Spirits of Mexico

Casa Lumbre, a liquor brand founded in Mexico, has three brands that are now available locally. Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky (available at American Townhouse, Sidecar and Jewel of the South) pays homage to Mexico’s heritage with the country’s first-ever whisky made from 100 percent ancestral corn. Deep and smooth, it features notes of roasted corn, leather, vanilla, toffee, honey and black tea. Meanwhile, the Ojo de Tigre Mezcal Artesanal (available at Fulton Alley) is a Mezcal made in collaboration with Mexican actor Luis Gerardo Méndez. It features a subtle smoke profile and notes of green apple, citrus, cooked agave, caramel and smoked cocoa. There’s also the dual-origin Las Californias Gin (at Bijou Restaurant and Seline Catahoula New Orleans), which takes inspiration from the U.S. and Mexico border (previously known as the Las Californias region) and comes in two expressions (Nativo and Citrico). Both feature a base of the species Juniperus Californica, while Nativo highlights indigenous botanicals like Pacific kelp and Damiana, and Citrico highlights botanicals like lemongrass, figs and almonds. Finally, Nixta Licor De Elote (available at Alma) is the world’s first corn liqueur. This silky and sweet spirit features hints of roasted corn, caramel and vanilla, along with sweetness from both the corn and piloncillo (a form of unrefined cane sugar traditional to Mexico and Latin America). casalumbre.com


Best in Bubbles 

The Champagne Bureau, U.S.A. has released its list of top 10 U.S. bars and restaurants to enjoy Champagne, and Effervescence made the list. In addition to a great selection of Champagne, Effervescence offers themed Sunday brunches, a luxe caviar menu and reserved Champagne table service. 1036 N. Rampart St., 509-7644, nolabubbles.com

Wine & Dine

Check out Bacchanal’s Vino Wine Wednesdays, 4 to 6 p.m. to enjoy a backyard party like no other. These free wine-tasting events also feature live music from 6-9 p.m. Of course, there’s also a menu of delicious cheese plates and more from which to choose. 600 Poland Ave., 948-9111, bacchanalwine.com


Spirits of Mexico

Sweet Spot

Baton Rouge-based Three Roll Estate recently relaunched with a new name—Oxbow Rum Distillery. The distillery continues to produce select Three Roll products, but it also has launched a new premium flagship line, dubbed Oxbow Estate Rum, which includes Oxbow Small Batch White Rum, Oxbow Barrel Aged Straight Rum, Oxbow Rhum Louisiane Cane Juice Agricole, and the new False River Spiced Rum, all made with locally grown, fresh-pressed sugarcane and Grade A molasses. Available at Martin Wine Cellar, 3827 Baronne St., 899-7411, martinwine.com, oxbowrumdistillery.com 


Game Day Celebrations

Saint John in the French Quarter features multiple TVs and will be open for game day brunch and dinner. Try the new “Black and Gold Lemonade,” made with Citron vodka, Saint Germain, blackberry lemonade and muddled blackberries with a sugared rim, or the popular Who Dat Old Fashioned. 1117 Decatur St., 581-8120, saintjohnnola.com

Meanwhile, Polo Club Lounge at Windsor Court Hotel’s game day specials include the “Black and Gold” cocktail, Urban South’s Who Dat Golden Ale Beer, half off select bottles of sparkling wine (Dom Perignon, Krug Champagne and Veuve Clicquot until sold out) and caviar service ($75). 300 Gravier St., 522-1992, windsorcourthotel.com


Spirits of Mexico

Ooh La La

Couvant Bar & Brasserie at The Eliza Jane Hotel has launched a new Happy Hour,  Tuesday through Saturday, 5-6:30 p.m. Choose from $7 select wines by the glass and half-priced snacks (like crispy chickpea fries with tomato aioli and crisp Tête de Cochon topped-deviled eggs). Couvant also offers weekend brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Enjoy $25 unlimited brunch cocktails, plus a menu of French classics with a Southern twist. 315 Magazine St., 342-2316, couvant.com

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