Easy Virtue, the new restaurant and bar in the Warehouse District, offers a daily brunch menu, brunch-inspired beverages and an extensive whiskey selection. Inventive cocktails include the Cereal Milk Punch, Y’all (Buffalo Trace Bourbon shaken with cereal-infused milk, rimmed with crushed cereal), Be Patient, Veruca (blueberry vodka with blueberry-infused syrup, fresh blueberries and freshly squeezed lemon) and the Feisty Margarita (made with cucumber and tequila-soaked fresh jalapeño). Meanwhile, the bubbly menu offers a selection of Champagne, sparkling wines and Champagne cocktails. Try the EV mimosa party, which includes a bottle of bubbly, assorted juices and fresh berries. Easy Virtue also flaunts a selection of more than 100 bourbons and whiskeys, including single barrel selections from Buffalo Trace Distillery. 878 Fulton St., 504-613-2844 easyvirtue.com
Rare & Vintage Vino
MaMou, the modern French brasserie in the French Quarter from executive chef Tom Branighan and sommelier Molly Wismeier, has a constantly changing Coravin wine list. This wine preservation system allows the staff at MaMou to pour a glass of wine while preserving the rest of the bottle. As such, the restaurant is able to offer guests glasses of wine (typically more rare, vintage gems) that would usually only be offered by the bottle. While the Coravin wine list changes often, some recent standouts have included the Daniel Rion, Au Beaux Bruns, Chambolle-Musigny Premier Cru, Burgundy, France 2021; and the Daniel-Etienne Defaix, Les Lys, Premier Cru Chablis, Burgundy, France 2010. 942 N. Rampart St., 504-381-4557, mamounola.com
Coffee Concoctions
Atelier Vie, a local distillery offering a large range of creative spirits, has released its new “Gumbo Noir” – a coffee-flavored spirit that’s perfect for mixing. Gumbo Noir is completely clear, but it features intense coffee flavors and can be used in bitter cocktails or in sweeter recipes. Gumbo Noir joins Atelier Vie’s other line of spirits such as Euphrosine Gin #9, Orphan Street Brandy “El Jefe” Edition and Toulouse Red, Absinthe Rouge. Distillery tours ($15) are available by appointment, and spirits are available for purchase during visits. Atelier Vie, 1001 S. Broad St., ateliervie.com
In the Spirit of NOLA
For those who are looking for non-alcoholic options, especially now that Lent is upon us, be sure to check out Mockly’s new collection of non-alcoholic cocktails, Second Line. The new line, with branding by Applied Design, encapsulates the vibrant culture and essence of New Orleans. Try the “Madame L’Orange,” which features notes of smoked orange, cinnamon and allspice, and a subtle taste of golden honey and ginger. Available at Whole Foods, 5600 Magazine St., 504-899-9119, drinkmockly.com
Home Mixology
F & P Food and Beverage has introduced its newest Olde Tyme New Orleans product, Chef “Pooch” Rivera’s Mint Syrup. The mixer is made from cane sugar, purified water and all-natural spearmint flavor, and is perfect for making drinks like the mojito, mint julep and the brandy smash – all without having to muddle mint at home. Other Olde Tyme New Orleans products include nectar syrup, king cake syrup, double strength French vanilla and Mexican vanilla. Available at local participating grocers, including Lakeview Grocery, 801 Harrison Ave., flavorsandsyrups.com
