While we are famous for many things at the Hotel Monteleone – rich history, breathtaking views, friendly staff – one of our most prized luxuries is the Carousel Bar & Lounge. The classic New Orleans hotel bar is the city’s only revolving bar.
The 25-seat, circus themed, Merry-Go-Round bar overlooks Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter. One full revolution takes fifteen minutes, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself maintaining your coveted seat on the ride for hours!
While the Carousel Bar & Lounge is famous for its unique set-up, it is also well-known for the impressive bartenders and unparalleled cocktails. The Carousel Bar serves up delicious cocktails ranging from the signature Fleur des Lis Cocktail to a refreshing Pimm’s Cup.
We wanted to share a few of our favorite cocktail recipes from the Carousel Bar, perfect for enjoying in the springtime!
Pimm’s Cup Cocktail Recipe
The Pimm’s Cup is a favorite in New Orleans, but the Carousel Bar’s version gives the classic drink a little extra edge with the addition of seasonal fresh fruit. Try adding strawberries, cucumbers, limes, pineapples, or blueberries for a pop of color and flavor.
Ingredients
- Pimm’s No. 1
- Sprite or 7-Up
- Fresh lemon Juice
- Fruit of your choice (for garnish)
Over ice, fill a highball glass with Pimms No. 1. Add Sprite or 7-Up and a squeeze of lemon juice to taste. Garnish with your choice of fresh fruit.
Criollo Cocktail Recipe
The Criollo Cocktail is named after our renowned Cajun & Creole inspired restaurant located inside the Monteleone. This recipe has been adapted from the Bar Florida Cocktail book from the Florida Hotel in Havana, Cuba.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 oz. Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum
- 3 wedges Fresh Lemon
- 1/4 oz. Agave Nectar
- 3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves
- 4 oz. Club Soda
Place Lemon Wedges, Agave Nectar, and Mint Leaves in a 14 oz. Collins style glass. Muddle to release the essence of the mint and to release the juice from the lemon. Be careful not to muddle too hard as the mint and lemon will become bitter.
Fill the glass with ice, top with Old New Orleans Cajun Spice Rum and Club Soda, and garnish with a Lemon Wedge and a Mint Sprig.
Eudora Welty’s Purple Hat Cocktail Recipe
Mississippi born author Eudora Welty featured the Carousel Bar in her short story, The Purple Hat, so of course we had to return the favor and create a drink in her honor! (We also have a Literary Suite named after her, which offers a sweeping view of the Mississippi River.) With fresh, floral notes, this cocktail recipe is a lovely way to welcome in spring!
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Kettle Citroen
- 1 oz. Black Raspberry Liquor
- ½ oz. Crème de Violet
- 2 oz. Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 oz. Simple Syrup
- 1 Egg White
Place all ingredients in Boston Shaker. Shake until well blended and frothy. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with a candied violet.
Visit the Carousel Bar to taste them for yourself!
Even when you have the recipe, there’s just something about having a bartender make a drink in a beautiful setting. Head to Carousel Bar & Lounge for these cocktails and many more!
Share your love for the Carousel Bar on Twitter:
Sip back and take a few spins around our Carousel Bar. #followyournola pic.twitter.com/xwhxqeQyea
— Hotel Monteleone (@hotelmonteleone) March 19, 2016