3 of the Hottest Cocktails in New Orleans... And How You Can Make Them at Home

Stop number four on our cocktail road trip, and this one hardly needs an introduction. As always, we scouted the city’s newest bars and restaurants for their standout drinks — where to go, what to order, and how to build each one at home. Our next stop: New Orleans. Home of jazz, the Saints, and one of our all-time favorite cocktails, the Sazerac.

Cherry Blossom New Orleans may be known for its French beignets, but if you’re a resident (or happen to be visiting) you’d be remiss not to pay a visit to Rebellion. The Asian/Brazilian-inspired restaurant boasts a menu of empanadas, ramen, short ribs, and duck — dishes that pair perfectly with the cocktail list created by T. Cole Newton, owner of Twelve Mile Limit. Pay homage to Japanese culture by ordering up a Cherry Blossom made with sake and Cherry Heering. See recipe

Watermelon Pimm’s Cup The season has officially turned to fall, but temps are still looking toasty for The Big Easy. Take a respite from the seemingly unending heat by popping into Compère Lapin, a Caribbean haunt inside the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery. Head bartender Ricky Gomez serves up inventive creations like avocado margaritas with cinnamon syrup. However, if you’re looking to make one of these at home, we recommend his spin on the traditional Pimm’s Cup. See recipe

Champagne Cocktail Originally opened in 1946, Brennan’s closed due to bankruptcy in 2013 and reopened under new ownership at the end of last year. The Champagne House of the South is certainly no stranger to New Orleans, but given its $20-million revamp and new executive chef, we think the 69-year-old haunt has earned its place on this list. Swing by for the famous Bubbles at Brennan’s Happy Hour (they saber a Champagne bottle every Friday at 5!), or whip up your own batch of the Champagne cocktail. With bubbly, sugar, bitters, and a lemon twist, the classic recipe is quick and easy. See recipe

But Bubbles at Brennan’s isn’t the only event worth talking about. In fact, the restaurant is most famous for its Breakfast at Brennan’s prix fixe menu, featuring lavish items like baked apple crumble, corned duck hash, and crème brûlée.

Recreate the indulgence at home with a copy of the Brennan’s New Orleans Cookbook.

New Orleans has always been one of the great cocktail cities, and recreating its signature drinks at home is easier than you think. If you want the French Quarter in a single glass, start with the Vieux Carré — it’s literally named for the neighborhood. Whether you’re mixing a Sazerac for Mardi Gras or a Champagne cocktail for a casual Friday, Cocktail Builder can help you find the right recipe and figure out exactly what you need to stock your home bar.

Last modified on August 6, 2026