History of the Sazerac: A Tradition at New Orleans Bars
New Orleans bars are known for interesting cocktails and stiff drinks and it’s clear that both locals and visitors alike love to drink. Many people know of the Hurricane, Hand Grenade, and Fishbowl drinks you can find on Bourbon Street, but the Sazerac is the official cocktail of New Orleans. The history of the Sazerac begins in New Orleans’ French Quarter, and the drink is readily available in almost all New Orleans bars today.
Why Did New Orleans Bars Take Advice From A Pharmacist?
The Creator
Antoine Amedee Peychaud was a refugee from the West Indies who arrived in New Orleans in the early 19th Century. Peychaud, like thousands of refugees before him, was hoping to start a new life in New Orleans after escaping French rule on his native island. He opened a pharmacy in the French Quarter, but he was better known for his self-named Peychaud’s bitters than his store. He used his bitters, Sazerac de Forge et Fils cognac, sugar, and absinthe to make the “Sazerac”. He may or may not have begun to serve up the cocktail in his store, but we do know for sure that his bitters were sold to New Orleans bars as more people began to enjoy the drink. The history of the Sazerac could have stopped there but alcohol legislation and personal preferences evolved the cocktail.
Changes Over Time
The Sazerac itself has evolved as certain alcohols became more or less available over time. First, cognac got replaced with any rye whiskey. This change has made the cocktail more readily available at New Orleans bars. Then, absinthe was banned in 1912 which changed some of the fundamental ingredients in the special cocktail. Fortunately, New Orleans bar patrons had no problem replacing absinthe with other liquors.
The Sazerac Today
The history and tradition surrounding the Sazerac has helped to sustain its modern popularity. The Sazerac was named the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008 by the Louisiana House of Representatives and has remained so for the past 10 years. You can find the drink in many New Orleans bars, or you can try making it at home!
How to Enjoy a Sazerac Today
So, if you want to enjoy one of these traditional whiskey cocktails, why not enjoy it in a glass that reminds you of its home? GlassblowerBen makes the best handmade cocktail glasses that are perfect for whiskey or any mixed drink.
Hand-Stamped Fleur Des Lis Glass - Pour up a Sazerac with a little homage to New Orleans’ French roots.
Hand-Stamped NOLA Manhole Cover Glass - Sip on your Sazerac with one of the most recognizable symbols of New Orleans at the bottom of the glass.
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GlassblowerBen doesn’t just have classic New Orleans cocktail glasses for your Sazerac, but all the glasses for your drinking needs. Check out the online store or contact us today!
Finding the Perfect Whiskey Glass
When choosing a glass for your whiskey drink, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. There are so many different shapes and sizes available today that it can be difficult to know where to begin. Does the whiskey glass really matter? Although many would like to believe otherwise, the truth is your whiskey glass really does make a difference. There are a few reasons the perfect whiskey glass will make your drink the best it can be.
The perfect whiskey glass is short with a wide lip. They are often cylindrical, but they don’t have to be. It may be referred to as an “Old Fashioned” or “Rocks Glass,” but GlassblowerBen calls it the Dombey Glass. This design is important for your whiskey consumption for a couple of reasons.
What Makes A Perfect Whiskey Glass
1. You can comfortably fit a few ice cubes.
Chilled whiskey has a more enhanced flavor than its room temperature counterpart, but ice can dilute the flavor if too much melts. The size of a perfect whiskey glass is wide enough to fit a few ice cubes and allows you to easily scoop them out if you need too. Another solution to this problem is using whiskey stones. Although you won’t dilute any flavors using these, you may find that a little melted ice makes the whiskey taste better.
2. You can stir your whiskey cocktails.
Whiskey is such a versatile alcohol because it’s great on its own, but also it goes well with so many different flavors. Whether you’re enjoying whiskey with different fruit concoctions or specialty cocktail bitters, mixing up your drink while taking your time to enjoy it is important for its flavor. A perfect whiskey glass is wide so you can easily and regularly mix up your cocktail.
3. You won’t overconsume.
A smaller whiskey glass allows you to savor your drink and hopefully not drink too much alcohol too quickly. The perfect whiskey glass is pretty short when compared to other glass options. Smaller whiskey glasses range from 6 - 10 ounces, and larger ones may hold up to 14 oz.
GlassblowerBen Whiskey Glasses
If you’re now ready to enjoy some bourbon, rye, or classic whiskey, then get yourself the perfect whiskey glass!
Classic Dombey Glass
The Classic Dombey Glass fits a few ice cubes, allows you to easily stir your drink, and fits just the right amount of alcohol. Try it in small, medium, and large.
Slanted Bar Glass
If you want to feature more unique glassware to your family and friends, try GlassblowerBen’s Handmade Slanted Bar Glass. At its 45-degree angle, this glass is sturdy and show-stopping. It fits all the criteria of a perfect whiskey glass while standing out from the crowd.
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Browse GlassblowerBen’s selection of handmade glassware here to stock up your bar! If you’d rather enjoy a tequila drink this summer, read more about some summertime cocktail ideas on Ben’s blog. Feel free to contact Ben if you have any questions or want to order custom glassware for your business.
Summertime Tequila Cocktails
Tequila is a classic liquor to mix in with your summertime cocktails. Although it’s easy enough to just take it as a shot, tequila goes well with so many different flavors. This summer, try these cool and refreshing cocktails featuring this popular alcohol.
A Few Summertime Tequila Cocktails
Paloma
Although many people would guess the most favored summer cocktail in Mexico would be the margarita, many argue it is in fact the Paloma. All you need for this drink is some tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, club soda, and sugar! You could also replace the club soda with grapefruit soda, as suggested in this recipe from New York Times Cooking. Palomas are simple to throw together in a large pitcher and share with your friends. Although this is completely optional, consider taking a lime and some salt to make a rim on each glass.
Tequila Sunrise
A tequila sunrise is not just a delicious and refreshing summertime cocktail—it looks amazing too! This bright cocktail stands out in clear glasses, and it only requires three ingredients: orange juice, grenadine, and, of course, tequila! Chef Geoffrey Zakarian from the Food Network recommends using an orange slice and a Maraschino cherry to garnish the top of the glass. You can find his recipe here and maybe get creative with your own garnish! Even if you’re just drinking in your backyard, a tequila sunrise will do the trick to make you think you’re right on the beach.
Tequila Cocktails
Summertime Delights
Glasses for Your Summertime Tequila Cocktails
So you have some idea of which cocktails you want to try, but you need something nice to serve them in! GlassblowerBen’s drinking accessories are perfect for your summertime tequila cocktails.
Bright cocktails, such as palomas and tequila sunrises, need to be admired, so be sure to serve them up in glasses that will do them justice. GlassblowerBen’s Flare glass has a distinct cone shape with a wide rim, perfect to dress up with salt for your margaritas. The clear glass allows you to show off the color of your drink, and you could even choose to stamp a custom message on the bottom to make this glass stand out to your guests even more.
Whether you’re mixing up the recommended Paloma or some mojitos (or any other drink!), a good mixing pitcher helps you create a great cocktail you can easily share with your family and friends. Ben’s Mixing Pitcher comes with a glass stick you can leave in to make sure your drink stays well blended throughout a long evening. The unique texture on the pitcher will match all your GlassblowerBen glasses, too!
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Don’t wait to get your hands on the perfect glasses for your delicious summertime tequila cocktails! Buy one of Ben’s hand blown glasses today!
Bachelor Parties in New Orleans
There’s nothing quite like a bachelor party in New Orleans. This city is a location unlike any other, with an amazing local culture and unbeatable booze. From the food to the fun, New Orleans is a great place for any wedding party.
Where to Eat and Drink
If you’re headed out for some daytime drinks, check out The Avenue Pub on St. Charles Ave in the Garden District. Be sure to browse their “Big Beer List” for what’s currently on tap. The Avenue Pub also has a huge selection of bourbon, rye, and whiskey for you to try. As you enjoy your drinks, take note of the GlassblowerBen glasses we made custom for the bar.
For a Cajun-inspired dinner that will be hard to beat, head over to Cochon. This Warehouse District restaurant has a delicious selection of meats and bourbon. Order a bourbon flight to try a whole bunch, and ask the staff for suggestions—they won’t steer you wrong.
When that hangover kicks in and you just need a burger, go to Port of Call. These burgers are notoriously good. Since the 1960s, Port of Call has been serving up its selection of hamburgers and steaks with hot potatoes. Not to mention, it’s in the French Quarter, so when you’re done with your mushroom cheeseburger, you can head over to Bourbon Street to start up the next round of debauchery!
Lately in New Orleans, microbreweries have been popping up everywhere. Urban South Brewery offers seasonal and year-round beers in its taproom for you to sample all afternoon long. You can linger with your friends and pet some of the locals’ dogs that come through, and then get some beers to go for later on!
New Orleans Bachelor Party Gifts
Whether you’re shopping for the groom or all of the groomsmen, every guy could use some nice drinking accessories. GlassblowerBen makes a variety of glasses and pitchers that will surely be put to good use. Everything from an ice cold beer to a Tennessee whiskey or any other drink of choice gets better in one of our handmade glasses. GlassblowerBen has bachelor party gifts or wedding gifts for everyone.
To commemorate the city of New Orleans—as your bachelor party location, wedding destination, or just a place you love—consider the Hand-Stamped Louisiana Glass or NOLA Manhole Cover Glass.
If your groom loves to host a large crowd, GlassblowerBen’s Mixing Pitcher would be a great bachelor party gift or wedding present. He can whip up some Sazeracs with Peychaud’s Bitters and serve them up with an absinthe rinse on Ben’s Flares (which also make fantastic gifts).
Shop now for your perfect handmade glass!