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By Katherine Diliberto, November 2018
The most wonderful time of the year is upon us.
Forego the typical cocktails. The holidays deserve fun, festive drinks. Here are a few fabulous libations created by local mixologists to ensure that you are merry and bright as you celebrate all the joy of the season.
Arnaud’s French 75 Bar
Tom & Jerry
Drinking eggnog is a holiday tradition, and Arnaud’s French 75 version is sure to please. The Tom & Jerry (which predates the cartoon due) is a hot drink where bartenders mix the batter of cream of tartar, eggs, sugar, half and half, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg, which is prepared in large batches beforehand. When the drink is ordered, the bartender adds hot water and whiskey or fine cognac to create the classic drink that dates back to the 19thcentury. The hot cocktail is great for colder weather, and it is surprisingly creamy and deliciously sweet.
Commander’s Palace
Holly Berry Martini
The Commander’s Holly Berry Martini is a contemporary cocktail that has gained much popularity. It is a delightful mix of Stoli Citros vodka, Chambord liqueur, Pama pomegranate liqueur and fresh lemon. The taste is both smooth and sweet. It is a glass of holiday cheer because of its drinkability and deep red color.
Hot Buttered Rum Cocktail
The Hot Buttered Rum cocktail, also known as a hot toddy, has its roots in Europe and became popular in the United States in the 1600s when Jamaican molasses was imported to Colonial America. The Commander’s version of this drink begins with unsalted butter perfectly enhanced by the assertive spices of light brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. Finally, an ice cream sized-scoop of this butter mixture is placed in a mug before spiced rum and hot water are added to create the ultimate holiday drink that will warm you from the inside.
The Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt Hotel
Santa’s Candy Cane Cocktail
Experiencing the Waldorf Winter Wonderland light display at the Roosevelt Hotel is a holiday tradition for both locals and tourists of New Orleans. The Santa’s Candy Cane cocktail is a staple of the Sazerac Bar’s holiday cocktail menu. Rumple Minze Peppermint Schnapps, White Crème de Cacao, and heavy cream are shaken then strained into a martini glass lined with a raspberry coulis drizzle, and it is garnished with a candy cane. This treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and bring back memories of Christmas past.
The Vintage
Prohibition Poinsettia
The prohibition era created some of the most iconic cocktails because speakeasies had to get creative with their ingredients. To create the Prohibition Poinsettia, moonshine is infused inhouse for three days with cranberries, simple syrup and orange peel. This concoction is combined with lime juice and cranberry juice. It is then served in a sugared martini glass or coupe. Don’t be surprised if you feel the need to Charleston after enjoying this dramatic and potent prohibition-themed holiday libation that takes a playful nod to the classic champagne cocktail.
Katherine Diliberto has lived, worked, and raised a family in New Orleans. She is a retired school teacher and administrator who enjoys traveling and exploring all the Crescent City as to offer.