Holiday Cocktails in the French Quarter and Nearby
New Orleans is rife with culinary traditions — over 300 years’ worth of them. One of those wonderful traditions is Reveillon. For quite a few years now, an increasing number of restaurants have been participating in bringing special Reveillon menus to the table starting on December 1.
Alongside the turtle soup, the oysters, and the foie gras, some of the best restaurants in the city are also happily serving festive cocktails. Each year, local bartenders create both classic and original cocktails to celebrate the Reveillon with holiday-themed sippers.
Warming bourbon, spiced rum, cranberry, and bright citrus capture the spirit of the season, while touches of cinnamon, nutmeg, and rosemary add holiday fragrance. A creamy brandy milk punch feels especially at home this time of year, offering a smooth, indulgent sip that suits a leisurely brunch or an evening beneath twinkling lights.
Other holiday favorites include poinsettia, a sparkling wine cranberry cocktail, or café brûlot, the always exciting crowd-pleaser.
The atmosphere is part of the appeal, too. From intimate French Quarter bars to exuberantly decorated holiday pop-ups, a seasonal cocktail can become the centerpiece of a festive night out. Think whimsical glassware, sparkling garnishes, and drinks that evoke gingerbread, peppermint, or freshly baked holiday treats.
Some of those are offered as lagniappe on the Reveillon menus, and others can be enjoyed as a standalone. The annual extravaganza is called Reveillon on the Rocks.
Here are the highlights of the most enticing concoctions for the holiday season in and around the French Quarter. Also, please check out our “Top Holiday Pop-Up Bars and Bar Crawls in New Orleans”!
Holiday Sippers You’ll Love
Candy Cane — The Sazerac Bar, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
This festive cocktail combines Rumple Minze, white crème de cacao, and cream for a minty, indulgent sip. A stripe of raspberry adds a colorful finishing touch inspired by the classic holiday candy.
Christmas Cookie — The Sazerac Bar, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Vanilla vodka, brown sugar, and heavy cream come together in this rich, dessert-inspired cocktail. Its creamy texture and comforting flavors capture the spirit of a freshly baked holiday treat.
Clara’s Xmas Eve — GW Fins
Gin, Campari, and vermouth form the foundation of this festive cocktail, with pomegranate and rosemary adding a seasonal twist. Fruity and herbal notes complement its bittersweet character.
Cousin Eddie — Brennan’s
Served in a playful Marty Moose mug, the Cousin Eddie blends Bumbu rum, Bumbu Crème liqueur, crème de banane, and demerara syrup. Creamy banana flavors and rich sweetness make this a spirited addition to a holiday outing.
Grasshopper — Tujague’s
Available year-round, Tujague’s signature Grasshopper makes a festive finish to dinner. White and green crème de menthe mingle with white and dark crème de cacao, heavy whipping cream, and brandy for a creamy, mint-forward cocktail. Served without ice, it comes topped with fresh mint or a dusting of cacao powder.
Home for the Holidays — Bourbon House
Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon and Laird’s Apple Brandy anchor this warming holiday cocktail. Rich demerara simple syrup adds depth and sweetness, while coffee-cardamom bitters lend an aromatic finishing touch.
Nutcracker Chocolate Martini — GW Fins
Żubrówka Bison Grass Vodka, pistachio liqueur, and crème de cacao come together in this dessert-inspired martini. Nutty pistachio and chocolate notes give the cocktail an indulgent holiday character.
Pumpkin Spice Espresso Martini — Hard Rock Cafe
This seasonal take on an espresso martini combines Voli 305 Vodka, Borghetti Espresso Liqueur, and freshly brewed Lavazza espresso. Pumpkin spice syrup and half-and-half add cozy spice and a creamy finish to the bold coffee flavors.
Ramos Gin Fizz — The Sazerac Bar, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Available year-round, the Ramos Gin Fizz is closely associated with The Roosevelt and one of its most famous admirers, Louisiana Governor Huey Long. During the holidays, this New Orleans classic makes a festive companion to a visit beneath the hotel lobby’s dazzling lights.
Silent Night — Dickie Brennan’s Tableau
Hakutsuru Plum Wine and Averell Damson Plum Liqueur bring rich fruit flavors to this festive cocktail. Ginger adds a hint of spice, while lemon and soda lend brightness and a refreshing, bubbly finish.
S’mores Milk Punch — Chandelier Bar, Four Seasons Hotel
Buffalo Trace bourbon, vanilla, and local cream create a rich foundation for this playful milk punch. Cacao and marshmallow bring the familiar flavors of s’mores to the glass for a nostalgic, dessert-inspired sip.
Sugar Plum Spritz — GW Fins
Chopin Vodka, Wonderbird Gin, white cranberry juice, and rosemary syrup combine in this holiday cocktail. Fruity and herbal flavors give it a festive character suited to a seasonal celebration.
Twelfth Night — Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse
Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey pairs with Fruitful Mixology Mission Fig Liqueur and lemon in this seasonal cocktail. Served in a sugar-rimmed martini glass, it balances rich fig flavors with a bright citrus lift.
White Christmas — Red Fish Grill
Brandy, cream, and vanilla provide a smooth, rich base for this holiday cocktail. Gingerbread and nutmeg add comforting spice, making it a fitting finish to a festive meal.
Many of the restaurants and bars that participate in these promos are located in the French Quarter or downtown, within walking distance from many historic hotels. So, book a hotel, make a reservation, and get out there and enjoy the culinary gems New Orleans has to offer!
Happy holiday sipping!
