DISCOVER: COCKTAIL BARS

New Orleans has always had an affinity for cocktails; the Sazerac and the Ramos Gin Fizz were created here. While New Orleans wasn’t at the forefront of the current cocktail craze, the addition of several new cocktail bars, as well as mixologists at some of the best restaurants and hotels, have helped us catch up quick.

My personal exposure to cocktails (beyond cosmopolitans and martinis) was during a visit to New York several years ago. After I volunteered at Tales of the Cocktail last summer, I was hooked. Luckily, I did not have to look far to feed my cocktail addiction.

If you want to experience the cocktail culture in New Orleans, check out these three:

Cure

Cure is a beautiful, sleek bar located on Freret Street. Cure somehow pulls off being modern yet warm at the same time. Cure also has a courtyard, one that will make you forget that you are on Freret Street.

Cure is not the bar that you want to visit if you want Grey Goose L’Orange (or any flavored vodka for that matter). They don’t have it. Cure serves well crafted cocktails. Beyond the cocktails on the menu, the bartenders are capable of making any classic cocktail, in precise fashion. If the choice is overwhelming, the bartenders can help you find a cocktail based on your taste. I have always had attentive service, even late at night when the bar is busy. If you want to engage the bartender in questions regarding cocktails or liquors, I suggest you go early or during the week. Also, if you want to experience Cure’s cocktails at a discounted price, visit during happy hour. Cure features several classic cocktails for $5, from 5-7 PM daily.

Cure changes its cocktail menu seasonally. The current menu, however, is sort of a “greatest hits.” It features some of the more popular cocktails from previous menus. My current favorite concoction is the Nervous Light of Sunday, consisting of Tanqueray Gin, lemon, Luxardo, grapefruit bitters, and grapefruit peel, served over ice. It is very refreshing. Whether your preference is cocktails with modern flair or the classics, Cure is the premier cocktail destination in the city.

Bar Tonique

Bar Tonique is a little bar tucked away at the back of the Quarter, on Rampart Street. Even though elements of the décor are modern, it seems well-suited to the neighborhood; maybe it is the dark, exposed brick and chalkboard menus that make Bar Tonique seem more rustic than fancy? It definitely has a laid back, casual vibe.

Bar Tonique specializes in using quality ingredients such as fresh squeezed juices and house-made tonic water and ginger beer. On my last visit, the bartender discussed the several different types of house-made simple syrups and when/why you would use each one. Some people may find Bar Tonique’s menu easier to negotiate as it is inclusive of many classic cocktails (with a few updated versions). This summer I have enjoyed a Blanche Dubois on several occasions, a delightful combination of strawberries, mint, Death's Door Gin, Senor Curacao, house-made orgeat, and lemon juice. If you are not a diehard cocktail fan, never fear— Bar Tonique carries an eclectic selection of wine and beer.

One of my favorite things about Bar Tonique is the daily special, for example Thursday features half-price cairpirinhas. Earlier this summer on a Friday, I enjoyed several servings of a $5 punch, a version of a pisco punch made with pineapple. Not only was it delicious, but it was also a great way to try something I normally wouldn’t. If you are a cocktail lover in or near the French Quarter, you need to head to Bar Tonique.

loa

If you want to have a great drink in a beautiful setting, then loa is for you. loa is located in the International House Hotel in the CBD. loa’s elegant décor consists of ample upholstered seating and more candles than you can count. It is the presence of so many candles that make it seem serene, even when the bar is crowded.

loa’s drink selection highlights the finest fresh ingredients; loa uses local, seasonal, and organic produce when available. Each month there are typically two special drinks, featuring fruit at the peak of its season. loa’s bartenders have also created a list of signature cocktails. My favorite cocktail is the Cheval, a tall and refreshing combination of Belvedere Vodka, muddled cucumber, lime, and ginger beer. I have probably not explored loa’s cocktail menu enough, as there are many that sound tempting, but the Cheval is already a favorite. Additionally, loa’s menu includes lighter cocktails, mocktails (yes, mocktails!) and an extensive list of traditional, classic, and modern cocktails.

This summer, loa has celebrated with Summer Sessions, a happy hour each Friday featuring a new interesting cocktail and a DJ. While the Winter Sessions won’t begin until November, there will be plenty of events in the meantime. On Saturday, September 11, don your white attire and head to loa for Barry White’s Birthday Celebration, complete with passed specialty cocktails, petit fours and a champagne toast before midnight. Sounds like fun! No matter the occasion, if you enjoy quality cocktails served in an upscale setting, be sure to visit loa.