New Orleans, a city synonymous with vibrant culture, lively music, and culinary delights, is a treasure trove of unique cocktails. New Orleans’ cocktail scene is as diverse as its heritage, from the classic Sazerac to innovative creations that blend local flavors with international inspiration. In this edition of our travel series, we venture into the heart of the Big Easy to uncover three cocktails from some of the city’s newest hotspots. Here’s how you can recreate these drinks at home, infusing your cocktail hour with a New Orleans flair.
Cherry Blossom at Rebellion
Rebellion, blending Asian and Brazilian influences, presents a menu that complements its innovative cocktail list. The Cherry Blossom, crafted by the talented T. Cole Newton, is a testament to the establishment’s creative approach to mixology.
- Ingredients: Sake, Cherry Heering liqueur
- Preparation: Combine 2 parts sake with 1 part Cherry Heering liqueur in a shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist to pay homage to the cocktail’s Japanese inspiration.
Recipe:
- 2 oz of Sake
- 1 1/2 oz of Heering Cherry Liqueur (or cherry liqueur)
- 1/2 oz of orange liqueur
- 1/2 oz of Lemon Juice
- 1/2 oz of Grenadine
- lemon peel
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Watermelon Pimm’s Cup at Compère Lapin
In the warmth of New Orleans, the Watermelon Pimm’s Cup offers a refreshing escape. This modern twist on the classic Pimm’s Cup served at Compère Lapin incorporates the sweetness of watermelon to complement the establishment’s Caribbean vibes.
- Ingredients: Pimm’s No. 1, fresh watermelon juice, lemon juice, simple syrup, ginger ale
- Preparation: Mix 1 part Pimm’s No. 1 with 2 parts watermelon juice in a tall glass filled with ice. Add a splash of lemon juice and a dash of simple syrup to taste. Top with ginger ale and stir gently. Garnish with a slice of watermelon or a sprig of mint for a refreshing finish.
Recipe:
Puree a medium-sized watermelon in a food processor and strain enough to equal one cup of juice. Heat the sugar and watermelon juice in a small saucepan until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat. (The mixture can be kept in the refrigerator for a few weeks.) Add Pimm’s lemon and 1 ounce of watermelon syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice and top with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda. Garnish with cucumber slices.
Champagne Cocktail at Brennan’s
Brennan’s, a name that resonates with tradition and elegance in New Orleans, offers a Champagne Cocktail that epitomizes sophistication. This drink is perfect for those looking to indulge in the luxury of Brennan’s from the comfort of their own home.
- Ingredients: Champagne, a sugar cube, Angostura bitters, lemon twist
- Preparation: Place a sugar cube in a Champagne flute and saturate it with a few dashes of Angostura bitters. Fill the flute with Champagne and gently stir to combine. Garnish with a lemon twist for a classic touch.
Recipe:
Hold the sugar cube over the opening of the bottle of Angostura bitters. Invert the bottle so that the bitters are directly soaked into the sugar. Drop the cube into a chilled champagne flute. Fill the glass with your favorite sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist.
These recipes allow you to bring a piece of New Orleans into your home, whether you’re yearning for the exotic flavors of Rebellion, the refreshing twist of Compère Lapin, or the timeless elegance of Brennan’s. Each cocktail offers a unique way to experience Brennan’ sary creativity and the spirited ambiance of the Big Easy. So, gather your ingredients, channel your inner bartender, and let the good times roll with these New Orleans-inspired cocktails.