Relaxing with a cocktail at Groundwater Week 2025 is something that can be done in style.
New Orleans, Louisiana has countless bars with colorful histories and classic drinks made famous right in the city.
Who wouldn’t want to enjoy a chilled sazerac at the Sazerac Bar, site of the drink’s creation. The bar is located inside the Roosevelt Hotel, and still features the original art deco bar, and 1930’s era murals and chandeliers.
More history can be found at the Napoleon House, a French Quarter restaurant since 1914. The founder became acquainted with the refreshing pimm’s cup cocktail in England and introduced it at his restaurant, making Napolean House the first establishment to serve the drink in America.
Pat O’Brien’s Bar may not have invented the hurricane, but it is synonymous with the sweet rum concoction. A trip to New Orleans is not complete without visiting the bar and getting the red drink in its famous hurricane-lamp shaped glass.
The French 75 Bar is named after a classic cocktail and where some of the best drinks are served in New Orleans. Inside the Arnaud’s restaurant and a building going back to the late 1800s, its bartenders have won national awards and Esquire once called it “one of the top five bars in the country.”
A unique bar experience can be had at the Carousel Bar & Lounge. Located inside the historic Hotel Monteleone, the bar’s carousel theme is unlike anything you’ve experienced. Grab a seat and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail—and ride —as the seats rotate around the circular bar every 15 minutes.
A fun experience can also be had at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, an establishment dubbed the “oldest bar in the United States.” The French colonial cottage/courtyard is circa 1772 and filled with history. It is said to have served as a hideaway for pirates centuries ago. Groundwater Week 2025 takes place in New Orleans December 9-11 and is co-locating with the Irrigation Association. Register today at GroundwaterWeek.com, and when you’re there, make sure to leave time for a classic cocktail.