Bakery Bar, the Lower Garden District eatery and cocktail bar from the team behind Debbie Does Doberge and Debbie on the Levee, has released a selection of dessert cocktails that pair perfectly with the restaurant’s sweet treats. Try the “Big Bertha Alexander” (a boozy sundae with brandy, Frangelico, white creme de cacao and milk). Other options include the “Watchamadrinkit”(made with bourbon, peanut butter bourbon, chicory syrup, Angostura bitters and chocolate bitters) and a riff on the Grasshopper (a mint chocolate shake with white creme de cacao, green creme de menthe, Branca menta, mint syrup and cream). 1179 Annunciation St., 504-210-8519, bakery.bar
Fall Libations
Mamou, the nearly one year-old modern French brasserie in the Upper French Quarter, has refreshed its cocktail menu with libations that are perfect for fall. Bar manager Alex Gehringer is now offering the La Vie en Rouge, a playful take on a margarita that’s earthy, fruity, velvety and a bit spicy. It’s made with reposado tequila, beet juice, lime, ginger, agave and egg white. Pair it with Executive Chef Tom Branighan’s earthy and herbaceous escargot tartlet. Or try the l’Espresso d’orange (made with rum, cold brew and orange flower water) for a perfect after-dinner drink. 942 N. Rampart St., 504-381-4557, mamounola.com
Meanwhile, Mister Mao’s newly appointed Bar Manager, Madeline “Mad” Chao, working in tandem with general manager Roger Eyles, has unveiled a new cocktail menu for fall. Top options include the “Viva Forever” (a warm and earthy cosmo-style cocktail made with vodka, chai spice, clove, beet, El Guapo Cajun Grenadine and lemon) and the “Baby One More Thyme” (a thick and frothy herbal concoction made with gin, Pimm’s thyme, bitter orange, lime and aquafaba). 4501 Tchoupitoulas St., 504-345-2056, mistermaonola.com
What’s Your Sign?
The Bower and its adjacent indoor/outdoor cocktail parlor, The Bower Bar, has a new cocktail menu inspired by the zodiac. Beginning Sept. 1, all 12 zodiac signs will be served up in cocktail or mocktail form. This month, the “Virgo” cocktail (a smart and stoic cocktail) features bourbon, Angostura bitters, simple syrup and orange peel. In October, try the “Scorpio,” which, just like the sign, is intense and elicits deep feelings with beet-infused mezcal, passionfruit, lime and suze, served straight up in a smoked-salt-rimmed coupe. In November, try the “Sagittarius,” a cheerful and assertive drink made with poblano liquor, tequila, citrus and smoked salt. 1320 Magazine St., 504-582-9738, thebowernola.com
Boozy Bingo (and More)!
The Rusty Nail and Sidecar are hosting a number of events this month. First up is Deca-Dance, the second annual dance party and drag show with DJ Liz Owens, Sept. 1 from 9 p.m.-midnight. Then, on Sept. 7 and 21, 8-10 p.m., gather a group of friends for Drag Bingo (free to play) at The Rusty Nail hosted by Katrina Waters. Finally, Drink & Draw ($40) takes place Sept. 12 from 5-7 p.m. with art supplies included, a two-hour session with a live model and timed poses, and a complimentary cocktail. 1100 Constance St., 504-525-5515, rustynailnola.com; 1114 Constance St., 504-381-5079, sidecarnola.com
Wine & Dine
Herbsaint, the flagship restaurant under the Link Restaurant Group’s umbrella, unveils new wine releases every year around this time. Additionally, Cary Palmer, beverage director for LRG, can often be found at Herbsaint sampling, discussing and lecturing on wine. Of course, the wine list—mostly focusing on the long-established regions of France, Spain, Italy, Austria and Germany, but increasingly focusing on New World wines as well – complements the restaurant’s menu of seasonal French-Southern cuisine. 701 St. Charles Ave., 504-524-4114, herbsaint.com
Additionally, Bar Pomona, owned by husband-and-wife team Carl Hugmeyer and Sara Levasseur, offers an extensive wine list focused on low-intervention winemakers (plus a small cocktail list). Check out the weekly happy hours on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday from 4-6 p.m. to take advantage of deals on select wine, spritzes and snacks. And on Saturday and Sunday, brunch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. includes a special wine and cocktail list. 2352 St. Claude Ave., 504-224-9644, barpomona.com
The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul has launched an “Aperitivo Hour” with specials on aperitivo and spritz cocktails, alongside snacks like tempura shrimp and salmon toast. Aperitivo Hour runs Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. with $3 cocktails. The Elysian Bar’s $3 off deal is only for “house cocktails” and not all cocktails. Also be sure to check out the free wine tastings in the Parlors from 4-6 p.m. every Tuesday. 2317 Burgundy St., 504-356-6769, theelysianbar.com
