On Wednesday, March 5, people will be drinking absinthe to celebrate
National Absinthe Day. Absinthe is distilled alcohol that is infused with
botanicals such as anise, wormwood, fennel, and other herbs and spices that
give it a green color with a licorice-like taste. Also known as "the green
fairy," absinthe originated in Switzerland in the 18th century and became
popular among artists and writers in other European countries. In modern times,
absinthe is not as popular but is still served in select bars. These five bars in
New Orleans will concoct the best absinthe mixed drinks to celebrate National Absinthe Day.
Old Absinthe House is located right in the French Quarter on the corners of Bienville and Bourbon. The famous Absinthe Frappe, invented by Cayetano Ferrer, contains Herbsaint, Anisette, and soda water. The Sazerac and Mother's Milk are other cocktails that are perfect to celebrate the special occasion. You cannot go wrong ordering absinthe at the Old Absinthe House. 240 Bourbon St., 504-523-3181, www.ruebourbon.com
The Sazerac Bar is an excellent spot located right in
the Roosevelt Hotel. The Sazerac, the official cocktail of New Orleans, is made
up of Sazerac Rye, Peychaud's Bitters, sugar, and Herbsaint. Enjoy your Sazerac while sitting in elegant barstools and basking in an indoor
atmosphere that replicates a vintage New Orleans. 130 Roosevelt Way, 504-658-1200, www.therooseveltneworleans.com
Pirate's Alley Café is a memento of all the pirates
that once walked through the streets of New Orleans. Absinthe is served here
with the ability to have it how you like it. With no specific menu, you can order
what you want at the bar. This café is the perfect place to relax, hang out
with friends and family, and enjoy the history of pirates and absinthe in a
neighborly environment. 622 Pirate Alley, 504-524-9332, www.piratesalleycafe.com
Jewel of the South is a hidden restaurant and bar in
the outskirts of the French Quarter. The famous Jewel Sazerac is filled with
flavorful ingredients and has a simple process: stir with ice, strain into a
rocks glass, serve up, and garnish with a lemon peel. The brick walls and
lanterns give it a tavern ambiance on the inside. There's also an intimate outdoor
seating area with greenery. 1026 St. Louis St., 504-265-8816, www.jewelnola.com
Cure is an old Uptown firehouse that's been turned into a bar. You can order the Fancy Sazerac with High West Rye, Nouvelle Orleans Absinthe, and lemon peel. The bar has a hidden patio for a quiet outdoor dining experience, where you can continue drinking Fancy Sazeracs or order another cocktail from the broad selection Cure has to offer. 4905 Freret St., 504-302-2357, www.curenola.com
