The lounge at New Orleans' Monteleone Hotel has a long and fascinating history and will celebrate its birthday with a host of special events.
For 75 years, the Carousel Bar at the Monteleone Hotel in New Orleans has been one of the French Quarter's most famous gathering places. The 25-seat revolving bar overlooking Royal Street has seen many writers occupying its chairs, including Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Truman Capote, Eurora Welty, Rebecca Wells and Winston Grooms, author of “Forrest Gump.”
To celebrate its anniversary, the hotel will be offering a variety of special events. They are:
Cocktail Class — Learn how to make the New Orleans cocktail that was invented at the Carousel Bar, the Vieux Carre, at this 50-minute interactive class. Cocktail classes are $75 per person and are exclusive to hotel guests. Of note: guests who attend the class will have first access to a seat at the Carousel Bar when it opens at 11 a.m.!
Aug. 14 @ 10 a.m.
Sept. 11 @ 10 a.m.
The Carousel Bar Experience – Grab a coveted seat at the Carousel Bar before it opens to the public and delve into the bar’s illustrious history of legendary patrons and celebrated cocktails at the Carousel Bar Experience. Indulge in a complimentary cocktail as you’re relegated with tales of the past. This experience is offered exclusively to hotel guests Sept. 16-20 for $75 per person.
Cocktail Countdown: Celebrate the 75th anniversary with a cocktail countdown where each month a different decade’s signature cocktail is showcased. The cocktails on special for August are the Cherry Manhattan and the Chilcano.
Guest Bartenders: Stop by the Carousel Bar Sept. 16-19 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. as the team welcomes a lineup of guest bartenders from some of the hottest spots in town! Experience unique cocktails crafted by top mixologists, each bringing their signature flair and creativity to the Carousel Bar.
Cocktails for a Cause: On Sept. 18, the Carousel Bar’s official anniversary day, proceeds from sales will go towards the 18th Ward Sports Club, a local non-profit organization that offers high-quality, low-cost youth sports programs.
Did you know?
There are numerous ghosts haunting the Monteleone Hotel. Most believe the ghosts haunting the Carousel Bar are not Tennessee Williams or Truman Capote but rather jilted lovers, a former employee and mischievous children.
The International Society of Paranormal Research once visited the Monteleone Hotel and found several spirits lingering. Two men remain, including “Red,” a former hotel engineer who worked in the boiler room below the restaurant and bar, and William Wilderner, a former guest of the hotel.
The Vieux Carré Cocktail
This historic New Orleans cocktail, created by a Hotel Monteleone bartender, Walter Bergeron, found its home at the Carousel Bar. We invite you to celebrate with us and enjoy this original recipe:
¾ oz Sazerac Rye Whiskey
¾ oz Pierre Ferrand 1840 Cognac (or your favorite)
½ oz Sweet Vermouth
¼ oz Benedictine Liquor
2-3 Dashes Peychaud Bitters
2-3 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Build in an ice-filled old-fashioned glass, give a quick stir to mix, and garnish with a fresh lemon twist.
Weird, Wacky & Wild South is written by travel and food writer, and New Orleans native Cheré Dastugue Coen. If she visits the Carousel Bar, she chooses the sazarac or Pim's Cup.
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