Learn All About The Nation's First Cocktail At The Sazerac House In New Orleans
By Jackie Ann|Published April 11, 2024
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Jackie Ann
Author
Louisiana native and LSU Alum (Geaux Tigers!), Jackie has lived in Louisiana for over three decades and currently lives in New Orleans. She's been writing for OnlyInYourState since 2016 and can often be found with a coffee at her side, dreaming of her next adventure.
Few beverages in New Orleans are as iconic as the Sazerac. Originally made with the Sazerac de Forge et Fils brand of cognac brandy, today this rye whiskey cocktail is served at just about every bar in the city, and it’s widely believed to be America’s first cocktail! I had the pleasure of visiting The Sazerac House to learn all about the history of the official cocktail of New Orleans, and I had a blast. Here’s what you can expect when you visit this incredible museum in New Orleans:
Sitting pretty at the corner of Canal and Magazine, The Sazerac House opened in the fall of 2019 and boasts three floors dedicated to whiskey and the history of alcohol in New Orleans.
The self-guided tour is a great way to learn about the history of New Orleans through the lens of alcohol. The tour is open to all ages, but you need to be over 21 to enjoy the samples.
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The first floor is where you’ll find the distillery. Here, you get the opportunity to see the production process of how Sazerac Rye is made.
This leads into the gift shop, where you can purchase any souvenirs to take home.
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The second and third floors are filled with exhibits and displays covering everything from New Orleans cocktail culture in the 1900s to brand-specific exhibits that delve deep into the history of how things are made.
There are three tasting experiences at the Sazerac House: Whiskey Grid Tasting, Tropical Cocktails, and The Sazerac Cocktail Tasting. These tastings are separate from the complimentary tour and need to be booked in advance.
Now, I’ll admit that I’m not much of a drinker, but I do enjoy origin stories and learning about the history of just about everything. I found both of these tastings to be incredibly informative and educational while still staying casual and fun.
The tasting room has several tables that are set up before you arrive.
In addition to learning about the early days of New Orleans’ official cocktail, each participant got the opportunity to make their own iconic cocktail.
Guests are limited to attending one tasting per day.
Since I had signed up for two, I had a decision to make. I chose to pass on tasting this one so that I could try the whiskey grid. If you’d like to make your own at home, check out this Sazerac recipe straight from the source.
The Whiskey Grid Tasting is ideal for anyone who wants to try different whiskies and learn about the art of tasting while sampling a few whiskies from the Buffalo Trace Distillery.
We learned how to properly nose the whiskey and discussed what notes we were picking up, how to hold the glass, etc. As someone who doesn’t drink that often, I found this class to be so insightful and a wonderful introduction to a bourbon lover’s life.
A good tour is equal parts of a good product and a good guide.
Buffalo Trace makes an excellent product, so naturally, an excellent guide is necessary to complement the products. Gregg led both of the tastings I attended and he was incredible. Not only was he a wonderful storyteller, but his passion for whiskey and New Orleans was unparalleled. Watching someone do what they love to do is a joy, and Gregg expertly navigated both tastings. He knows this city well, and he knows his whiskey even better!
After spending a day touring The Sazerac House, I'd absolutely recommend this to both tourists and locals.
Each floor offers something different, and all of the exhibits are very thorough. The Sazerac House gives visitors a wonderful glimpse into understanding how alcohol played a part in shaping New Orleans culture. Whether you're a whiskey drinker or not, you'll walk away with a new appreciation for the city. Heck, you might even walk away with your new favorite cocktail!
The tasting classes can last anywhere from 45-75 minutes, and the time flies by. But it is good to know how long these classes take, so you can plan your day accordingly. Visit The Sazerac House website to reserve your complimentary tour and book any additional tastings that interest you.
If you’ve ever visited The Sazerac House in New Orleans, share your experience with us in the comments!
