Brewery Saint X, the new brew pub in the CBD on Loyola Avenue, is introducing its inaugural spring beer festival next month. On March 23, discover nearly one dozen craft breweries both from New Orleans and across the country. The festival is from the same team (led by award-winning beer expert Greg Engert) behind the wildly popular Washington, D.C., beer festival, Snallygaster. Food also will be available onsite from chef and pit master Shannon Bingham. 734 Loyola Ave.,504-788-0093, brewerysaintx.com.
Your New Cocktail Manual
Speed Rack co-founders Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix (along with Megan Krigbaum) have released a new book, “A Quick Drink: The Speed Rack Guide to Winning Cocktails for Any Mood” due out in April. The cocktail book features nearly 100 drink recipes from more than 80 international bartenders, including recipes from New Orleans-based J’Nai Angelle and Abigail Gullo. A portion of proceeds will benefit those impacted by breast cancer. Local booksellers will be announced in March.
Carnival Cocktails
Porgy’s Seafood Market – known for its sustainable, wild-caught seafood – is located in Mid-City on the corner of Carrollton Avenue and Bienville Street in the midst of the Endymion parade route. A perfect spot for grabbing Mardi Gras to-go drinks, Porgy’s offers seasonal fresh fruit daiquiris and bushwhackers, canned cocktails, beer and wine. 236 N. Carrollton Ave., 504-429-3474, porgysseafood.com.
Commanding the Cocktail
Commander’s Palace, which recently launched its own cuvée, has reintroduced its line of signature cocktail mixers. The three options – Tequila Mockingbird #2 (notes of sweet Meyer lemon and dark Angostura bitters, best mixed with gin, whiskey or brandy), Lime Daiquiri (notes of Caribbean lime and Louisiana cane sugar, best mixed with white rum or gin) and Adelaide Swizzle (notes of tart island lime, Peychaud’s bitters and Caribbean spice, best mixed with light or dark rum) – are available individually or in a pack of three. Created in collaboration with fellow New Orleans-based and female-owned craft cocktail company El Guapo, the cocktail mixers are a great way to bring the famed restaurant’s cocktails to your home bar. Available at El Guapo, 3300 Gravier St., 504-444-2914, elguapobitters.com and at shop.commanderspalace.com.
Beads & Bevvys
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans is offering specially crafted cocktails, developed by lead bartender, Heather Blanchard, just in time for Mardi Gras. The Carnival-inspired cocktail menu, available through Feb. 13, includes drinks like the Espresso Flambeaux (made with vodka, Amaro Averna, Evangeline’s Praline Pecan Liqueur, Baileys Irish Cream, La Colombe cold brew concentrate and El Guapo chicory pecan bitters) and the Carnival King (made with Cenote reposado tequila, Evangeline’s Praline Pecan Liqueur, king cake reduction, lime juice, almond milk and a cinnamon sprinkle). 550 Baronne St., 504-603-8000, virginhotels.com/new-orleans.
Veuve in the Vieux Carre
Criollo, the signature restaurant located within Hotel Monteleone, has introduced an endless Veuve Clicquot special ($95) during its Weekend Jazz Brunch (held every Saturday and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Guests who dine at the restaurant receive free all-day parking at the Solaris Garage, making Criollo a great first stop before exploring more of the French Quarter. 214 Royal St., 504-681-4444, criollonola.com.
Cheers to Rare Champagnes!
Raise a glass to Carnival with a huge selection of rare Champagnes (such as the Jacques Selosse ‘Millesime’ Blanc de Blancs Brut 2007) at Brennan’s. A grande dame of New Orleans’ restaurants, Brennan’s offers 175 different labels of true Champagne (from the Champagne region of France as opposed to sparkling wine from the United States). Brennan’s wine and spirits program has been recognized with the coveted Grand Award by Wine Spectator since 2021, and, in 2023, the Champagne Bureau, USA named Brennan’s to its annual list of the Top 10 Bars and Restaurants across the United States for Enjoying Champagne. Also be sure to check out the Champagne menu during Bubbles at Brennan’s—the restaurant’s happy hour that takes place Monday through Thursday from 2 to 6 p.m., and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (with courtyard Champagne sabering Fridays at 5 p.m.). 417 Royal St., 504-525-9711, brennansneworleans.com.
Cool Beans
Just in time for Mardi Gras, The Bower Bar has unveiled a new caffeinated cocktail menu to keep the party going. Available through Fat Tuesday (Feb. 13), the caffeinated cocktails feature an array of house-made brews, matchas and more. Developed by beverage director Mickey Mullins, the cocktails are balanced with ingredients from The Bower’s partner farm, Sugar Roots. The buzzy cocktails also are available at adjacent sister restaurant, The Bower. 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com.