May 20, 2025
As New Orleans transitions into her sultry summer persona, the city's legendary cocktail culture goes into overdrive. Locals understand that staying cool while basking in the season's vibrant atmosphere is a delicate art. We would like to offer summer sipping suggestions in the city that pioneered the world's first cocktail, the Sazerac. New Orleans cocktails are a harmonious blend of tradition, creativity and local ingredients. Grab an icy refreshing drink, sit back, and experience the unique flavors and atmosphere that make the Big Easy a cocktail lover’s paradise.
The Royal Sonesta’s Oasis Pool Bar
300 Bourbon St.
Indulge in a luxurious daycation at the Oasis Pool Bar in the heart of the vibrant French Quarter at The Royal Sonesta. Immerse yourself in a world of opulence as you spend a day basking in the sun at the rooftop poolside bar, marveling at the breathtaking city views. If you get hungry from all that swimming, delight in a culinary adventure at the hotel's award-winning restaurants.
Oasis Pool Bar is the ideal setting for creating summer memories. It serves up craft cocktails, frozen beverages and shareable snacks to be enjoyed all day and night. Try the Bourbon Street Mule with a delectable combination of Grey Goose, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, cucumber and Peychaud Bitters. Or maybe you would prefer the layered thirst-quenching Frozen Patron Margarita + Elderflower Strawberry Frosé! The margarita mingles Patron Silver, Triple Sec and lime juice; the Frosé combines Martini and Rossi Sparking Rose, St. Germaine, Bacardi Superior, strawberry puree and lime juice. Mmmm. For a savory twist, the Spicy Mango Rumrita combines Bacardi Anejo Cuatro, spicy mango syrup, pineapple juice and lime juice with a Tajin-coated rim.
The Royal Sonesta hosts Sonesta Sundays every Sunday from 2 until 6 p.m. throughout the summer. In partnership with Bacardi, drink specials are available along with tunes from a live DJ. Rejuvenate your senses and finish your weekend in style! Whether taking a dip in their saltwater pool or basking in the sunshine while vibing to the freshest beats of the city, Sonesta Sundays are exactly where you want to be! Sonesta Sunday’s tickets are $50 per person, available at the front desk or at Eventbrite.
The pool is also available to enjoy through Resort Pass, making it accessible to locals and non-guests of the hotel. Pool passes are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. They include WiFi, towel service, a reserved table, and discounted valet parking rate for $15.
The Rooftop at The Roosevelt
130 Roosevelt Way
Just steps away from the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans proudly unveiled its newly refreshed rooftop pool, a luxurious respite reimagined with sweeping city views. The rooftop is an oasis of tranquility and now features dishes crafted to complement those sun-drenched afternoons in New Orleans. The Rooftop at the Roosevelt is an elegant poolside rooftop lounge with a lush Waldorf Astoria gardens backdrop. It’s an oasis of tranquility and the ideal hideout for savory snacks and a refreshing cocktail. Soak up the sun from the poolside bar, or one of their cabanas that offer additional privacy for their guests.
Sample the iconic Pimm’s Cup, a refreshing classic cocktail made with Pimm's No. 1, lemon, cucumber and ginger ale. It's a light, fruity drink perfect for the summer served over ice in a tall glass. Golden Hour is a refreshing citrus fusion of Crown Royal whisky, ginger, dry curacao, demerara, orgeat, lemon, lime and Mole & Orange Bitters with an Underberg float. Coco Loco is a tropical cocktail that will help you beat the heat and retreat to your own tropical island. It’s served in a real coconut, complete with Roosevelt Bacardi rum, pineapple, coconut, lime and Underberg float. Yes, please!
The Pool Bar at Windsor Court
300 Gravier St.
Elevate your poolside escape and lounge in luxury with a personalized poolside experience at The Pool Bar at Windsor Court. Located on the fourth floor terrace, you can enjoy a special cocktail and take a refreshing dip with a stunning view. The pool and The Pool Bar provide the perfect palatial oasis with spectacular views of the New Orleans skyline. Adjacent to the 65-foot saltwater pool overlooking the skyline, The Pool Bar has a large-screen TV and plenty of fans to keep things cool during the city’s sultry summers. The splashy drink selection includes frozen cocktails, wines by the glass, beers on tap and an assortment of specialty mocktails. A menu of shared plates, salads, sandwiches, nachos and quesadillas is ideal for outdoor dining. The Pool Bar is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. Perfect for intimate gatherings or sun-soaked escapes, their private cabanas and daybeds offer plush seating, dedicated service, and thoughtful amenities including chilled beverages, a bottle of Champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling and more. To reserve a cabana, call 504-522-1994 or book via ResortPass.com.
For a revitalizing cocktail, try the Magnolia Sunset. It’s made with Don Q Naranja rum, Aperol, mango puree, and lemon juice shaken with ice then strained over fresh ice, topped with soda, and garnished with a lemon wedge and an orange slice. Or you can sip a Do Whatchya Guava poolside, made with tequila, triple sec, guava puree, jalapeño syrup, lime juice and a couple dashes of Fuego Bitters. All are shaken with ice then strained into a glass rimmed with chili salt and garnished with a lime wheel and a jalapeño slice. A particularly rejuvenating cocktail I love is the Queen’s Flute. It’s made with an ounce of lavender-violet syrup with a couple dashes of Polynesian bitters, then topped with Prosecco and garnished with a lemon twist.
Capulet
3014 Dauphine St.
With a fun and funky rooftop atop a restored 1800’s warehouse in the nearby Bywater neighborhood, Capulet is rustic-chic and casual with 30-foot high pitched wooden ceilings and exposed bricks. Their rooftop deck offers great views over the French Quarter and the Mississippi River. Open to the public from Monday to Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Capulet serves delicious signature craft cocktails, ice-cold beer and wine, along with “feel good” elevated bar food with a twist and live music! Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. They offer their menu and also discounted drink specials, cheap beer, whiskey shots, and boozy punch to get the evening started. I’m fond of their $7 fried chicken sandwich with $2 fries myself! Music begins around 6:30 p.m. and they perform until about 9:30. No cover charge—just come in, eat, drink and enjoy! Check their music calendar at capuletbywater.com.
Taste “The Remedy,” a spin on a classic spritz, made with Campari, Cocchi Americano, a house made shrub and it’s topped with Cava. “The Cucamonga” is a margarita with muddled cucumbers and Quinina to add light refreshing apple notes. “Tom Yum Club” is a creamy, cocktail with Thai flavors. It’s made with lemongrass vodka, Thai basil, ginger and coconut cream. It’s my favorite invigorating summertime cocktail.
Patrick’s Bar Vin
730 Bienville St.
Named a Top 10 Wine Bar in the U.S. by both Gayot and Fox News, Patrick’s Bar Vin is in the heart of the French Quarter. It is managed by New Orleans’ own bon vivant, Patrick Van Hoorebeek. Step inside the private courtyard and you’ll discover an elegant gathering place full of locals and wine enthusiasts from around the world. The warm and relaxed atmosphere offers an extensive wine menu. Guests will find a fine selection of beers from Patrick’s native country of Belgium as well as a host of signature cocktails.
On a recent visit, Patrick treated me to a Chandon Garden Spritz, a blend of multi-awarded Chandon sparkling with the twist of house-made bitters, crafted with fresh Valencia oranges. The Garden Spritz is a refined and perfectly balanced spritz authentically handcrafted by their winemaking team in Mendoza, Argentina. He also offered a unique cocktail his mixologist created called My “O” Mayan with Grand Mayan Tequila, Big O Ginger Liqueur, and pineapple juice topped with champagne and garnished with a lemon peel. Another refreshing sweet cocktail, La Summer Cherry Coke has Cherry Lachouffe Beer, Luxardo Liqueur, and Luxardo Cherry Syrup topped with Coke (or Diet Coke) and garnished with a lime peel and a Luxardo cherry!
High Five Rooftop Pool & Bar at The Barnett Hotel
600 Carondelet St.
High Five Rooftop Pool & Bar sits atop the ninth floor of The Barnett Hotel, offering stunning skyline views and laid-back vibes daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and food service available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu features refreshing bites like cucumber and tomato salad, Gulf shrimp lettuce cups, yellowfin tuna crudo, a crispy fish sandwich and the signature High Five Burger topped with caramelized onions and provolone. Small plates and seasonal cocktails are served poolside. It’s a perfect spot to gaze out at New Orleans while the sun sets! Try their Spicy Mango Margarita made with Tequila Reposado, Mango Chinola, Habanero syrup and lime juice served in a Tajin rimmed glass.
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary rooftop access with preferred seating options. The public is welcome to join the fun by reserving space or purchasing a Day Pass via ResortPass.com. This summer, High Five turns up the energy with weekend DJ sessions! Catch the Sunset Series every Friday evening and Poolside Rhythms every Saturday and Sunday.
August
301 Tchoupitoulas St.
Locals know that when you’ve been out in the heat all day, sometimes you just want air conditioning! Restaurant August’s bar is a local secret! The bar offers an elevated beverage experience, complete with the full à la carte menu and the Chef’s Tasting menu. Each beverage is presented by highly trained bartenders with in-depth knowledge of their curated wine program, featuring a robust by-the-glass selection and two tiers of wine pairings for their Chef’s Tasting menu. They are open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Fridays.
Their Cucumber + Lime Cocktail is as refreshing as it sounds! The ingredients are cucumber, lime, Wonderbird Dry Gin, White Port, Bordiga Blanco Vermouth and fresh dill garnish. It’s a crisp, herbaceous drink that captures the essence of summer: light, garden-fresh and beautifully balanced. Their French Coffee is scrumptious with Bellevoye French Whisky, coffee, whipped cream and garnished with orange rind. Bold and comforting, this cocktail blends rich coffee with smooth French whisky and a touch of citrus. If you’ve had enough alcohol, try the Cucumber & Dill with cucumber, Seedlip Garden (a non-alcoholic spirit), lime, soda and a fresh dill leaf garnish. Bright, refreshing and full of flavor, this mocktail is perfect for everyone.
As you explore New Orleans' summer cocktails, remember that moderation enhances appreciation. Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen liberally, and consider the streetcar or Uber when sampling multiple establishments. Our city's cocktail culture is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace!
The Royal Sonesta’s Oasis Pool Bar
300 Bourbon St.
Indulge in a luxurious daycation at the Oasis Pool Bar in the heart of the vibrant French Quarter at The Royal Sonesta. Immerse yourself in a world of opulence as you spend a day basking in the sun at the rooftop poolside bar, marveling at the breathtaking city views. If you get hungry from all that swimming, delight in a culinary adventure at the hotel's award-winning restaurants.
Oasis Pool Bar is the ideal setting for creating summer memories. It serves up craft cocktails, frozen beverages and shareable snacks to be enjoyed all day and night. Try the Bourbon Street Mule with a delectable combination of Grey Goose, ginger beer, fresh lime juice, cucumber and Peychaud Bitters. Or maybe you would prefer the layered thirst-quenching Frozen Patron Margarita + Elderflower Strawberry Frosé! The margarita mingles Patron Silver, Triple Sec and lime juice; the Frosé combines Martini and Rossi Sparking Rose, St. Germaine, Bacardi Superior, strawberry puree and lime juice. Mmmm. For a savory twist, the Spicy Mango Rumrita combines Bacardi Anejo Cuatro, spicy mango syrup, pineapple juice and lime juice with a Tajin-coated rim.
The Royal Sonesta hosts Sonesta Sundays every Sunday from 2 until 6 p.m. throughout the summer. In partnership with Bacardi, drink specials are available along with tunes from a live DJ. Rejuvenate your senses and finish your weekend in style! Whether taking a dip in their saltwater pool or basking in the sunshine while vibing to the freshest beats of the city, Sonesta Sundays are exactly where you want to be! Sonesta Sunday’s tickets are $50 per person, available at the front desk or at Eventbrite.
The pool is also available to enjoy through Resort Pass, making it accessible to locals and non-guests of the hotel. Pool passes are available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. They include WiFi, towel service, a reserved table, and discounted valet parking rate for $15.
The Rooftop at The Roosevelt
130 Roosevelt Way
Just steps away from the French Quarter, The Roosevelt New Orleans proudly unveiled its newly refreshed rooftop pool, a luxurious respite reimagined with sweeping city views. The rooftop is an oasis of tranquility and now features dishes crafted to complement those sun-drenched afternoons in New Orleans. The Rooftop at the Roosevelt is an elegant poolside rooftop lounge with a lush Waldorf Astoria gardens backdrop. It’s an oasis of tranquility and the ideal hideout for savory snacks and a refreshing cocktail. Soak up the sun from the poolside bar, or one of their cabanas that offer additional privacy for their guests.
Sample the iconic Pimm’s Cup, a refreshing classic cocktail made with Pimm's No. 1, lemon, cucumber and ginger ale. It's a light, fruity drink perfect for the summer served over ice in a tall glass. Golden Hour is a refreshing citrus fusion of Crown Royal whisky, ginger, dry curacao, demerara, orgeat, lemon, lime and Mole & Orange Bitters with an Underberg float. Coco Loco is a tropical cocktail that will help you beat the heat and retreat to your own tropical island. It’s served in a real coconut, complete with Roosevelt Bacardi rum, pineapple, coconut, lime and Underberg float. Yes, please!
The Pool Bar at Windsor Court
300 Gravier St.
Elevate your poolside escape and lounge in luxury with a personalized poolside experience at The Pool Bar at Windsor Court. Located on the fourth floor terrace, you can enjoy a special cocktail and take a refreshing dip with a stunning view. The pool and The Pool Bar provide the perfect palatial oasis with spectacular views of the New Orleans skyline. Adjacent to the 65-foot saltwater pool overlooking the skyline, The Pool Bar has a large-screen TV and plenty of fans to keep things cool during the city’s sultry summers. The splashy drink selection includes frozen cocktails, wines by the glass, beers on tap and an assortment of specialty mocktails. A menu of shared plates, salads, sandwiches, nachos and quesadillas is ideal for outdoor dining. The Pool Bar is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday through Sunday. Perfect for intimate gatherings or sun-soaked escapes, their private cabanas and daybeds offer plush seating, dedicated service, and thoughtful amenities including chilled beverages, a bottle of Champagne or non-alcoholic sparkling and more. To reserve a cabana, call 504-522-1994 or book via ResortPass.com.
For a revitalizing cocktail, try the Magnolia Sunset. It’s made with Don Q Naranja rum, Aperol, mango puree, and lemon juice shaken with ice then strained over fresh ice, topped with soda, and garnished with a lemon wedge and an orange slice. Or you can sip a Do Whatchya Guava poolside, made with tequila, triple sec, guava puree, jalapeño syrup, lime juice and a couple dashes of Fuego Bitters. All are shaken with ice then strained into a glass rimmed with chili salt and garnished with a lime wheel and a jalapeño slice. A particularly rejuvenating cocktail I love is the Queen’s Flute. It’s made with an ounce of lavender-violet syrup with a couple dashes of Polynesian bitters, then topped with Prosecco and garnished with a lemon twist.
Capulet
3014 Dauphine St.
With a fun and funky rooftop atop a restored 1800’s warehouse in the nearby Bywater neighborhood, Capulet is rustic-chic and casual with 30-foot high pitched wooden ceilings and exposed bricks. Their rooftop deck offers great views over the French Quarter and the Mississippi River. Open to the public from Monday to Thursday from 4 to 10 p.m., Capulet serves delicious signature craft cocktails, ice-cold beer and wine, along with “feel good” elevated bar food with a twist and live music! Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 p.m. They offer their menu and also discounted drink specials, cheap beer, whiskey shots, and boozy punch to get the evening started. I’m fond of their $7 fried chicken sandwich with $2 fries myself! Music begins around 6:30 p.m. and they perform until about 9:30. No cover charge—just come in, eat, drink and enjoy! Check their music calendar at capuletbywater.com.
Taste “The Remedy,” a spin on a classic spritz, made with Campari, Cocchi Americano, a house made shrub and it’s topped with Cava. “The Cucamonga” is a margarita with muddled cucumbers and Quinina to add light refreshing apple notes. “Tom Yum Club” is a creamy, cocktail with Thai flavors. It’s made with lemongrass vodka, Thai basil, ginger and coconut cream. It’s my favorite invigorating summertime cocktail.
Patrick’s Bar Vin
730 Bienville St.
Named a Top 10 Wine Bar in the U.S. by both Gayot and Fox News, Patrick’s Bar Vin is in the heart of the French Quarter. It is managed by New Orleans’ own bon vivant, Patrick Van Hoorebeek. Step inside the private courtyard and you’ll discover an elegant gathering place full of locals and wine enthusiasts from around the world. The warm and relaxed atmosphere offers an extensive wine menu. Guests will find a fine selection of beers from Patrick’s native country of Belgium as well as a host of signature cocktails.
On a recent visit, Patrick treated me to a Chandon Garden Spritz, a blend of multi-awarded Chandon sparkling with the twist of house-made bitters, crafted with fresh Valencia oranges. The Garden Spritz is a refined and perfectly balanced spritz authentically handcrafted by their winemaking team in Mendoza, Argentina. He also offered a unique cocktail his mixologist created called My “O” Mayan with Grand Mayan Tequila, Big O Ginger Liqueur, and pineapple juice topped with champagne and garnished with a lemon peel. Another refreshing sweet cocktail, La Summer Cherry Coke has Cherry Lachouffe Beer, Luxardo Liqueur, and Luxardo Cherry Syrup topped with Coke (or Diet Coke) and garnished with a lime peel and a Luxardo cherry!
High Five Rooftop Pool & Bar at The Barnett Hotel
600 Carondelet St.
High Five Rooftop Pool & Bar sits atop the ninth floor of The Barnett Hotel, offering stunning skyline views and laid-back vibes daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and food service available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The menu features refreshing bites like cucumber and tomato salad, Gulf shrimp lettuce cups, yellowfin tuna crudo, a crispy fish sandwich and the signature High Five Burger topped with caramelized onions and provolone. Small plates and seasonal cocktails are served poolside. It’s a perfect spot to gaze out at New Orleans while the sun sets! Try their Spicy Mango Margarita made with Tequila Reposado, Mango Chinola, Habanero syrup and lime juice served in a Tajin rimmed glass.
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary rooftop access with preferred seating options. The public is welcome to join the fun by reserving space or purchasing a Day Pass via ResortPass.com. This summer, High Five turns up the energy with weekend DJ sessions! Catch the Sunset Series every Friday evening and Poolside Rhythms every Saturday and Sunday.
August
301 Tchoupitoulas St.
Locals know that when you’ve been out in the heat all day, sometimes you just want air conditioning! Restaurant August’s bar is a local secret! The bar offers an elevated beverage experience, complete with the full à la carte menu and the Chef’s Tasting menu. Each beverage is presented by highly trained bartenders with in-depth knowledge of their curated wine program, featuring a robust by-the-glass selection and two tiers of wine pairings for their Chef’s Tasting menu. They are open from 5 to 10 p.m. daily and 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Fridays.
Their Cucumber + Lime Cocktail is as refreshing as it sounds! The ingredients are cucumber, lime, Wonderbird Dry Gin, White Port, Bordiga Blanco Vermouth and fresh dill garnish. It’s a crisp, herbaceous drink that captures the essence of summer: light, garden-fresh and beautifully balanced. Their French Coffee is scrumptious with Bellevoye French Whisky, coffee, whipped cream and garnished with orange rind. Bold and comforting, this cocktail blends rich coffee with smooth French whisky and a touch of citrus. If you’ve had enough alcohol, try the Cucumber & Dill with cucumber, Seedlip Garden (a non-alcoholic spirit), lime, soda and a fresh dill leaf garnish. Bright, refreshing and full of flavor, this mocktail is perfect for everyone.
As you explore New Orleans' summer cocktails, remember that moderation enhances appreciation. Stay hydrated, apply sunscreen liberally, and consider the streetcar or Uber when sampling multiple establishments. Our city's cocktail culture is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace!
