Palomas define leisure in the Bywater. Looking for even more agave-based libations? Check out the pool bar at The Chloe–it's a tequila-and-mezcal-lover's paradise back there. 

Speaking of tequila...the versatile margarita thrives throughout New Orleans in both frozen and rocks variations. Palm & Pine and El Gato Negro represent the French Quarter's finest takes on this agave classic. Throughout the city, innovative versions await, including soft serve margaritas at Felipe's Mid-City and Superior Grill.

This effervescent combination of cognac, lemon, sugar, and champagne sparkles at Arnaud's French 75 Bar, where the James Beard Award-winning establishment honors its namesake cocktail with unmatched precision. For a contemporary perspective, Jewel of the South's version served in their enchanting Creole cottage setting offers a brilliant reinterpretation of this classic cocktail. 

Mint, lime, rum, and soda create the perfect summer symphony in this Cuban classic. Magazine Street offers a mojito corridor with Baru's tapas pairing and St. Joe's famous blueberry variation. Superior Seafood's frozen pomegranate mojito complements their oyster selection, while Maïs Arepas serves both traditional and fruit-infused versions alongside Colombian cuisine.

Though traditionally associated with climate-controlled environments, summer-friendly martinis flourish in New Orleans. Monday Restaurant + Bar's hibiscus martini introduces floral notes to this classic. Sake Café presents fruit-forward "tinis" in various flavors. For elegant surroundings, Chandelier Bar at Four Seasons and Fives Bar nestled in Jackson Square elevate the martini experience with panoramic views and seafood pairings. See here for our roundup of the best martinis in the city.

Rum-forward concoctions transport imbibers to imaginary islands without leaving the city.  Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29 offers the definitive tiki experience from one of the movement's leading historians. Cane & Table combines Caribbean culinary traditions with exceptional rum cocktails. The Rum House not only offers great tacos, but great Caribbean cocktails that will make you feel like you're on island time.

New Orleans' craft brewing scene provides essential summer refreshment beyond spirits. Urban South's family-friendly taproom welcomes visitors daily with innovative seasonal offerings. Those in the Bywater flock to Parleaux Beer Lab while Second Line Brewing provides the perfect provisions before a day at City Park.