Photo: Warren Bobrow, Leica M8

New Orleans is all about 2nd line bands.  They weave through the streets providing a breath of fresh air to all who follow.  This particular 2nd line band was celebrating a wedding.

I was down in New Orleans this year again for Tales of the Cocktail.  This unique event is held during the last week of July.  It is part story-telling, part tasting room and part summer camp.  Corporate sponsors like William Grant create parties that are on the scale of Ben Hur.

You can’t walk too far through the streets without coming upon a pop-up cocktail bar, or the world’s slowest marathon as evidenced by the one held by Hendrick’s Gin.

World's Slowest Marathon/Hendrick's Gin- Photo: Warren Bobrow, Leica M8

There were surprises on every corner.  From mystical journeys into the tattoo culture of the hipster bartenders who flock to New Orleans, to the more mundane task of holding a pig roast for 400 of your closest friends.

Working the pit- Photo: Warren Bobrow, Leica M8

But as all good things in life must end, I’ll finish with a cocktail inspired by the fun I had down in New Orleans.

Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum House- Photo: Warren Bobrow, Leica M8

The First Tattoo Cocktail

Ingredients:

2 shots Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Juice of 2 oranges, limes, lemons

1/2 cup coconut milk

Crushed Ice

Royal Rose Simple Syrup of Cardamom and Clove

Bitter End Thai Bitters

Preparation:

To a Boston Shaker add:

2 shots of the Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum

Juice of the Citrus

1/2 Cup Coconut Milk

Handful of Crushed ice

4 drops Bitter End Thai Bitters

4 Tablespoons of the Royal Rose Cardamom/Clove Syrup

Shake until well frosted

Serve in shot glasses!

DANGER LEVEL: 4-5