Deutsches Haus hosts its annual Oktoberfest on the banks of Bayou St. John. The “Bavaria on the Bayou” lasts over three weekends in October and features authentic German foods, live music and dancing. Visitors willing to test their strength can join the Masskrugstemmen, a beer stein holding contest. Last year 28,000 thirsty festival-goers consumed 500 kegs of beer, 600 bottles of wine and 5,000 shots of Schnapps to wash down two tons of German sausage and more than 5,000 pretzels. This year, visitors can sample 20 different German beers. Tickets to Oktoberfest may be purchased at the gate and are $10. Children 12 years and younger are free. 1700 Moss St., 504-522-8014, deutscheshaus.org.
Dreamwork Teamwork
Pinhook Whiskey recently partnered with Cure’s Neal Bodenheimer as part of their collaboration series. The series sources great whiskey and works with distillers and palates they admire to create something that expands the possibilities of American whiskey. For this collaboration, Master Blender Sean Joseph joined Bodenheimer at Tales of the Cocktail to create a unique blend in front of a live audience. The final product has notes of sweetgrass, butterscotch, tobacco and nutmeg and a palate of bruleéd sugar, baked pear, spearmint and clove. The whiskey is available in local liquor and grocery stores, and a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. pinhookbourbon.com
Strawberry Fields
New Orleans’ own Louie Louie THC/CBD seltzer has added a new flavor to their line-up. The Strawberry Spritz, a refreshing blend of pineapple, strawberry and lemon, is inspired by a drink called “Frog Lemonade” found in the 1901 “Picayune Creole Cookbook.” The components of the drink, however, are very much from the present, geared to New Orleanians who want to limit both sugar and alcohol from their diets. Strawberry Spritz is sweetened with natural fruit juices and a touch of monkfruit, and is Louie Louie’s lightest offering, a mere 25 calories, with 5mg THC and 5mg CBD. Strawberry Spritz and other Louie Louie drinks are available at bars and stores across the New Orleans metro area and on their website. drinklouielouie.com
Saints Celebrations
Many of the city’s bars and restaurants are offering game day food and drink specials for Saints fans to enjoy. At Copper Vine, guests can catch the beginning of cool fall weather on their wrap-around balcony overlooking Poydras and O’Keefe Streets. Access to the balcony is part of their “Game Day Brunch Experience,” featuring a curated brunch buffet from Executive Chef Amy Mehrtens, as well as bottomless mimosas and a bottomless Bloody Mary bar. 1001 Poydras St., 504-208-9535, coppervinewine.com.
Over at Costera, General Manager Steve Groom offers guests the Saints-inspired “Black and Gold Rush” cocktail. Made with bourbon, Averna Amaro, lemon juice and honey syrup, this Manhattan riff is bound to keep you cheerful, no matter the final score. 4938 Prytania St., 504-302-2332, costerarestaurant.com.
The Bower’s Beverage Director Mickey Mullins has created a crowd-pleasing big batch cocktail, “The Dome Pour,” featuring strawberry-infused tequila, zesty lime juice and triple sec. It’s the perfect libation for a group of thirsty fans to share. 1320 Magazine St. 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com.
Fans who want to show their love on the go should stop at the Hermes Bar at Antoine’s for a limited-edition Saints themed go-cup, ready to be filled with whatever potion you desire. The bar opens early, at 9:30 a.m. so guests can grab libations en route to the Dome or a watch party. 713 St. Louis St., 504-581-4422, antoines.com.
Tricks and Treats
Sazerac House is leaning into the spicier part of Halloween, serving up cinnamon-flavored cocktails and more at their “Cinful Nights.” This wickedly fun Halloween event, running Oct. 29 through Nov. 1 is an adults-only after-hours experience. The museum and distillery are transformed into a playground for grown-up trick-or-treaters. Guests will be treated to a night of spooky fun and deliciously spicy cocktails made with Fireball Blazin’ Apple. Costumes are mandatory — as they should be at a New Orleans Halloween shindig. Guests are encouraged to lean into the theme, donning their most mischievous costumes — the spicier the better. For more information and tickets, visit sazerachouse.com
