6-Pack To Go, Season 4, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 086 | 6 Pack To-Go Series: Favorite New Orleans Bars w/ Amber Gunn of Hop Around Nola

Grab your 6-packs, lushes! It’s that time again – and today we’re filling them with the best bars in New Orleans, Louisiana, better known as NOLA. The Boozy Blondes chat with Amber Gunn of Hop Around Nola, who is a true expert when it comes to the New Orleans scene, especially where to get a good drink.

Amber fills her 6-pack and then the Boozy Blondes take a stab at it – and ask Amber to grade it. So tune in to see how they do!

As for Amber’s 6-pack, these are the places you need to go in New Orleans:

  1. Barrel Proof | Amber’s favorite neighborhood dive bar – “a margarita bar with a whiskey problem.” If you are looking for a bar offering an impressive variety of whiskeys and bourbon, make this place a stop on your visit! Amber claims you can get the best margarita in the city here too! And if you go on a Friday night, there is a good chance you’ll see Amber there!
  2. Chandelier Bar | This is located in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown (The Boozy Blondes actually mention this bar in Episode 059 | New Orleans, Part 1 – Jazz Parade – listen here!) – serving amazing classic cocktails and specialty cocktails by some of the best bartenders in the city!
  3. Carousel Bar | Located in Hotel Monteleone, this bar actually rotates! It takes 15 minutes to make a complete rotation. Serving great cocktails – Amber’s is the French 75 – and she recommends waiting for a seat at the bar for the full experience.
  4. Cure | This bar has a little upscale feeling with unique cocktails! Pro tip – order the deviled eggs! Fun fact – this is where Amber and Chrissy met for the first time in real life!
  5. Pigeon and Whale | This is more of a restaurant than bar, but they are serving up amazing cocktails – including the best espresso martini in the city! They also specialize in Negronis. This is also a great place to get oysters.
  6. Pepp’s Pub | This is a dive, dog bar with incredible margaritas. Very laid back and a perfect place for dog owners to bring their pups! And if you want to try Malört, they will take your picture while you try it and add your description of this scary spirit to the bottom of the photo!

The Boozy Blondes share their 6-packs with Amber, and are very proud that they matched two of her bars! But you have to listen to hear their grades!

Molly’s 6-pack:
Bacchanals Wine
Chandelier Bar
Carousel Bar
Davenport Lounge
Mahogany Jazz Hall
Lafitte’s

Chrissy’s 6-pack:
Lafitte’s
Apple Barrel Bar
Mahogany Jazz Hall
Polo Club Lounge
Carousel Bar
Bacchanals Wine

Be sure to follow Amber on Instagram for more great NOLA content and send the Boozy Blondes a message with your favorite NOLA bars! Also…you can hear more about great New Orleans places in Episodes 059, 060, and 061!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3, Special Events

Episode 073 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: Mijenta Tequila w/ Ana María Romero

Happy Thanksgiving!

We’ve reached the end of our Tales of the Cocktail mini-series with Molly’s favorite – tequila! Chrissy interviews Ana María Romero, Master Distiller with Mijenta Tequila. Chrissy and Ana María find a spot away from the excitement at the Mijenta Cocktail Party at the Four Seasons during this year’s Tales of the Cocktail to chat about the brand and Ana María’s love for curating the perfect tequila taste.

Ana María has been in the industry for about 30 years, and her current position revolves around innovation with quality control and process control. Her first love was wine – she initially only thought of drunk people when she thought of tequila! In reality, tequila can be elegant and complex – it just has a bad stereotype around it! Tequila is so expressive, and Ana María appreciates the freedom in her position to design a complex, delicious taste. She’s in the game to change that historical stereotype – tequila = just drunk people. Drinking tequila should be an enjoyable, immersive experience – one to be remembered the next morning!

What sets Mijenta Tequila apart from other brands is the high quality level of the agave, how it is slow cooked and the meticulous distillation process. Also, there are no additives used in the process. You can read more about Ana María and Mijenta Tequila in an interview from Chilled Magazine.

While hard to choose, Ana María admits the Blanco is her favorite variety in the Mijenta family. A recommended recipe, El Diablo, using the Blanco can be found on the Mijenta website.

Ana María ends the interview and our Tales of the Cocktail mini-series encouraging us to always fight for our dreams ❤ Such a perfect finale.

You can follow Mijenta Tequila on Instagram, and keep up with Ana María on her Instagram page too. She’s teaching a certified professional tequila taster class starting in 2025! Sign up the Boozy Blondes!

Cheers!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3, Special Events

Episode 072 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: Tullamore D.E.W. w/Clodagh Mai O’Callaghan

The Tales of the Cocktail mini-series continues when Chrissy interviews Clodagh Mai O’Callaghan, Brand Ambassador with Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey. Clodagh Mai lives in New York but hails from Cork, Ireland, and her accent is actually a contributing factor how she landed in the industry! She shares whiskey with Chrissy, and they talk about their love of Irish Coffee (as does Chrissy’s mom!); you can find the recipe for the Tullamore D.E.W. (Tully) Irish Coffee here!

Tullamore D.E.W. (fondly known as “Tully”) is the original triple blend Irish whiskey – three styles of whiskey are blended together to create the award-winning taste. Malt (fruity), pot still (spicy), and grain (sweet). Its name comes from the town where its made (Tullamore) plus the initials of one of Ireland’s greatest distillers, Daniel Edmund Williams (D.E.W.). Distilling this triple blend started back in the early 1800s! With the expertise and longevity in the industry, it’s no wonder Tullamore D.E.W. is the number two brand in the world!

The best seller which launched this year (at the time of this episode), is the Honey variety which adds a touch of warmth and sweetness to the flagship whiskey. It’s made with 100% natural Bohemian honey sourced from hives in the Czech Republic.

The Boozy Blondes have added a Tullamore D.E.W. distillery visit to their boozy bucket list. This facility spans over 58 acres with 365,000 barrels of Irish Whiskey producing over 2.9 million gallons annually! While you are here, you have the unique opportunity to blend and bottle your own whiskey!

If you’re in NOLA, Clodaugh Mai recommends visiting Erin Rose, her favorite watering hole in the Crescent City. Alexis Brown in Episode 068 has also dubbed Erin Rose as a must-stop spot when you’re in town!

You can follow Clodaugh Mai and all her Tully adventures on Instagram, and be sure to follow Tullamore D.E.W. for fun posts, including glamour shots of that amazing Tully Irish Coffee the girls talk about!

“Success comes not to those who desire it most but to those who care deeply about what they do and feel compelled to create.” – Daniel E. Williams

Slàinte!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3, Special Events

Episode 071 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: El Tequileño Tequila with Gina Castillo Oghene

How lucky is Chrissy? We have ANOTHER Tales of the Cocktail interview for you! She had the privilege of meeting so many amazing leaders and influencers in the beverage industry during her stay, and she was grateful to score an interview with Gina Castillo Oghene, El Tequileño Tequila’s Director of Advocacy.

El Tequileño tequila has been around for 65 years, but it’s known as Mexico’s best kept secret. (It just launched in the United States 6 years ago!) Today, over six decades later, El Tequileño is crafted in the same place, using the same recipe under the direction of founder Don Jorge Salles Cuervo’s grandson, Master Distiller Jorge Antonio Salles.

El Tequileño is verified as part of Tequila Matchmaker’s “Verified Additive Free” program, also know as the Additive Free Alliance. This program promotes transparency in tequila production to help consumers make informed choices, and you know the blondes appreciate brands that use REAL ingredients. Tequila brands who apply to this program undergo a rigorous annual verifications process that includes audits, lab tests and tastings during various stages of production.

And did you know the distillery hosts a luxury resort? Casa Salles Hotel Boutique opened in 2019 to share the ultimate tequila experience. If that doesn’t sound like the perfect Boozy Blondes retreat, what does?!

The El Tequileño team attended Tales of the Cocktail sharing their tequilas and also to introduce Still Strength which is 100 proof! Still Strength was introduced at the end of July and was made available in select national and local retailers starting July 30th. Tales of the Cocktail took place July 21st – 26th. Chrissy started her day with a shot of Still Strength, so she was lucky enough to get a taste of this exclusive expression before it was available to the public! She was pleasantly surprised by the flavor – very floral and fruity without any burn!  

Gina’s story about how she started in the industry definitely made Chrissy wish she had a Time-Turner (yes, Harry Potter reference); Chrissy would definitely have pursued a different career and followed in Gina’s footsteps had she known “liquor brand ambassador” was an option! (But then there probably never would have been the Boozy Blondes, so the girls ultimately are glad things turned out the way they did!) But back to Gina – she started her career in the industry with a whiskey brand and was transitioned to the tequila brand ambassador for Jose Cuervo and Don Julio. This role turned into what Chrissy calls “a tequila love story;” you need to listen to the interview to understand!

Gina’s favorite cocktail to make is the Tommy’s Margarita, and her best seller in the US is El Tequileño Platinum made with 100% estate grown agave from the highland of Jalisco. Visit El Tequileño’s website to find recipes for drool-worthy, beautiful cocktails! And side, note, if you’re visiting Guadalajara, stop in Gina’s bar Mitilde Mi Amor!

Have you tried any of the El Tequileño varieties? Which is your favorite? Message us on our Boozy Blondes Instagram or send us an email! Cheers!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3, Special Events

Episode 070 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: Altamura Vodka with Frank Grillo and Alexandra Purcaru

Let’s roar, lushes! As the Tales of the Cocktail mini-series continues, Chrissy interviews Frank Grillo and Alexandra Purcaru of Altamura vodka. Frank is the managing director of Altamura Distilleries and this former New Yorker is living the life the Boozy Blondes dream of in Puglia in Southern Italy! Alexandra is Altamura’s inclusivity ambassador, co-founder of Art Cocktail Club & beverage director at Selva Oaxaca Cocktail Bar who spends her time between Paris and Oaxaca. This dynamic duo is coming together to changing the game for all us cocktail drinkers out there!

Did you know there is a 2000-year-old recipe for a special loaf of Italian bread called Pane di Altamura? Frank stumbled across this recipe, made the bread and wondered why no one was distilling from the wheat. And ta-da! Altamura was born! Fast forward to present day and Chrissy is sipping on the product derived from that very question!

While the bread recipe has twenty centuries under its belt, Altamura Vodka is just getting started having graced the market two years ago. The team appreciates Tales of the Cocktail because it’s an opportunity to present this brand on a world stage; they see Tales of the Cocktail as an exposure opportunity but also a learning opportunity.

For its future plans, Altamura plans to expand into flavored vodka such as tomato-flavored vodka using Datterini tomatoes and a green pepper vodka using mild Friggitelli, both of which are grown in Puglia. They also plan to release a gin and American whiskey in the near future.

And while Frank and Alexandra both live abroad, when in New Orleans they recommend the same watering hole – The French 75 Bar in Arnauds, especially if you plan to order the Old Fashioned. And speaking of the US, if you’re in South Beach, order the house martini at the Four Season Surf Club – it’s made with Altamura! Find the recipe here. If you’re interested in more eclectic cocktail options, visit Altamura’s mixology page for creative concoctions and beautiful photography!

Click on Frank or Alexandra’s names to link to their Instagram accounts. While you are there check out Altamura’s page for fun content, beautiful photography and drool-worthy cocktails.

To learn more about this exclusive brand and the team behind it, check out these articles about Frank and Altamura. And don’t miss this great article about Alexandra as well! See where you can buy a bottle (or two or three) on their website. Cheers!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3, Special Events

Episode 069 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: Quintaliza Tequila w/Iliana Partida & Mike Winters

Tales of the Cocktail mini-series continues when Chrissy interviews Mike Winters, founder and CEO, and Iliana Partida, Master Distiller, of Quintaliza Tequila, the world’s first and only coffee aged tequila! Two things the Boozy Blondes love – coffee and tequila! But keep in mind, this isn’t a liqueur, nor a coffee-infused, flavored tequila. There is no infusing, mixing or blending of any kind!

To get the coffee aged Reposado tequila, the Quintaliza team seasons barrels that previously held organic cold brew coffee from Chiapas, Mexico. It’s initially aged two months in an American whiskey cask prior to finishing for three months in the coffee seasoned cask.

“We began with a simple, but bold dream to bring great tequila and great coffee together. The idea was not only to create something very new and different in the tequila category, but also to do it in a way that tastes great naturally without the use of any additives,” says Mike Winters, founder and CEO of Quintaliza Tequila. “Bartenders in particular are driving the call for additive-free tequila but struggle to find enough examples to fill a bar menu.” 

Photo Credit: The J Projects by Jaci Peña

Yes, another thing the blondes love – additive-free booze! Quintaliza is certified organic and additive-free! The rich flavor and character comes from the agave and the tequila’s proprietary aging process.

During the interview Mike and Iliana discuss how they got started in the industry. While Mike is fairly new to the industry, Iliana grew up in it; she’s a 4th generation master distiller! But both know this is their home and are dedicated to changing the tequila game and bringing this high quality, responsible innovation to market!

This “responsible innovation” is two-fold. Being certified organic and additive-free means the Quintaliza team isn’t throwing just anything into their product; they honor their ingredients, staying true to agave’s sweet, natural taste. Also they place a heavy priority on sustainability. Quintaliza only uses organically grown agave, and the company has been planting agaves since day one, demonstrating respect for the land from which it’s harvested. In addition, the coffee grounds from Quintaliza’s coffee-aged barrels are repurposed as fertilizer to increase the pH level of the soil in the agave fields. 

Usually when you think of tequila, “responsible” isn’t the word that comes to mind. As Chrissy mentions during the interview, tequila is at the forefront of many memes, typically insinuating a rough night – the opposite of being responsible. That’s why Quintaliza is so great – it’s changing the tequila game for the better, and who isn’t intrigued by a “responsible” tequila?

Be sure to follow Quintaliza on Instagram, and check its website to find where you can purchase a bottle! And once you get a bottle, try out some fabulous cocktails illustrated in the glamour shots below! ! (Photo credit The J Projects by Jaci Peña)

Let us know which you’ve concocted! By the way, the most popular selling cocktail using Quintaliza is the Espresso Martini. This should be no surprise considering the tequila is coffee aged! You can find the recipe here.

Pictured left to right: Aloe Goodbye | Casual Friday | Wildflower Margarita

Cheers!…to responsible tequila drinking!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3, Special Events

Episode 068 | Tales of the Cocktail Interview: Moët Hennessy w/Alexis Brown

Tune in to the next installment of the Tales of the Cocktail mini-series where Chrissy interviews Alexis Brown of  Moët Hennessy USA. Alexis is the Hennessy Ambassador for Moët Hennessy and her career started because of her love of the hospitality industry. This passion shines through in her current role as she loves interacting with guests and educating others. Also, when asked what her favorite drink to make is, she answers, “whatever drink will make you happy.” Aw!

No rookie to Tales of the Cocktail, this year marked Alexis’ 9th year at the event! Moët Hennessy hosted an incredible party focused on drinks and sounds of the decades at Tales of the Cocktail this year at Latrobe’s on Royal.

Guests began their journey in the early 1900s at a local general store. The featured cocktail here was the Sazerac Cocktail featuring Hennessy V.S. and Woodinville Rye. Did you know the Sazerac is often hailed as the first American cocktail?

Next during the 1920s – 1940s guests were transported back in time to the rebellious days of Prohibition! Here the starring cocktails were the French 75 (featuring Hennessy V.S & Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut), The Bobby Burns (featuring Ardbeg 10) and the Scotch and Soda (featuring Glenmorangie).

In the 1950s – 1980s area, guests entered the Moët Hennessy Record Shop with Rock & Roll! Cocktails offered here were the Moscow Mule (featuring Belvedere Organic) and the Tequila Daisy (featuring Volcan Blanco or Reposado).

The last stop through this Boozy Blondes’ dream party was “The World of Today” that featured each of Moët Hennessy’s brands through a unique, immersive pop-up like a professional calligrapher who wrote out words attendees used to describe the heritage of Moët Hennessy.

*Disclaimer – once again Molly wasn’t jealous for missing this…at all.

The girls were so fortunate to have Alexis on the podcast. She is based out of Chicago and recommends grabbing a drink at Elina’s when you’re in town. And just like the Boozy Blondes, she loves grabbing a drink at the Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone when she’s in NOLA. She also never leaves town without stopping at Erin Rose’s for a frozen Irish Coffee!

Be sure to follow Alexis on Instagram – she loves chatting all things cocktails, lifestyle and travel!

Behind the Booze - Interviews, Season 3

Episode 067 – Tales of the Cocktail Interview: Mozart Chocolate Liqueur with Carina Planeta, Jenny Manger, Brandi Toomer, Ashely Ott

It’s the first interview of the Tales of the Cocktail mini series! If you are unfamiliar with Tales of the Cocktail, be sure to listen to Episode 066 where Chrissy explains the ins and outs of this booze lover’s paradise!

In this episode Chrissy sits down with the Mozart Chocolate Liqueur team at Tales of the Cocktail. Mozart Chocolate Liqueur is an Austrian brand combining the best of two worlds: chocolate & spirit. WARNING. This episode will absolutely make you want to run out and buy a bottle (or all expressions of the brand)! Try to not say “mmm” or “oh my God” out loud while you listen (Molly certainly did)!

Mozart Chocolate Liqueur was purchased by Marussia Beverages in 2016 and since that time has tripled its sales! If you are like the Boozy Blondes and completely “squirrel” when you see shiny, pretty things, you’ve definitely noticed these beautiful bottles before!

In this episode Chrissy introduces listeners to Carina Planeta (Senior Brand Manager), Jenny Manger (Portfolio Director Marussia Beverages USA), Brandi Toomer (South Central Regional Sales Manager at Marussia Beverages USA) and Ashely Ott (Savona Communications). Learn about Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, find out how they got into the industry, and get hear about their favorite drinks and bars!

The group samples some of Mozart’s expressions, starting with the Dark Chocolate and Coconut. I think it’s safe to say Molly wasn’t jealous at all missing this tasting! Since she’s writing this blog, she hopes the sarcasm translates here…Putting her FOMO feelings aside, she predicts a fun night with the Chocolate Coconut Cookie Monster cocktail in her future made with both!

Also, these are both lactose-free so Chrissy can indulge as well. The newest expression is the Coconut Chocolate, which is a balanced, refreshingly light taste and an exotic aroma of coconut combined with a Caribbean note. Coconut Chocolate is characterized by a creamy consistency and a nutty, mildly fresh taste. You know how much the girls love cruising in the Caribbean, so this was 100% made for them! Follow this link and scroll down to see mouth-watering suggested cocktail recipes with the Coconut Chocolate. The girls recommend adding it to a pina colada or even a latte!

One of the questions Chrissy asks the team is recommendations for places to drink in their hometowns and in NOLA. If you’re visiting any of these places, be sure to check them out!

Carina | Vienna, Austria
The Restaurant in the BankInstagram
Josef Cocktail BarInstagram
Her NOLA rec is Five’s Bar. You can also follow them on Instagram!

Jenny | Lake Ariel, PA
Nurnberger Bier Haus (be sure to order Bob’s Chocolate Martini) – Instagram
Her NOLA rec is Fritzel’s. You can follow them on Instagram too!

Brandi | Houston
Anvil – check them out on Instagram!

Ashley recommends the NOLA Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone – one of the Boozy Blondes’ faves! She says to order a Ramos Gin Fizz here! Follow them on Instagram!

Chrissy recommends Lafitte’s! If you’ve listened to Episode 061, you heard all about this gem!

The Boozy Blondes are so thankful the girls took time to sit down and chat with Chrissy and share their amazing brand with you, our listeners! If you’re interested in purchasing any of these indulgent expressions (and how can you not be after listening to this episode?!), you can buy them here! Chances are you can find different expressions at your local liquor store too! Fun fact, Cream Chocolate, aka “liquid chocolate,” is the top seller.

Share your recipes and reactions to these decadent liquors with the Boozy Blondes by sending them an email or a DM on Instagram!

Season 3, Special Events

Episode 066 | Tales of the Cocktail

Welcome, lushes, to a multi-part mini series diving into the Tales of the Cocktail event! Tales of the Cocktail is an annual trade conference, festival, and gathering of cocktail and spirits industry professionals in New Orleans, Louisiana, and this year, Chrissy was lucky enough to attend – as an official media member! Talk about a Boozy Blondes dream come true!

Every summer representatives of the global beverage industry meet to celebrate and advance the innovations shaping this industry. They cover everything from wellness, sustainability, history and emerging trends. You can find everyone here from new Indie brands to well-known heavy hitters!

This year (2024) marked the 22nd year of Tales of the Cocktail. From July 21 – 26, 2024, representatives from 52 countries hosted 400 unique events showcasing 290 brands! How do you choose what to taste, where to go or who to meet? It’s a mystery how Chrissy narrowed down her schedule, but tune in over the next few months, because you’ll get a behind the scenes listen as to how things shaped up for her. It was a lot of work sampling spirits, interviewing legends, absorbing industry education and of course attending some badass boozy parties!

Over the next few episodes Chrissy shares her amazing experience with listeners as she features interviews with multiple brands who attended Tales of the Cocktail including Moet Hennessy, Mozart Chocolate Liqueur, Altamura, El Tequileno, Mijenta Tequila, Tullamore Dew, and Quintaliza Tequila!

While you wait for each individual episode to drop, you can follow these amazing brands on Instagram:

The girls are so excited to share this mini series with you – and be sure to keep an eye out for the 2025 Tales of the Cocktail dates which will be released this fall!

Season 3, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 061 | New Orleans, Part 3 – Hidden Gems

The Boozy Blondes are still taking you through one of their favorite cities, New Orleans, and this week they are sharing some hidden gems in the city. While some may be more popular now, if you find yourself off of Bourbon Street, you can dive into the Crescent City culture and take in the “locals” experience.

For the DOE, the girls chose Happy Thursday, a fizz-free spiked refresher with a variety of flavors like Black Cherry and Mango Passionfruit. At just 4.4% they are crushable choice, especially on a warm day – or a day talking about the hot and humid Big Easy!

To start this journey the girls begin at one hole-iest of hole in the walls they can think of: Coop’s Place. Coop’s Place in the heart of the French Quarter on Decatur Street. This 1983 staple hasn’t updated much since they opened and their slogan is “Where the not-so-elite meet to eat.” It’s a fantastic no-frills watering hole with down home prices where you can experience the true taste of New Orleans while sucking down an ice cold beer straight from the bottle. When you visit, be sure to go all in with the sampler platter. But definitely bring some tissues along, because it’s so spicey, your eyes and nose will most definitely be leaking!

From here, the blondes take you to one of their all time faves, Bacchanal’s Wine Bar. This place is definitely one of a kind. It’s part wine cellar, part grocery store, part restaurant, part jazz club and part backyard party. It’s known for its charcuterie boards, and you can browse the huge selection of wine, then take a bottle with you to the courtyard tables where you can enjoy the live music. They also have a treehouse bar that serves some pretty great cocktails.

Bacchanal is strictly 21 and up, and they don’t do reservations. They have Happy Hour and free wine tastings on certain days of the week, they also offer a wine club, gift cards, and a full menu for dine in or take out, plus they have live music every day. Be sure to follow them to keep up with all the great happenings at this (not so much anymore) hidden gem.

Apple Barrel Bar is up next on the list, the smallest bar in New Orleans! Don’t let that fool you. They know how to pack in big fun. Located below the beloved Adolfo’s Restaurant in one of Frenchmen Street’s historic buildings, restaurant owners Adolfo and Kim had their first date at Apple Barrel in 1990. The bar still holds true to their vintage 90s charm with classic cocktails, cold beer and great bands. The girls have a great time every time they venture in!

Apple Barrel is 21 and up only, and cash only. Remember that – cash only! They have live music 7 nights a week and you can check out the band schedule on their website.

Pro tip…if you go Thursday thru Monday, you can hit up the Frenchman Street Art Market next door to Apple Barrel.

No trip to New Orleans is complete for the Boozy Blondes without paying their respects at a favorite local haunt (literally), Laffite’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. This bar is located on the corner of Bourbon & St. Philips in the French Quarter. Named after the famed privateer turned pirate, Jean Laffite who may have once hid out here, the establishment is one of the oldest buildings used as a bar in the United States, dating all the way back to 1722!

Today you can find a full liquor bar and lively atmosphere in the dimly lit historic space that transports you back in time. With indoor and outdoor seating, and late night piano music, this bar is a must stop on our list.

The next bar is nestled inside the amazing World War II Museum, American Sector. Their slogan is “Freedom tastes better here,” and they’re open to the public without requiring admission to the museum 7 days a week from 11am to 4pm.

There are two entrances, one on Magazine Street and one on Poeyfarre Street, or you can enter through the museum like the girls did. They mix up patriotic themed cocktails, and the food is really good too.

The American Sector Bar & Restaurant offers reservations online and they even cater and host events in their private dining room. If you have the time, pay a visit to the World War II Museum; it will not disappoint.

Another hidden gem on the list is Backspace Bar & Kitchen. This tiny, cozy, eclectic bar on Chartres Street has brick walls, an old fireplace, some soft seating and bar seating. The drink prices might be some of the best in the French Quarter with $2 PBRs and $3 lite beers. And they have a killer selection of local brews and a great comfort food menu. They offer different daily specials, happy hours and seasonal items follow them on Instagram to stay connected and informed.

Those bars wrap up the hidden gems the Boozy Blondes have enjoyed together. Chrissy has explored many more over the years and takes listeners through an eclectic collection of local haunts and boujee bars around the Crescent City:

  1. Napoleon House in the French Quarter on Chartres Street.
    Built in 1797 this place offers an unbeatable French Creole ambiance. They’re famous for their Pimm’s Cup & Muffuletta. Go for lunch for some excellent Happy Hour specials in a gorgeous historic building.
  2. Effervescence on North Rampart StreetGorgeous upscale champagne bar, great food. Hit up happy hour b/c it can be pricey. Cutest web address – Nolabubbles.com!
  3. The Country Club on Louisa Street in the Bywater.This boujee old mansion/turned restaurant has a pool, which is key in the hot summer months. You can get a pool pass for the day for around $20 and enjoy great cocktails and food poolside or inside if that’s more your speed. They also do Drag Brunch on Saturdays. Pool is 21 and up only.
  4. Arnaud’s – Richelieu Bar
    One of the oldest bars in NOLA, this speakeasy-esque bar specializes in obscure creole cocktails made with lost recipes from a bygone era. Ask a server to take you to the Richelieu Bar. If it’s open you might get the bartender to share the history, ghost stories and all, on your visit.
  5. Turkey & Wolf
    Funkiest 80s throwback nostalgic bar/restaurant with concoctions you could never dream up on an acid trip. Must try: The fried bologna sandwich. They have wine, beer, canned boozy beverages and cocktails.
  6. Hot Tin Rooftop & Bayou Bar on St. Charles
    This 1940s artist loft penthouse/turned rooftop bar in Pontchartrain Hotel in the Garden District, with great view of the city and craft cocktails. Don’t miss the historic Bayou Bar downstairs too.
  7. Pluck Wine Bar
    Located on Girod Street in the Warehouse District, Pluck offers upscale wine in a casual environment, welcoming all price points of world-class wine away from the tourist crowds. They have a food menu as well. Don’t miss the addicting Plucky popcorn!  
  8. Elysian Bar
    Find this sister restaurant to Bacchanal in the Peter & Paul Hotel in the Marigny. It’s located inside an old church rectory. This place has it all: café, breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and the space is divided into so many beautiful little parlors, atriums, courtyards and gardens. Chrissy’s favorite is the iconic Jewel Box Bar. Snag a seat at the bar and experience true mixologists at work. Their cocktails & James Beard nominated menu are excellent.
  9. Bar Marilou
    This tiny, boujee, speakeasy on Carondelet Street serves up out of this world cocktail concoctions, hosts live jazz and even does High Tea with cocktails served in teapots on certain days. Definitely make reservations!
  10. Vessel – in Mid City on Iberville. One block off the Canal Street Trolley stop.
    It’s inside a 1914 church where the ceiling is modeled after a ship’s hull.  “Vessel” is more than just a name; all drinks are served in the proper vessels they were intended to be served in. Pro Tip: Make a reservation for happy hour and enjoy the happy hour food and drink menu.
  11. Cane & Table
    Cane & Table serves some of the most unique Cajun-Cuban influenced tiki cocktails in the world. Named one of the “Five Best New Cocktail Bars in America” by Bon Appétit, Cane & Table offers an outstanding cocktail menu with an extensive collection of unique & obscure liquor. Amazing food too!
  12. Jewel of the South
    This classy southern tavern won Tales of the Cocktail Spirit award for best cocktails in 2022. It is also listed as one of the top 50 bars in North America; the cocktail menu is out of this world! With inventive and world class techniques blending ingredients and flavors you won’t find anywhere else, these cocktails are truly unforgettable. Chrissy still dreams of the Carrot Colada cocktail she had there.

Which of these hidden gems have you visited? Share your thoughts with the Boozy Blondes! Send them an email or DM them on Instagram!