New Orleans Cocktail Recipes You NEED to Make

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There’s something special about New Orleans cocktails that you just can’t find anywhere else. The best part about classic New Orleans drinks is that you don’t need to book a flight to enjoy them. Most of these cocktails were created by bartenders who understood that great drinks should be approachable, not intimidating.

New Orleans Cocktail Recipes

Whiskey and Bourbon Cocktails


From classic Sazerac and Mint Julep to a bourbon twist on the traditional Brandy Milk Punch, these New Orleans cocktails highlight the bold flavors of whiskey and bourbon. These bourbon cocktails bring just the right mix of tradition and fun. Don’t miss the Carnival Queen, a fresh and playful addition that fits right in with the city’s festive spirit.

preparing the perfect sazerac cocktail

How to Prepare the Perfect Sazerac Cocktail, the Official Cocktail of New Orleans – Sazerac House

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Vieux Carre Cocktail

The Vieux Carre is a classic New Orleans cocktail named after the historic French Quarter.

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps

Sweet Tea Mint Juleps are a wonderful blend of two Southern drinks. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon on the front porch.

Sweet and Bubbly Carnival Queen Mardi Gras Cocktail

One of the biggest parties of the year is Mardi Gras. It’s sort of the last hurrah before we go into Lent and the Easter season. We all know Mardi Gras goes on and on,

Milk Punch (Potent New Orleans Cocktail)

Learn how to make a Milk Punch cocktail. The pleasantly potent New Orleans cocktail is creamy, dreamy and delicious.


Rum Cocktails


When it comes to rum cocktails in New Orleans, the Hurricane is the star of the show. From a version that claims to follow Pat O’Brien’s original recipe to a lighter, skinny Hurricane that’s perfect for pacing yourself, these New Orleans cocktails deliver big flavor.

Classic Rum Daiquiri Cocktail | New Orleans

You’ll find two types of daiquiris in New Orleans – the brightly colored frozen ones popular in daiquiri shops and the classic Cuban variety beloved by Ernest Hemingway. Here is a recipe for a classic, Hemingway-style daiquiri with rum, lime juice and sugar.

New Orleans Signature Drink Recipe: Hurricane – New Orleans & Company

A French Quarter classic that is sure to satisfy, a Hurricane is the perfect drink for a day in New Orleans. Learn to make your own with New Orleans & Company.

Hurricane Cocktail

Hurricane cocktail is a staple of New Orleans and perfect to sip on for Mardi Gras. Made with light rum, dark rum, and passion fruit juice topped with a cherry and slice of orange. Add this drink to your Fat Tuesday list.

Skinny Hurricane Cocktail

This Skinny Hurricane Cocktail is a healthier version of the classic Mardi Gras drink is filled with orange and cranberry juice and finished with light rum for a refreshing cocktail!

The Original Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktail

A hurricane cocktail recipe from legendary Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans. And how to adapt it using different but authentic ingredients.


Champagne and Wine Cocktails

When it comes to New Orleans cocktails, champagne, and wine-based drinks bring a touch of elegance to the city’s bold flavor traditions. Classics like the French 75 offer a sparkling blend of gin, lemon, and champagne that’s perfect for brunch or a festive evening out. Mimosas are a staple at New Orleans brunch spots, often served with a local twist using fresh juices or seasonal fruit.

Hurricane Mimosas

Hurricane Mimosas- this combination of two cocktail favorites is perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras. A delicious rum drink.

French 75 Cocktail Recipe

This French 75 cocktail recipe is festive, easy to make, and elegant. Plus – Bubbles!!! A sparkling cocktail always helps to make your party sparkle! #cocktail #french75 #sparklingcocktail

Stormy Morning

Creme de violette and elderflower liqueur give this cocktail a dramatic appearance and light, floral flavor—a topping of Champange creates its effervescence.

Gin Cocktails

Even if you’re not usually a gin fan, New Orleans gin cocktails like the classic Gin Fizz might just change your mind. Known for their light, frothy texture and citrusy flavor, these drinks are refreshing and full of character.

Ramos Gin Fizz

Henry C. Ramos invented the labor-necessary Gin Fizz back in 1888 and sold the rights to The Roosevelt Hotel, where you can still enjoy one today.

New Orleans Inspired Cocktail Recipe: Blackberry Gin Soda – Farmhouse 1820

New Orleans is known for its delicious food and cocktail scene. Blackberry Gin Soda is a New Orleans inspired cocktail recipe that’s amazing!


Vodka Cocktails

Vodka cocktails are a staple in New Orleans, especially when it comes to bold, flavorful drinks like the Bloody Mary. Whether you’re a fan of the classic version or looking for creative twists, this list of New Orleans vodka cocktails has something for every taste. Perfect for brunch, parties, or anytime you want a refreshing drink with a kick.

Creole Bloody Mary

Who makes the best Bloody Mary in New Orleans? The answer depends on how spicy you like it and how you like it dressed.

Southern Porch Sipper with Absolut Apeach

Looking for a great southern cocktail? Check out this summer style series with Absolute Apeach!

Cajun Bloody Mary

For this drink, we’ve adapted a recipe from the restaurant Cochon in New Orleans.

Bloody Mary Mix

This is the BEST Bloody Mary Mix! It mixes up fast and easy and makes a huge pitcher for the best Bloody Marys.  It only has a few ingredients for the perfect level of spice! When you are looking for brunch drinks, look no further!

Homemade Bloody Mary Mix Recipe – The Art of Food and Wine

Homemade Bloody Mary Mix is a quick and easy recipe. It makes the perfect weekend drink and you can adjust the spiciness to your taste.


Brandy Cocktails

Brandy Milk Punch is a classic New Orleans cocktail that has long been a favorite at brunch and holiday gatherings. Rich, creamy, and lightly spiced, it’s a comforting drink with deep roots in the city’s cocktail tradition. From traditional recipes to creative variations, these brandy cocktails showcase just how versatile and delicious this New Orleans favorite can be.

Brandy Alexander

The Brandy Alexander is a classic dessert cocktail. Made with dark creme de cacao, brandy, and heavy cream, it is creamy, boozy, and sweet.

New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch

New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch recipe! This delicious cocktail brings together milk and cream with brandy, vanilla, and powdered sugar.

Brandy Milk Punch – Classic New Orleans Cocktail

A classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch recipe great for Mardi Gras celebrations, a brunch cocktail or a hair-of-the dog cocktail.

Café Brulot Diabolique – New Orleans Cocktails

Stop by one of the places that specializes in “Devilishly Burned Coffee” or try our recipe with a fire extinguisher handy.


Mardi Gras Cocktails


Mardi Gras cocktails are all about fun, flavor, and festive flair, inspired by the colors and sweetness of king cake, as well as the spirit of celebration. From colorful layered drinks to cocktails featuring cinnamon, vanilla, and fruity notes, these recipes bring the energy of Mardi Gras straight to your glass. Whether you’re hosting a party or just getting into the carnival mood, these New Orleans-inspired drinks are perfect for the occasion.

January Cocktail: King Cake Milk Punch! – Milk Punch Media

Carnival Season is not for the faint of heart. It’s mind boggling, but in New Orleans, you have exactly five…

King Cake Martini

Cheers to the Carnival season and this King Cake Martini! What better way to celebrate Mardi Gras than by sipping on a martini that tastes like KING CAKE?

Mardi Gras Jello Shots

Mardi Gras Jello Shots layered with island pineapple and layers of sweetened condensed milk. Make the jello shots with or without rum. Great for Fat Tuesday celebrations.

King Cake Jello Shots

Mardi Gras starts this Tuesday! So before you go giving up anything for Lent, why not partake in some indulgent jello shots. Modeled after the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake, these tiny, crown-sh…

Celebrating Mardi Gras {King Cake Cocktails}

Happy Mardi Gras, y’all! At long last, I finally got my hands on a bottle of King Cake vodka on our trip to New Orleans last Mardi Gras! Honey and I tried out two festive cocktails over the l…

King Cake Rum Shake

Celebrating all things King Cake for Mardi Gras with this delicious Rum Shake. We are having a pre- Mardi Gras celebration with a fabulously flavored Rum Shake cocktail. After spending a week in New Orleans a couple weeks ago, I was inspired to make a delicious libation combining two Mardi Gras traditions into one glass: …

King Cake Cocktail

Enjoy the lush flavors of Mardi Gras with this decadent King Cake cocktail which takes its flavor from the very same dessert!

King Cake Jello Shots

Jelly shots as colorful as the Mardi Gras flag.

Mardi Gras Punch Recipe

Try our festive Mardi Grad Punch recipe for Fat Tuesday! It’s made with King Cake Soda and hibiscus syrup. This punch recipe can be made with or without alcohol.

Mardi Gras Martini Recipe

Celebrate Fat Tuesday any day by following this fun Mardi Gras Martini recipe! Laissez les bon temps rouler!


More New Orleans Cocktails

There are plenty of cocktails that were either born in New Orleans or inspired by its rich cocktail culture. Drinks like the Grasshopper, which originated in the French Quarter, showcase the city’s love for creamy, flavorful creations.

Grasshopper

A Grasshopper cocktail is the perfect ice cream drink you’ve been looking for. This minty cocktail is the dessert cocktail you need to try.

Roffignac

The Sazerac and the Ramos gin fizz may be better known, but the Roffignac, named for New Orleans’ last French mayor, is the city’s finest liquid secret.

Pimms Cup

In the 1940s, owner of the Napoleon House in the French Quarter created the Pimm’s Cup with Pimm’s No. 1, and it’s been a New Orleans staple ever since.


New Orleans Cocktail Books

If you’re feeling inspired to dive deeper into the world of New Orleans cocktails, there are plenty of great cocktail books that explore the city’s rich drinking history and iconic recipes. From classic guides to modern mixology collections, these books offer step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and the stories behind some of the most famous drinks. Whether you’re a home bartender or a cocktail enthusiast, adding one or two to your shelf is a great way to bring more New Orleans flavor to your creations.

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