New Orleans is famous for its cocktails, which are an integral part of the city’s culture and history. The city has given birth to several iconic cocktails over the years that have become staples in bars around the world. Determining the most popular cocktail in New Orleans is difficult given the sheer number of delicious drinks the city has produced. However, there are a few standout contenders that seem to be the most beloved by both locals and tourists in New Orleans.
Hurricane
The Hurricane is often cited as the most popular cocktail associated with New Orleans. It was invented in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s bar in the French Quarter and was originally served in hurricane lamp-shaped glasses. The potency of the drink led to the name Hurricane. The cocktail is made with rum, passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, and lime juice. It has a sweet and sour flavor profile that makes it very palatable and easy to drink. The Hurricane became famous during World War II when sailors on leave in New Orleans spread word of the strong drink. It remains the signature cocktail at Pat O’Brien’s to this day and is a must-try drink for all visitors. Over 50,000 Hurricanes are served annually at Pat O’Brien’s alone, which speaks to its enduring popularity in the city.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans and has deep roots in the city’s history. It was originally created in New Orleans in the 1830s and became ingrained in the city’s drinking culture over the following decades. The original Sazerac was a cocktail made with Sazerac de Forge et Fils cognac, Peychaud’s bitters, absinthe, and sugar. Modern versions substitute rye whiskey for the cognac. The Sazerac is considered by many to be the first true cocktail invented in the United States. Its creation is credited to Antoine Peychaud who served the drink at his pharmacy on Royal Street. His proprietary recipe with aromatic bitters became popular with locals and visiting businessmen. The Sazerac steadily grew as a staple New Orleans cocktail and spawned many variations over the years. Though not as famous as the Hurricane, it has a storied history in New Orleans as the city’s first signature drink.
Vieux Carré
The Vieux Carré is another historic New Orleans cocktail that was invented in the city’s famous Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone in the 1930s. It was created by bartender Walter Bergeron and the name pays homage to the city’s French roots, as Vieux Carré translates to “Old Square” referring to the French Quarter. The cocktail is made with rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, Bénédictine liqueur, Angostura bitters, and Peychaud’s bitters. It has a smooth, complex flavor profile thanks to the herbaceous liqueurs and botanical bitters. The Vieux Carré shares similarities with the Manhattan but with more aromatic herbal notes. It rose to popularity during the cocktail renaissance of the 1930s and 1940s alongside other drinks created by virtuoso New Orleans bartenders. The Vieux Carré cocktail had a revival in the 21st century as interest surged in pre-Prohibition era cocktails. Its connection to the historic Hotel Monteleone and Carousel Bar has also boosted its popularity in New Orleans.
Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is often called the original fizz cocktail. It was invented by New Orleans bartender Henry C. Ramos in the late 1800s at his bar, the Imperial Cabinet Saloon on Gravier Street. He popularized the drink and it later became a sensation when he moved to the Stag Saloon. The Ramos Gin Fizz contains gin, lemon and lime juice, simple syrup, egg white, orange flower water, and cream. It’s shaken vigorously to create its signature frothy texture. The drink took off around the turn of the 20th century after World War I veterans came home having tasted it in New Orleans. The time-consuming recipe meant bartenders couldn’t keep up with demand. It spawned the creation ofomatized shaker machines to reduce shaking time. Though labor intensive, the Ramos Gin Fizz remains a classic New Orleans cocktail that is still served around the city today. Its unique taste and presentation help cement its popularity and connection to the city.
Grasshopper
The Grasshopper cocktail was invented in New Orleans in the 1930s or 1940s. Though its exact origins are uncertain, it rose to fame at Tujague’s bar on Decatur Street. The recipe was first published in a Tujague’s cocktail booklet. It originally consisted of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream. The drink gets its name from its bright green color resembling a grasshopper. Variations started appearing with substitutions like mint ice cream and green crème de menthe. The creamy dessert-like flavor profile became a hit in New Orleans. Locals and prominent figures like former Louisiana governor Huey Long popularized the Grasshopper. It became a staple cocktail at the city’s famous restaurants and bars. Though not as historic as some other cocktails, its novelty and sweet taste helped cement it as a classic New Orleans drink.
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup isn’t native to New Orleans but this gin-based drink has become ingrained in the city’s drinking culture. It was originally invented in England in the 1840s and imported to the Napoleon House bar in New Orleans’ French Quarter in the 1970s. Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur is mixed with lemonade, ginger ale, cucumber, and mint. Bright and refreshing, the drink is a popular summer cocktail in New Orleans. The Napoleon House claims to serve over 500 Pimm’s Cups on busy days, making it one of their most ordered drinks. Part of its popularity stems from New Orleans’ hot and humid climate, where a thirst-quenching drink like the Pimm’s Cup is ideal. The cocktail’s origins may not lie in Louisiana, but it has become a go-to drink at many iconic French Quarter bars. For both tourists and locals, the Pimm’s Cup is a quintessential New Orleans cocktail.
French 75
Named after a World War I French artillery gun, the French 75 cocktail has been served in New Orleans bars since the 1940s. It often frequented New Orleans establishments like Arnaud’s Restaurant and the Caribbean Room at the Pontchartrain Hotel. The bubbly drink contains gin, lemon juice, simple syrup, and Champagne. In the 1950s and 60s, older French 75 recipes called for cognac instead of gin when brandy was more readily available in New Orleans. But the gin version ultimately became standard. The cocktail’s dry and fizzy flavor profile pairs well with the Creole and Cajun cuisine of New Orleans. It offered a refreshing, celebratory drink that gained widespread popularity across the city. Though the French 75 has its origins in Paris, the cocktail became a staple of the New Orleans bar scene for much of the 20th century and is still enjoyed today.
Brandy Milk Punch
The Brandy Milk Punch is a rich, creamy cocktail with roots in New Orleans dating back centuries. It traditionally consists of brandy, milk, vanilla, and simple syrup mixed and chilled until frothy. Custom versions sometimes include ingredients like eggs, nutmeg, or light cream. The drink has colonial origins but became popular in New Orleans in the late 19th century. The city’s French heritage made brandy-based drinks like the Milk Punch a natural fit. It could be found on the menus of fashionable Creole restaurants in the early 1900s and was considered a socially acceptable drink for women at the time. Brandy Milk Punches are still served as an indulgent after-dinner cocktail at historic New Orleans institutions like Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, and Tujague’s. Its local heritage and decadent taste help retain its popularity around the city.
Most Popular Cocktail Rankings
Based on annual sales data, here are rough rankings for the most popular cocktails specifically in New Orleans:
| Rank | Cocktail |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hurricane |
| 2 | Pimm’s Cup |
| 3 | Vieux Carré |
| 4 | Sazerac |
| 5 | Ramos Gin Fizz |
The Hurricane edges out the competition based on the high volume sold at Pat O’Brien’s bar. Over 50,000 Hurricanes are served annually just at that one establishment.
The Pimm’s Cup comes in second place based on its popularity at Napoleon House bar and widespread appeal as a hot weather cocktail.
The Vieux Carré places third given its revival in recent decades as an upscale vintage cocktail.
While the Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans, the Hurricane and Pimm’s Cup generally see higher consumption citywide based on their approachable flavors and availability. However, the Sazerac deserves credit as the original and most historic New Orleans-born cocktail.
Noteworthy Trends
Several interesting trends stand out when analyzing the most popular cocktails in New Orleans:
– Many of the most iconic cocktails were created between the late 1800s and early 1940s, which speaks to New Orleans’ history as a cocktail originator during that golden era of drinking. Drinks like the Sazerac, Ramos Gin Fizz, and Vieux Carré were innovative cocktails invented by expert New Orleans bartenders.
– Tropical/citrus flavors perform well in New Orleans. Drinks like the Hurricane and Pimm’s Cup are ideal for hot weather and pair well with local cuisines.
– Locally-sourced ingredients like Louisiana rum, cane sugar, and Louisiana citrus are sometimes utilized as a point of pride in New Orleans cocktails.
– Several cocktails were popularized when they were adopted by prominent bars and restaurants that eventually became New Orleans institutions, giving the drinks an air of prestige.
– Sweet and creamy cocktails like the Grasshopper also have a noticeable presence, offering a dessert-like indulgence.
– Brandy and rum often feature more prominently than other spirits due to French influence and Caribbean proximity.
– Cocktails with complex herbal components like absinthe, anise, and botanical bitters reflect the sophisticated tastes of discerning New Orleans drinkers.
– Nineteenth century cocktails saw renewed interest amid the classic cocktail revival of the late 1900s and early 2000s. Drinks like the Sazerac and Ramos Gin Fizz came back into vogue in New Orleans and beyond.
Conclusion
Identifying the undisputed most popular cocktail in New Orleans is challenging with such a storied and vibrant drinking culture. However, the Hurricane stands out above the rest based on its high sales numbers and approachable flavor. But drinks like the Sazerac, Vieux Carré, and Ramos Gin Fizz also deserve acclaim for their historical significance and local heritage. The Grasshopper, Pimm’s Cup, and French 75 are also beloved for their classic and indulgent flavors. New Orleans’ diversity of cocktails speaks to its melting pot heritage. The city will surely continue inventing new iconic drinks as cocktail culture remains ingrained in its identity.