Curious Tourist

What drinks were invented in New Orleans?

New Orleans is known for its vibrant cocktail culture, and several drinks were invented or popularized in the city. Some of the most famous and iconic New Orleans drinks include:

  1. Sazerac: The Sazerac is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is considered to be the city's first official cocktail. It is made with rye whiskey, absinthe, sugar, and Peychaud's bitters. The Sazerac was invented in the 1850s by Antoine Amedie Peychaud, a local apothecary, and it is named after the Sazerac Coffee House, which was located on Royal Street in the French Quarter.

  2. Hurricane: The Hurricane is a sweet and fruity cocktail that was popularized at Pat O'Brien's, a famous New Orleans bar. It is made with rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and grenadine. The Hurricane was first served at Pat O'Brien's during the 1940s, and it quickly became a popular drink among tourists visiting the city.

  3. Ramos Gin Fizz: The Ramos Gin Fizz is a classic New Orleans cocktail that was first created at the Imperial Cabinet Saloon in 1888 by Henry C. Ramos. It is made with gin, lemon juice, lime juice, egg white, sugar, cream, and orange flower water. The Ramos Gin Fizz is known for its light and frothy texture, and it was once considered to be one of the most popular drinks in New Orleans.

  4. Vieux Carré: The Vieux Carré is a classic cocktail that was created at the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar in the French Quarter in 1938 by Walter Bergeron, the head bartender. It is made with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine, and Peychaud's and Angostura bitters. It's named after the French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré.

  5. Pimm's Cup: Pimm's Cup is a classic New Orleans cocktail that is made with Pimm's No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, and lemon-lime soda, along with various herbs, fruits, and spices. It's a popular summer drink and is often associated with the city's horse racing tradition.

These are just a few examples of the many drinks that have been invented or popularized in New Orleans, and each drink has its own unique history and cultural influences. New Orleans is a city that is known for its love of cocktails and its rich cocktail culture.

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