Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Sippin: New Orleans

Cheers to my Sippin Gypsy Team Gin! This post comes to you while enjoying my Taco Tuesday Gin and Tonic with New Orleans' own Euphrosine Gin #9.
If you love to eat and drink, and I mean really taste flavor and imbibe on quality cocktails, then New Orleans is your destination to tantalize your taste buds!  

1. Black Duck Bar
This bar hosts the largest rum collection I have ever seen.  The staff is well trained and knows how to make quality craft cocktails which was a welcomed break from the 'fish bowls' and 'hurricanes' on Bourbon St.  Located upstairs in the Palace Cafe, the environment was elegant but approachable and like almost all of the establishments in the Vieux Carre, casual attire is perfectly acceptable.

2. Court of the Two Sisters
Wow.  A New Orleans priority to visit for brunch with live jazz.  The setting is rustic elegant, with careful preservation of the original details with splashes of artifacts found in the attic of the building.  The food for brunch offered as a buffet was impeccable.  The flavors were well blended and offered a variety to satisfy the breakfast and lunch goers.  I enjoyed a bourbon cocktail with muddled blueberries.  I try not to repeat experiences when I return to cities, but this place will be on my go to for a brunch every time I visit New Orleans.

​3. Cafe Soule
Some of the best places are found when you simply wander.  Cafe Soule was one of those treasured finds while strolling the French Quarter.  Not only were we greeted with the charm and preservation of the original home, but the flavors were truly amazing.  I feel certain places can cook good food and some places exude passion in what they cook, Cafe Soule was the latter which made it all the more memorable.  The Bacon Mac and Cheese made my Sippin Gypsy "BEST I've Ever Had" list for Mac and Cheese.

​4. Creole House
I was so impressed with this restaurant when we found it for breakfast that we went back to try lunch. The flavors never failed to wow us.  As a lover of Bloody Mary's and all things creole and southern, every sip and bite was flavor packed and delivered that wow factor.  I will be returning for the Oysters with Bacon and Garlic, a Sipping Gypsy "BEST I've ever had" for oysters.

5. Muriel's
You know I love a good history story to accompany my sips and Muriel's comes complete with a resident ghost.  What better way to sip and dine than with a spirited presence!  The atmosphere boasts old New Orleans charm and the staff is pleasant and engaging and happy to tell you their encounter with Mr. Jourdan.  The food is delicious and the bar staff makes their craft cocktails well.  We enjoyed our food and beverage in the main dining area, then continued with a cocktail upstairs in Mr. Jourdan's lounge. ​

​5. Crescent City Brewhouse
This place surprised me.  I typically do not favor beers, therefore do not frequent brew houses, but I am glad our friends wanted a beer and plotted out this spot.  For not being a beer drinker I found their seasonal IPA to be very enjoyable, but what truly blew me away was the food.  The flavors were so well layered and the presentation was beautiful.  

​7. Bourbon O Bar
I love live music.  I love a great drink.  Put the two together and you have one very happy Sippin Gypsy.  The Bourbon O Bar has the best Ramos Gin Fizz ever.  They have this nifty little machine that shakes the drink for several minutes.  The wait is worth it.  These bar tenders love their craft and make beautiful cocktails.  The evenings offer live jazz, so save this spot for a pre dinner cocktail.

​8. Bacchanal Wine
Experience the local side of New Orleans.  Bacchanal Wine was one of the most enjoyable experiences we've had for music and dinner.  About a 15 minute car ride from the French Quarter, this spot is literally a backyard party in the heart of a local neighborhood.  The wine selection features smaller vineyards from around the world.  The food was amazing as well, with herbs grown on property.  Take time to visit this spot and indulge.