Cocktail Cures
Celebrate the holiday spirit in style at some of the most elegant cocktail lounges in the Crescent City.
The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans
Located inside The Roosevelt, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, The Sazerac Bar is the epitome of luxury and elegance. One can’t help but feel pampered, while lounging in the lushly upholstered barrel chairs or perched at the sleek African-walnut bar. Colorful murals by local artist Paul Ninas grace the walls, and images of a bygone era etched in the mirror behind the bar set the mood — as you sip on classic cocktails, and absorb the convergence of New Orleans’ infamous history and its promising future in one spirited evening. Go vintage with Huey P. Long’s favorite Ramos Gin Fizz, or try the Bywater Detour (a current concoction of Sorel hibiscus liqueur, pimento bitters and Gosling’s Ginger Beer). 130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200, therooseveltneworleans.com
The Carousel Bar & Lounge at the Hotel Monteleone
Spinning since 1949, the Carousel Bar has long been a spirited attraction for both locals and visitors alike. After all, who can resist taking a ride on the city’s only revolving bar? It takes a quarter of an hour to make one revolution — plenty of time to take in your surroundings. Gaze through tall windows looking out onto Royal Street, while perched atop one of the 25 hand-painted bar stools that are part of this glorious merry-go-round. About four years ago, the Hotel Monteleone underwent an extensive renovation, which included the addition of a luxurious lounge area to the bar, plus antiqued mirrors and a new pewter top to the bar. Enjoy live music every weekend from local musicians, like songbird Robin Barnes, Luther Kent and Amanda Ducorbier’s Jazz Band. 214 Royal St., (504) 523-3341, hotelmonteleone.com
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar
Though it started its life as a “gentlemen only area,” Arnaud’s French 75 Bar has become one of the most highly sought out drinking establishments in New Orleans. It’s a place where you can sidle up to the century-old bar or lounge in well-upholstered chairs, while catching secret glimpses of fellow patrons unaware of their reflections in the mirrored wainscoting. With expert bartender Chris Hannah behind the stick, cocktail connoisseurs from around the globe flock to taste one of his exquisite concoctions. Try the bar’s eponymous French 75 with Courvoisier VS and Champagne, or sip from an Oaxacan Village, featuring Tequila Cabeza, mezcal and pineapple gum. 813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433, arnaudsrestaurant.com
The Victorian Lounge at The Columns Hotel
Although it’s typical for visitors to want to score a table on the porch of the Columns Hotel, a prized vantage upon which to sip on a Mint Julep and watch the St. Charles Streetcar rumble by, a seat inside The Victorian Lounge is equally luxurious. Built by one of the city’s greatest architects Thomas Sully, The Columns Hotel was originally a single-family residence designed in the Italianate style, which was popular during that era. The Victory Lounge itself stands as a unique piece of architectural history, featuring a 15-foot coffered coved ceiling, carved wooden walls and a 12-foot solid wood door, all made from rich mahogany. There couldn’t be a spot more suited to tasting the classics, so, as you gaze in awe at the majestic grandeur that surrounds you, make sure you have a Sazerac or a sweet Old Fashioned in hand to keep you grounded. 3811 St. Charles Ave., (504) 899-9308, thecolumns.com