My family has visited New Orleans my entire life, in fact, my parents have been visiting the Crescent City since the late 1970’s. Over the years, we’ve developed a Harris Family Cocktail Tour. It’s potent and definitely should not be attempted in one day or even one visit. The list is never complete, as we constantly are looking for additions. Andrew caught up recently and I think it took a minimum of 2 visits. So without further ado, here is the Harris Family Cocktail Tour.
As you enjoy your cocktails, click on the links to read more about the bar, especially the historic ones.
Tujague’s (Pronounced “Two Jacks”)
Cocktail: Grasshopper
Looking for a cocktail that tastes like mint chocolate chip ice cream? Try the Grasshopper! Yummy! Tujaque’s created this bright, green drink back in 1919. Their original, stand-up bar dates back to 1856, one of the oldest in the country.
Andrew with a Grasshopper 
Grasshopper 
Grasshopper
Cocktail: Hurricane (or we recently tried the Milk Punch, also delicious)
Sit in the courtyard or the piano bar. Order up a Hurricane, a sweet rum drink. I also like to order the Fuzzy Leprechaun. I really like the name. Everything I’ve tried here is good and stiff.
Fuzzy Leprechaun 
Hurricane 
Cocktail: Vieux Carre, Goodie, Ramos Gin Fizz, Pimm’s Cup
This is a must stop on any New Orleans trip. This swanky bar has been open for over 65 years and features a moving carousel with animal themed chairs. Doesn’t that sound amazing? It is and the drinks are always exquisite. It is known as the birthplace of the Vieux Carre, a whiskey drink. Since I don’t like Whiskey, I’ve listed a few other choices above.
Vieux Carre & Ramos Gin Fizz 
Pimm’s Cup
Cocktail: Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is my favorite cocktail in New Orleans. I love tasting all the varieties at different bars. Napoleon House is known for theirs and their Muffaletta. The 200 year old historic location has been many things over the years but has had a bar since 1920 (Yes, that’s during prohibition).
Cocktail: Sazerac & Ramos Gin Fizz
Obviously here you should order a Sazerac, however, I’m not a whiskey drinker. I order the Ramos Gin Fizz, and Andrew orders the Sazerac. Both are delicious and I expect any other cocktail at this swanky bar would be as well.
Cocktail: Frozen Bourbon Milk Punch
Who doesn’t want a spiked milkshake?
Cocktail: Absinthe Frappe
This bar gets a check mark for history and a unique drink. I’ll admit, this isn’t my favorite stop but you should try it once. The Absinthe Frappe tastes like licorice.
Cocktail: Planters Punch
This bar is located in one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans, built in the 1770s. Sit at an outside table or grab a Planters Punch to go and walk Bourbon Street. To me, this bar doesn’t have much ambiance but requires a visit for the history.
Cocktail: French 75 & Arnaud’s Special
I personally haven’t been here because I daydrink. Oops. This bar opens at 5 pm. My sister and her husband had a wonderful time when they visited. She says the Arnaud’s Special isn’t on the menu but they made it for her when she asked.
Cocktail: Brandy Crusta, French 75
This is a newer bar with a former bartender from French 75, Chris Hannah. We loved the friendly staff and all the cocktails we tried. The Winter Pimm’s Cup was delicious as well as the French 75 and Brandy Crusta.
Brandy Crusta (left) 
French 75 & Winter Pimm’s Cup
Cocktail: any cocktail (Pimm’s Cup, Daiquiri, Grand Gimlet, Aviation, Ramos Gin Fizz (takes 20 minutes), Sazerac, Old Fashioned)
Andrew and I found this bar when we were traveling to New Orleans in Dolly. The bar is located near a parking lot we used to access the French Quarter. We love this bar and will be back at every visit. Make sure you pull up a spot at the bar and watch the magic happen. Bar Tonique makes all your favorite New Orleans cocktails. Plus, if you hit their happy hour you can try several for a fraction of the cost.
I’m constantly trying new bars on our visits to see if I should add one to the list. If you try a really good one, let us know!
Below are a few other favorite places to visit while in New Orleans. Riding the trolley or walking through all the different neighborhoods for a meal is a great way to explore the city. In the list below are some of our favorite destinations.
Food:
- Verti Marte – Counter service for sandwiches.
- Manolito – Cuban Food. We didn’t get a chance to try the cocktails but they look delicious! Let us know your favorite so we can try it on our next visit.
- Commander’s Palace – Upscale New Orleans classic. Check the dress code. Also, they have 25¢ Martinis during lunch with the purchase of an entree. Deadly. Limit 3.
- Cafe Du Monde – Beignets. In addition to their French Quarter location, they also have a location at city park. A great outing if you go to City Park is a stop at Cafe Du Monde for Beignets, a stroll through the Free Sculpture Garden, and lunch at Blue Oak BBQ.
- Loretta’s Authentic Pralines – Pralines
- Tahyo Tavern – Delicious burgers and other food. Plus it supports a local dog charity.
- Napoleon House – Muffalettas
- Blue Oak BBQ – BBQ
- The Joint – BBQ
- Dian Xin – Chinese Dumplings
- Johnny’s Po-Boys – Sandwiches
- New Orleans School of Cooking – Creole favorites. My Mom highly recommends it.
- Red Dog Diner – Breakfast
Other Attractions:
- Sculpture Garden in City Park – Free and Fun
- Music on Frenchman Street – Try the Blue Nile or The Spotted Cat Music Club
- Trolley Car Rides – Buy a day ticket and ride for hours enjoying the sites from a trolley window.
- Walk along the River at The Moonwalk Riverfront Park – Watch the barges float by and maybe catch the Natchez Steamboat play a tune.
Hope you enjoy!
Hillary