Sip & Swim: Poolside Drinks in New Orleans

10+ refreshing cocktails to drink poolside at New Orleans hotel pool bars

The ingredients for a perfect pool day are warm sun, a comfy lounge chair, a cool pool, sunglasses, and a deliciously crafted cocktail. A cocktail is like the cherry on top of an outdoor pool experience in New Orleans. At select hotel pools around the city, locals can lounge in style, listen to DJ performances, and dip into the pool with a cocktail in-hand.

Whether you prefer a rooftop pool with city skyline views or an intimate backyard pool surrounded by palm trees and plant-life, there's a pool and cocktail for every occasion.

Berry Me in Mexico from the Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Soak up the sun and relax with this fruity, herbal cocktail, made with Sauza tequila, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, blackberry-turmeric shrub, and lime. Enjoy it on the stylish rooftop pool and bar atop the Virgin Hotel. The Pool Club Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and 10 a.m. - "'til" on Friday and Saturday. Non-hotel guests can get a pool pass starting at $30 Monday through Thursday.

Creole Colada from Hotel St. Vincent

Get a taste of the Caribbean with a Louisiana flair with this tropical cocktail, made with Bounty White Rum, Giffard Coconut Syrup, Tempus Fugit Creme De Banane Liqueur and El Guapo crawfish bitters. Enjoy your cocktail while resting on a retro looking lounge chair, surrounded by lush greenery. The pool is open daily to guests only. The pool bar and courtyard are open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Devil's Navy from Alto at Ace Hotel

This red and orange drink is a reflection of New Orleans sunsets. Its color is vibrant, striking, and has warm tones. This tasty cocktail is made with a rum blend, Herbsaint liqueur, Lillet, honey, and lime. The pool is open daily for registered guests from 9 a.m.- 10 p.m. Non-hotel guests can make pool reservations via Resy.

Neon Rush from Alto at Ace Hotel

Beat the heat with this Neon Rush cocktail made with vodka, melon liqueur, Velvet Falernum liqueur, lime, and pineapple. The highlighter blue drink is the perfect party starter. Take in the high-rise city vibes of Ace Hotel's rooftop pool and indulge in bar foods like fruit salad, chicken wings, sandwiches, paninis, and burgers.

Rosmarino Alto from Hotel St. Vincent

Try something different yet reliable with this bubbly cocktail, made with Toki Japanese whisky, rosemary, lemon, and soda. Enjoy the naturally-flavored beverage with snacks including shrimp cocktail scapece, parmesan truffle fries, prosciutto and melon, or a fresh salad. Pool guests can also order sandwiches, pastas, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks. The pool is open daily to guests only. The pool bar and courtyard are open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Seasonal frozen cocktails from the Chloe

Take a mini staycation at the Chloe's backyard pool and bar. The chic, tiki-style pool bar serves rum, tequila, and mezcal punches and frozen cocktails, wine, beer and snacks. Light bites include cracklins, a pickle plate, french fries, a pimento cheese plate, and smoked fish rillettes. Happy hour is from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. The pool bar is open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Access to the pool is available to non-room guests for $25/day.

Spicy Senorita from Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel

Keep it sweet and spicy with this elevated margarita, made with Espolon Tequila Blanco, Triple Sec, jalapeno, lime juice, and agave. Pair the Spicy Senorita with snacks such as wings, spinach and artichoke dip, flatbread, boudin balls, a caesar salad, and truffled french fries. The rooftop pool is open to hotel guests daily from 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Day passes can be purchased via ResortPass for varied prices.

⁠11th Symphony from The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

In Louisina's hot sun, frozen drinks are the best way to enjoy a cocktail. This fragrant drink is made with Hendrick's Gin, lemon butterfly pea flower tea, and housemade almond-ginger syrup. Sip this frozen treat and catch a local DJ at the lively rooftop bar. The Pool Club Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., and 10 a.m. - "'til" on Friday and Saturday. Non-hotel guests can get a pool pass starting at $30 Monday through Thursday.

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Rotating cocktails from Drifter Hotel

Have the ultimate pool party experience at this lively hotel, pool and bar. Enjoy a can of craft beer, sparkling wine or an iced or frozen cocktail while listening to bumping music by a hot, local DJ. One noteworthy Drifter Hotel cocktail is the Bikini Bottom—a smoky sweet, brightly colored drink made with mezcal, Jarritos grapefruit soda, and desert prickly pear syrup. The Drifter Hotel pool is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. Non-swim club members can pay $10 for a two hour pool pass.

Seasonal crafted cocktails from 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar at W New Orleans

Feel like royalty at this French Quarter getaway. In addition to indulging in an outdoor heated pool, towel service and complimentary wifi, guests at the W New Orleans pool can have their food and drink delivered straight to the pool from 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar. Try the bar's Hooch of the Day for a unique cocktail made daily. Visitors can purchase a day pass to the pool on ResortPass for $45. The pool is open from 6 a.m. - 11 p.m. Food and drink is served from 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Crescent Bourbon Tea from the Windsor Court

Take in gorgeous views of the New Orleans skyline at the Windsor Court rooftop pool. Hotel guests can relax in a 65-foot saltwater pool, eat fresh grilled food and sip wine, daiquiris, seltzers and cocktails from the bar. Speciality cocktails include stand-out drinks including the Crescent Bourbon Tea made with bourbon, peach, black tea, and lemon. Pool access is limited to hotel and spa guests only. The pool is open from 6 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Daiquiris at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans

Take a load off at the Royal Sonesta's Sonesta Sundays Pool Party every Sunday from April 2nd through September 24th. The weekly four-hour event includes a full bar with daiquiri machines, live entertainment, grilled food for purchase, complimentary wifi, and towel service. Tickets are $35 and available on Eventbrite.