Compère Lapin: New Orleans Warehouse District’s newest restaurant offers up simplicity with the power of pure flavors. Compère Lapin’s philosophy is to make dishes that remind one of home while transporting one to somewhere new. Executing the restaurant’s beverage program are award-winning mixologist, Ricky Gomez, formerly of Cure and Abigail Gullo of Sobou and Eater NOLA’s “Bartender of the Year 2014.” The talented duo’s well-rounded knowledge of cocktail making and Chef Nina Compton’s St. Lucian background play a major influence with the cocktails, designed to complement the restaurant’s menu. Like the fare, the libations will highlight the bounty of the Gulf’s indigenous ingredients as well as pay homage to New Orleans’ rich cocktail heritage. The cocktail lineup is thoughtful, yet unpretentious, and each tells a story of its own. Guests can expect creations including the Panache – Shandy, IPA, lemon, elderflower, aromatized wine; Milner – Zacapa rum, Amontillado sherry, citrus, strawberry; and C.L. Pimm’s Cup – Pimm’s #1, lemon and watermelon. Compere Lapin is open daily for dinner from 5:30PM – 11PM and is located in The Old No.77 Hotel & Chandlery, 535 Tchoupitoulas Street. Telephone: (504) 599-2119. www.comperelapin.com.
Grand Isle: New Orleans’ downtown dining destination known for its incredible seafood and elevated Louisiana cuisine, has introduced an inventive new cocktail program helmed by savvy libations designer Julia McElroy; an array of cocktails inspired by the seasons and cocktails that normally would not work together but given the right balance and ratio, they work splendidly, according to McElroy. Ingredients are made from house made flower waters, herbs from the restaurant’s on-site garden, Southern-Inspired Shrubs, and bitters from Atlanta-based company 1821 Bitters as well as unusual house-infused spirits. Summer libations include Ginger and Spice – Gin, jalapeño, ginger and fresh lime, topped with ginger beer; Strawberry Crush – Rum, tarragon, strawberry puree, lemon and a strawberry-balsamic shrub; Lavender Saltrita – Tequila, lavender-salt syrup, lemon and Clement Creole shrub; and The Awakening, inspired by Kate Chopin’s novel about Grand Isle, Louisiana, featuring pear vodka, lemon, orange flower water and topped with champagne. Creative twists on classics are also on offer including the Ponchatoula Mule – Vodka, strawberry puree, lime and ginger beer, garnished with a bourbon soaked strawberry; GI Pimms Cup – Pimms liqueur and cucumber vodka; and the French 76 – Gin, Remy Martin, St. Germain and fresh squeezed lemon juice, topped with champagne. Grand Isle is located at 575 Convention Center Boulevard, on the Fulton Street promenade in New Orleans. Lunch and dinner served 11AM – 10PM Sunday through Thursday; 11AM – 11PM Friday and Saturday. Telephone: (504) 520-8530. www.grandislerestaurant.com
Emeril’s Delmonico: Guests can beat the heat with delicious concoctions at Emeril’s Delmonico with six new summer cocktails with prices ranging from $14 – $16; Mezcal Julep – Mezcal, Averna, mint and cocoa; “Rice, Rice B.B.!” – Oryza vodka, basil, lemon, blueberries and soda; The Bee Spa – Tanqueray gin, lemon juice, honey, lavender bitters and soda; Delmonico Daiquiri – Aged rum, lime juice, coconut extract and simple syrup. Emeril’s Delmonico also recently launched a brand new Happy Hour, certain to provide relief from the dog days of summer. Available nightly from 5PM – 7PM, guests can wind down the day with libation specials includinghalf price well cocktails, wines-by-the-glass, and select bottles of wine. All summer cocktails available through August 31, 2015. Emeril’s Delmonico is located at 1300 St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District. Dinner is served Sunday – Thursday from 6PM – 9PM; Friday and Saturday from 6PM – 10PM. Telephone: (504) 525-4937. www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-delmonico.
Emeril’s New Orleans: Refresh yourself this summer at Emeril’s New Orleans with its new, invigorating libations meant to beat the heat. The three summer cocktails will be offered through August 31, 2015 with prices ranging from $14 – $16. Refreshing libations include Simple Sage – Bourbon with green Chartreuse, simple syrup, lemon juice topped with sage; Stoner – Rum with apricot puree, lavender syrup and lemon juice; and Strawberry Fields – Aperol with basil, strawberry puree, lemon juice and red wine. Emeril’s New Orleans is located at 800 Tchoupitoulas Street in the Warehouse District. Lunch is served Monday – Friday from 11:30AM – 2PM. Dinner is served nightly, 6PM – 10PM. For further information or for reservations: (504) 528-9393. http://www.emerilsrestaurants.com/emerils-new-orleans
NOLA: Chill out this summer with new, refreshing cocktails at NOLA, located in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter. Priced at $12 and $13, the concoctions are a perfect way to cool down. Summer options includeCitrus Martini – Absolut Mandarin and Absolut Citron with fresh lemon, lime, and orange juices; Pretty Ricky – Tequila Blanco, St. Germain, fresh lime juice and Luxardo Cherries, topped with soda. All summer cocktails available through August 31, 2015. Emeril’s NOLA is located at 534 St. Louis Street in the French Quarter. Lunch is served Thursday – Monday, 11:30AM – 2PM. Dinner is served nightly from 6PM – 10PM. For further information or reservations: (504) 522-6652; http://www.emerilsrestaurants.com/nola-restaurant.
