The Frenchmen Hotel has reopened its onsite bar under a new name, Tiki Tock, with a refreshed midcentury modern tropical look and a refreshing cocktail lineup. Tropical-inspired cocktails created by Beverage Director Patrick Williams include the Parakeet (Rumhaven Coconut Rum, Velvet Falernum, Le Verger Liqueur, lime, tiki spice syrup, egg white and Peychaud’s Bitters); the Tally Me Banana (Giffard Banane du Bresil, Rhum JM 80 Martinique, Ak Zanj Haitian Dark Rum, coconut cream, pineapple, lime and nutmeg); and the San Ildefonso Swizzle (Xicaru Silver Mezcal, Chartreuse Yellow Liqueur, Velvet Falernum, guava nectar, lemon, and Angostura and Peychaud’s bitters). Frozen cocktails include the Champion of the World (a frozen take on a Hurricane, made with Rhum JM 80 Martinique, Zaya 16 year Trinidad and Tobago rum, Passoa passionfruit liqueur, lime and blood orange syrup) and the Garden Party (Rumhaven Coconut Rum, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, mint syrup and lemon). Show-stopping volcano bowls also are on the menu, along with non-alcoholic options like the Kuawa Koa (Big Easy Kombucha, Li Hing Mui powder, tiki spice syrup, fresh lime, and chicory and pecan bitters). 417 Frenchmen St., 688-2900, thefrenchmenhotel.com
Meanwhile, this June and July, The Bower Bar is showcasing a Tiki Takeover with tiki-inspired decor and an array of tiki cocktails from Beverage Director Mickey Mullins. Enjoy drinks such as a specialty frozen piña colada and a fun twist on the classic Mai Tai. Large format shareable cocktails also are on offer, including the Bower Bowl (a refreshing punch featuring fresh juices and Don Q rums). Non-alcoholic options include a gin fizz with spiritless tropical flavors. Executive Chef Marcus Woodham also will feature menu items like pineapple braised short ribs, gulf fish ceviche, Spam musubi, Huli Huli chicken skewers and a spicy salmon poke tostada. 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com
Summertime in the LGD
Jack Rose and Hot Tin at the Pontchartrain Hotel are showcasing new seasonal cocktails that are fit for summer. Developed by talented cocktail guru Ricardo Flores, the libations at Jack Rose include Read’s Secret (gin, Cloosterbitter, Acqua di Cedro, fresh lemon, coconut, pineapple and mint), Louisiana Harvest (gin, Pimms, strawberry cucumber shrub, lemon and rhubarb bitters) and Back To Black (Cathead Honeysuckle, blackberry lavender syrup, egg white, lemon and blanc vermouth). At Hot Tin, enjoy concoctions such as Burn Book (barrel-aged gin, Chinola, Chareau and orgeat) and the Melon Cooler (Song Cai gin, lime, Midori, maraschino and orgeat). 2031 St. Charles Ave., 504-323-1400, thepontchartrainhotel.com
Summer Drag Brunches
Celebrate LGBT Pride Month at Tujague’s with a series of Poppy’s Drag Queen Brunches, taking place the last Sunday of each summer month (June 25, July 30 and Aug. 27) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Prepaid tickets ($70 per person) include a three-course drag brunch, bottomless mimosas and entertainment by nationally renowned drag queens such as Laveau Contraire, Debbie With A D, Cucci Licci and Starr Alexander. 429 Decatur St., 504-525-8676, tujaguesrestaurant.com
Italian Sips
The beverage program at the newly opened Osteria Lupo (from the team behind Costera) pays homage to the classic cocktail bars of Milan and Florence with summer-friendly libations focusing on lighter Italian aperitivi. Under the direction of co-owner Reno De Ranieri, cocktails include Bandiere Rossa (strawberry, basil, pink peppercorn and sparkling wine); Negroni Bianco (Citadelle Gin, Suze d’Autrefois, Alpe Amaro, Rothman & Winter Orchard Apricot and grapefruit); and La Mola (Cimmaron Blanco Tequila, Campari, grapefruit, lime and Angostura Bitters). Meanwhile, the 100-percent Italian wine program highlights small producers and dynamic wines with a focus on Piedmont and Tuscany. 4609 Magazine St., 504-273-1268, osterialupo.com
Tales of the Cocktail
Tickets are now on sale for Tales of the Cocktail, July 23-28. Marquee programming this year includes plenty of activities, both new and returning. Beyond the Bar addresses challenges and opportunities within the global drinks industry with education, workshops, events and webinars. The Catalyst Luncheon will honor this year’s women, non-binary and trans people who have made unique and lasting contributions to the global hospitality industry. Pig & Punch, a block party in the Marigny, takes place July 28. The Day of Service, includes a day of philanthropy and development July 23. The Spirited Awards recognize beverage professionals, products, establishments, journalists and media across every facet of the spirits and cocktail community on a global scale. And, in conjunction with TOTC, Speed Rack will host its finals July 23 at Republic Nola. talesofthecocktail.org; speed-rack.com
