As a drinking destination, New Orleans punches far above its weight. The Big Easy is the birthplace of some of the cocktail world’s most venerated classics, like the Ramos Gin Fizz, the Sazerac and the Vieux Carré. But it is also home to lesser-known local obscurities (no less worthy of celebration) like the Roffignac and Brandy Crusta, alongside homegrown party starters like the Hurricane and a neverending onslaught of frozen Daiquiris available around the clock from the city’s innumerable slushy machines. That is to say, the city has more to offer beyond its historic contributions to the cocktail canon. With equal reverence for drinking traditions of every ilk—from the frills-free delight of a frozen Irish Coffee dispensed into a plastic cup to the theatrical and incendiary performance of Café Brûlot and everything in between, New Orleans can truly do it all. Just be sure to pace yourself: A weekend in the Crescent City is a test of endurance for even the most seasoned drinkers.
New Orleans
Where to drink in
With only a limited time in the city, here are the can’t-miss places to drink.
Around the corner on Grand Street, Fresh Kills (from Richie Boccato) has been quietly serving some of the best cocktails in Brooklyn for nearly a decade.
NOTABLE AND NEARBY
• When outdoor seating is available, the wisteria-draped garden (book ahead on Resy) might fool you into thinking you’re somewhere between Louisiana and Provence.
• While Maison excels at the A-list classics, look closely and you’ll find lovingly executed takes on B-side hits, like the Yellow Parrot and the Obituary, that make the case for revival.
NICE TO KNOW
Where to drink in