“Sazerac 125”
The Sazerac Bar debuts “Sazerac 125” cocktail to commemorate 125th anniversary of The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Infamous bar will serve a limited number of the $125 drink as celebratory experience.
Story and photos courtesy The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel
To celebrate The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel’s 125th anniversary, its historic in-house bar, The Sazerac Bar, is now serving a commemorative “Sazerac 125” cocktail, offering a few discerning guests and locals a chance to take a sip of history.
The “Sazerac 125” features the famed Thomas Handy Rye, named after the New Orleans bartender who was the first to use rye whiskey in Sazerac cocktails. Uncut and unfiltered, the straight rye whiskey is bottled directly from the barrel with a nod to the timeless history of New Orleans libations. Thomas Handy Rye features flavors of toffee, fig cake and candied fruit, followed by mint, cinnamon and clove for a long and warm taste. The Sazerac Bar includes this rare, locally-inspired rye whiskey as the base for the “Sazerac 125.”
The $125 drink will be sold in limited quantities: Only 125 will be available while supplies last.
“Sazerac 125”gives the classic New Orleans drink a twist with its unique recipe:
- 2 oz. Thomas Handy Rye
- 1/4 oz. simple syrup (water/sugar ratio 1:1)
- 6 dashes Barrel Aged Peychaud’s Bitters
- Splash of Herbsaint Legendre
“The 125th anniversary of the hotel is a momentous occasion worth celebrating,” says Hadi Ktiri, Sazerac Bar Manager and creator of the commemorative cocktail. “It would be a disservice to celebrate the anniversary without acknowledging the landmark cocktail that helped make this bar and the hotel so famous.”
Invented around 1850 in a saloon on Exchange Alley, the Sazerac, known as the world’s first mixed cocktail, is the most famous drink of New Orleans. The Sazerac Bar has existed in only three locations: Exchange Alley, 300 Carondelet Street and at The Roosevelt New Orleans.
The Sazerac
Fun facts about The Sazerac Bar and its namesake cocktail:
- Nearly 30,000 Sazeracs are sold each year in The Sazerac Bar.
- 30 stirs are required to make a classic Sazerac cocktail (That’s more than 860,000 twists of the wrist required of the bar’s mixologists to prepare individual Sazerac drinks.)
- Infamous Louisiana Governor Huey Long loved the Sazerac Bar so much it’s often said that he had Airline Highway built from Baton Rouge to the front steps of the hotel just so he could get there in under an hour. He also once flew a Sazerac Bar bartender to New York to show Big Apple hotel bartenders how he liked his Ramos Gin Fizz, another specialty of The Sazerac Bar, made properly.
- The drinks aren’t the only thing for which The Sazerac Bar is famous. When a group of women stormed the bar on September 26, 1949, they demanded equality—and a stiff drink—at a time when women were only allowed to be served on Mardi Gras day. To honor these women and continue their legacy, the annual Stormin’ of the Sazerac includes historic New Orleans libations, cuisine and various festivities. The celebration takes place in the Blue Room each September and includes a three-course luncheon, fashion show and competition. Ladies come dressed in their best 40s outfits. 2019 will be the 70th anniversary of the Stormin’ of the Sazerac.
Celebrate
In addition to the “Sazerac 125,” the hotel is celebrating its historic anniversary throughout the year in a variety of ways, including:
- Historical giveback campaign. The contest, running until July 1, encourages the public to bring in anything they have taken from the hotel in the past: hotel keys, pillow covers, robes, décor—no item is too big or too small. Whoever brings in the best item will win a seven-night stay in the presidential suite, gourmet meals, spa treatments and more.
- Offering guests “experiences.” These fine dining events invite well-heeled locals and visitors alike to experience a night on the town. Further details will be announced soon.
- Rooftop pop-up series. Local chefs will venture to the hotel’s pool deck every Thursday during the summer. A variety of foods will be offered, as well as access to the pool—usually reserved for guests.
- Rooftop yoga. Held at the hotel’s rooftop pool bar and cabana, this happy hour with a healthy twist will include a workout, cocktails and food.
- Guests can “Pick Three” for $18.93 in the Fountain Lounge, the property’s signature in-house restaurant. The price is a nod to the year 1893, when the hotel first opened.
“Nothing compares to The Roosevelt New Orleans’ unique history and timeless luxury,” says General Manager Tod Chambers. “Each guest’s experience speaks to the soul of our remarkable city. It’s been that way for 125 years and we hope to keep it going for another 125.”
The Roosevelt is an institution that helps shape New Orleans’ history. You’re invited to come be a part of it.
Plan A Trip
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria
130 Roosevelt Way
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
504-648-1200
