Libations for Locals: Sparkle Everyday!
Why save the good stuff for the holidays? Stay bubbly with Champagne cocktails long after the tree comes down and the ball has dropped.
Bar Frances
One of the newest wine hubs and restaurants located on bustling Freret Street, Bar Frances is quickly becoming a local hot spot for American bistro fare and natural wines. Owned and operated by PJ Rosenberg and Mark Latter, Bar Frances offers an airy, casual environment where visitors can munch on pork rillette, ratatouille toast or a ham and gruyere sandwich — all while sipping wine or carefully curated cocktails from bartender Craig Seaman. Taste The Slice of Life, made with grapefruit juice, Punt e Mes Italian vermouth, dry curaçao and sparkling wine. 4525 Freret St., (504) 371-5043, barfrances.com
Patois
Located on the corner of Laurel and Webster streets Uptown, Patois is a cozy neighborhood restaurant owned and operated by talented local chef Aaron Burgau. The dishes at Patois are a delightful amalgam of French bistro fare with New Orleans flavor, and the cocktails are no different. Step up to the bar and get your bubbly on with their latest concoction, Sipping Your ABCs, created with allspice dram, brandy and Champagne. 6078 Laurel St., (504) 895-9441, patoisnola.com
Pearl Wine Co.
Found in the American Can Building space that once housed Cork & Bottle, Pearl Wine Co. opened a couple of years ago with a particular focus on California wines. Owner Leora Madden also took over the bar next door and offers weekly specials like manicures and massages on Mondays, free wine tastings, $5 glasses on Wednesday nights and live music. Stop in for your weekly sparkle with a Besk & Bubbles cocktail made with Letherbee Besk, Hellfire Bitters, lemon juice, simple syrup and topped off with Montmartre sparkling wine and a grapefruit twist. 3700 Orleans Ave., (504) 483-6314, pearlwineco.com
The Roost at Brennan’s
For over 70 years, Brennan’s pink building has been a dining destination in the historic French Quarter for both locals and tourists. After the recent renovations and the appointment of James Beard Award finalist, Executive Chef Slade Rushing and bartender extraordinaire Lu Brow, this classic restaurant has definitely upped its gastronomic game. At The Roost, Brennan’s stylish bar, diners can enjoy their Bubbles at Brennan’s happy hour from 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, featuring several sparkling sippers. Try the Rooster Royale, concocted with house made citrus liquor, cranberry juice and sparkling wine or a Pomegranate Cooler, made with cinnamon-infused pomegranate liqueur, triple sec and sparkling wine. 417 Royal St., (504) 525-9711, brennansneworleans.com