The holidays are a time steeped in traditions — especially in New Orleans. For generations, cocktails have been at the center of the festivals and feasts that people enjoy every year. This year, we asked our team to share some of their traditions with you in the form of their go-to holiday cocktails. Read the list, check it twice and mix up a few of your own this holiday season.
Team Member: Jimmy
Holiday Cocktail: Manhattan
Why Manhattan: “They’re dang classy.â€
Tools Needed: Chilled glass
Recipe Tip: 2 oz rye or bourbon whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, a few drops of orange bitters, garnished with a cocktail cherry and an orange or lemon peel
Team Member: Cat
Holiday Cocktail: Eggnog
Why Eggnog: “It’s a holiday tradition.â€
Tools Needed: Chilled glass, ice
Recipe Tip: Start with Browns Dairy Egg Nog. Then, spike it with Buffalo Trace and serve it sprinkled with nutmeg and cinnamon. Serve it super chilled.
Team Member: Davis
Holiday Cocktail: Highball
Why Highball: “In my neighborhood, the neighbors would visit every house in the neighborhood during the holidays and we would all drink highballs. By the time they got to certain houses, it was a party! The cocktail reminds me of my parents.â€
Tools Needed: Highball glass, bar spoon
Recipe Tip: Keep it casual and on the rocks. Go with Canadian whiskey and either 7 Up or Sprite, whatever you have around.
Team Member: Jim
Holiday Cocktail: Cajun Eggnog
Why Cajun Eggnog: “It’s a Louisiana favorite. I drink it from a tall glass or tumbler (depending on how thirsty I am).â€
Tools Needed: Blender
Recipe Tip: 4 parts eggnog, 1 part Southern Comfort 100, blend with ice
Team Member: Stacy
Holiday Cocktail: Brandy Crusta
Why Brandy Crusta: “Living in the Deep South, we are often graced with warmer holiday seasons, and I enjoy brighter notes. The beautiful sugar rim and the bright flavors of the orange and lemon really compliment the cognac and deep flavors of the aromatic bitters; plus cognac always makes me feel a little warm inside.â€
Tools Needed: Shaker and strainer
Recipe Tip: 2 oz cognac, half oz orange curaçao, half oz fresh lemon juice, half oz maraschino liqueur, 2 dashes Angostura bitters
Events
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Bourbon For Beginners
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month! Join The Sazerac House for this welcoming, encouraging and exploratory introduction into the world of bourbon. This guided tasting class will teach bourbon beginners how to nose, taste and enjoy bourbon like an expert. Must be 21+ to participate.
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The Legends of Buffalo Trace Distillery: Stagg Grid Tasting
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month! The Legends of Buffalo Trace Distillery Series offers guests an intimate setting to dive deep into the history of a bourbon giant whose legacy has shaped the Sazerac bourbon portfolio. This special tasting class invites guests to sip and savor our most prolific, award-winning bourbons made at Sazerac owned Buffalo Trace Distillery, including Buffalo Trace, George T. Stagg and Stagg Jr. Must be 21+ to participate.
![](https://www.sazerachouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-9.jpg)
The Legends of Buffalo Trace Distillery: Weller Grid Tasting
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month! The Legends of Buffalo Trace Distillery Series offers guests an intimate setting to dive deep into the history of a bourbon giant whose legacy has shaped the Sazerac bourbon portfolio. This special tasting class invites guests to sip and savor our most prolific, award-winning bourbons made at Sazerac owned Buffalo Trace Distillery, including Weller Special Reserve, Weller Antique 107 and Weller Full Proof. Must be 21+ to participate.
![](https://www.sazerachouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-8.jpg)
Bourbon for Beginners
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month! Join The Sazerac House for this welcoming, encouraging and exploratory introduction into the world of bourbon. This guided tasting class will teach bourbon beginners how to nose, taste and enjoy bourbon like an expert. Must be 21+ to participate.
![](https://www.sazerachouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Untitled-design-9.jpg)
The Legends of Buffalo Trace Distillery: Blanton’s Grid Tasting
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month! The Legends of Buffalo Trace Distillery Series offers guests an intimate setting to dive deep into the history of a bourbon giant whose legacy has shaped the Sazerac bourbon portfolio. This special tasting class invites guests to sip and savor our most prolific, award-winning bourbons made at Sazerac owned Buffalo Trace Distillery, including Blanton's, Blanton's Gold and Elmer T. Lee. Must be 21+ to participate.
![Drink and Learn at Sazerac House](https://www.sazerachouse.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1200x628_Drink-and-Learn_WB-SSF-scaled.jpg)
Drink & Learn: Bourbon County to Bourbon Street
Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month! Join The Sazerac House and Drinks Historian Elizabeth Peace as we discover how bourbon made its way from Kentucky down to New Orleans. Learn how this spirit shaped New Orleans drinking culture as you taste a special flight of Sazerac portfolio bourbon. Must be 21+ to participate.
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