Alcohol is about as inseparable from New Orleans as light is from the sun, and it will come as little surprise that even during a pandemic, there is a high demand for it in the Crescent City. This article will focus not on the cocktails or concoctions themselves, but rather paraphernalia surrounding alcoholic beverages that you can use as cute gifts for the Christmas season.
Jazz Ale Opener
A small but highly detailed bottle opener that you can get
from neworleanstogo.com, this alcohol-themed article also
doubles as a magnet. In the shape of a bottle itself, this trinket will run you
$10 plus the cost of shipping. It is stylishly engraved with iconic jazz
imagery that is uniquely synonymous with the Big Easy. A fitting "laissez les
bon temps roulez" is engraved on the bottom as well to complement the
atmosphere of the art above it.
Engraved Sazerac House Rye Whiskey Bottle
If anyone you plan to get a gift for, including yourself, has a liking for the Sazerac House's comprehensive compendium of alcoholic libations, then this is a fantastic gift idea. Sazerac House is doing a four-part series of events through December, and all of them will be in-person for the first time in quite a while, though all patrons will, of course, be distanced and masked. During the December 10 event, which is a guided tour of the Sazerac House distillery, participants will have the opportunity to not only bottle their own rye whiskey, but engrave it as well, making this a great opportunity for a personalized gift that will not be available anywhere else. 101 Magazine St., (504) 910-0100, sazerachouse.com
Voodoo Shot Glass
One of the most iconic vessels for many forms of alcoholic
drink, a shot glass is both small and portable, as well as an easy and reliable
gift to give anyone this Christmas. Available on neworleanstogo.com, this voodoo shot glass has the
ever-recognizable classic design of a voodoo doll, which many see as an iconic
part of New Orleans culture. A bit of red drippings reminiscent of blood
surround the rim of the cup to complete the aesthetic. Considering the quaint
design and the small price of $5, this is a solid gift for anyone of drinking
age.
Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix
The famous Hurricane beverage from the equally famous Irish
pub Pat O'Brien's is available in packaged mix form. Considering that the state
has returned to a modified Phase Two and bars are once again extremely limited
or completely barred in terms of indoor occupancy, a mix that allows you to
make the famous drink for yourself in the safety of your own home is a great
gift indeed. You can purchase the mix at patobriens.com. 624 Bourbon St., (800) 597-4823, patobriens.com
New Orleans Map Wine Glasses
Finally, finishing off this list are the elegantly designed wine glasses that you can find at Toulouse Royal Gifts. They are durable, $12 wine glasses with a small but surprisingly artistic and detailed map of New Orleans and its hotspots decorating them. These glasses will make an excellent gift for almost any adult on your list of recipients, especially if they are a New Orleans resident or fan. 601 Royal St., (504) 522-3869, facebook.com/trgiftsnola
