Feeling fruity? Well then get ready, because this coming May 13 is National Fruit Cocktail Day! Fruit cocktail--also known by the title "fruit salad" as made famous by The Wiggles' groundbreaking single--is a delicious ensemble of fruits brought together in a bowl and occasionally topped with cream. It is a naturally healthy way of improving caloric intake and bolstering energy levels. And what better way is there to celebrate this delicious and nutritious meal than by sauntering down to your local haunt for a real shot in the liver. Here's Where Y'ats top 5 places in New Orleans to get a nice fruity cocktail on National Fruit Cocktail day.
1. Alto at Ace Hotel
The Ace Hotel's rooftop pool bar, called simply 'Alto', is without a doubt the highest point in the city where you can swim and enjoy signature cocktails and canned beers. Their Paradise Lost and Green Light cocktails are just two examples of their refreshing and sweet mixed drinks on offer. Alto also has a 5-8pm happy hour, and a small selection of finger foods to satiate hungry pool goers. The pool is open daily from 10am-9pm.
600 Carondelet St, https://acehotel.com/new-orleans/eat-drink/alto/
2. Blue Ruin Speakeasy
The newest addition to Old Metairie's speakeasy scene, Blue Ruin is an upscale, smoke free cocktail bar. Their menu features seasonal cocktails alongside your typical Old Fashioned and Martini selections, and the occasional pick of allocated bourbons. This spot is so hip and new, they don't even have a website yet, suggesting a new interpretation of the term "speakeasy".
But you can find them on instagram and facebook, along with a few featured menu items.
3224 Metairie Rd, Metairie
3. Evangeline
Not to be confused with the Midcity locals bar of the same name, Evangeline is one of many haunts serving up the claim of having 'the French Quarter's Best Cajun Cuisine'. They offer courtyard seating and a diverse selection of local craft beers and signature cocktails, as well as a daily 3-6pm happy hour. Brunch specials will also be available from open until 3pm every Saturday and Sunday.
329 Decatur St, https://evangelineneworleans.com/
4. Peacock Room at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Peacock Room, as the name might suggest, is a frilly cocktail bar offering expert mixed drinks and exquisite shared-plates. Executive Chef Chris Lusk has drawn up a menu of authentic Southern snacks and morsels that were thoughtfully designed to pair well with the hand crafted cocktails selection. Signature beverages include selections as varied and eclectic as the Copper Canvas (Malfy Blood Orange Gin, Grand Mariner, Pimm's #1, cucumber, and sparkling wine) and Patchwork Quilt (Kafi Feni, Italicus Bergamotto, Rayu Mezcal, matcha, Model Especial, and egg). They also have a special jazz brunch featuring live performances and a special menu every Sunday from 11-2pm.
501 Tchoupitoulas St, https://peacockroomnola.com/
5. Bar Tonique
Located on North Rampart St just across from Louis Armstrong park, Bar Tonique is home to one of the city's best Gin Fizzes, and quite possibly some of the best craft cocktails you'll ever be served by a person wearing suspenders. And while the inflated title of 'mixologist' often is met with scorn by those who've worked long enough in the service industry, there's no denying that the people at Bar Tonique have got it together in a way that is special and rare. Their lowlit, 270 degree bar set-up provides a cozy, lowkey atmosphere to sample their menu, which is filled with a number of refreshing libations befitting any pallet.
