When Jennifer O’Blenis and her fellow co-owners bought Westbank favorite, the Naughty Knight Lounge, they embraced its history but made it their own. She describes the aesthetic for the 50-year-old bar as “your dad’s or grandfather’s basement bar.” Keeping with that theme, they will be serving some forgotten (but tasty) 1970s drinks, like the Harvey Wallbanger and the Sloe Gin Fizz. “I’ve always secretly loved a sloe gin fizz,” she confessed, “and don’t see it often.” She hopes New Orleanians will eagerly cross the bridge to visit her behind the bar. She admits that “It’s hard to call it a neighborhood bar, because you can’t really walk there, but we are making it a welcoming place for all sorts of people.” She hopes folks see their signature can’t-miss vintage sign from the expressway and stop in for a drink. As Jennifer affirms, “Let’s be honest, we bought it for the sign!”
Sloe Gin Fizz
1 ounce sloe gin
1/2 ounce Citadel Jardin gin
1/2 ounce lemon juice
1/2 ounce simple syrup
Club soda to taste
Lemon wedge or peel for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Collins glass over ice. Top with club soda. Garnish with lemon wedge or peel.
- Try to use the Citadel Jardin gin. Its citrusy, yuzu flavors pair well with sloe gin.
- Swap sloe gin for regular gin in a Tom Collins, Negroni, or French 75
- This is a good cocktail for people who don’t like juniper forward gins (or even not like gin at all.) If you prefer juniper forward gins, swap out the Citadel for a more traditional gin.
