New Orleans. Drink.

Vieux Carre by Chris McMillan at Bar Uncommon. Chris is a cocktail master and works Wednesday through Saturday. Go visit him, don't order a glass of chardonnay, but tell him what you like. You won't be disappointed.

Sazerac Royale by Chris McMillan @ Bar Uncommon. According to Chris, this is called giving something the Boothby treatment. Basically a Sazerac aperitif.

Wine Dinner at Mila.

Cocktails by Chris Hannah @ Arnaud's French 75. Chris is quiet and subtle, but his cocktails are impeccable. His dry humor and love of soccer will keep you entertained and his cocktails will send you home in a spin.

Peychaud's Bitters at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.

Tujague's - another old school bar in the French Quarter. If you head into the dining room in the back, one of the original handcrafted bars still exists there.

Both Chris McMillan (Bar Uncommon) and Chris Hannah (French 75) recommended LOA. They are definitely taking a modern twist on cocktails. I found their cocktails to be more flavor forward than subtle and classic. Kind of like a good California Cab that you respect, but don't necessarily enjoy as much as a Barbaresco.

Cure - if you like cocktails, this place is a must. Modern, classic - they get it. I asked if the bartender could make a cocktail with Del Maguey mezcal. The result: a brilliant twist on an Old Fashioned using Chichicapa. It was a true complement to the mezcal.

Abita Amber @ Mahoney's. A classic pairing with the new school po-boys being produced @ Mahoney's.

Sometimes you have to try the "originals." The Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel is known for creating the 

Sazerac and also offer a Ramos Gin Fizz. I felt like I pretty much had to go there, but for quality, well produced local cocktails, visit Chris and Chris.

The Sazerac.

The frosty huge glass of beer at Liuzza's. Only two things to get here: the Frenchuletta and a frosty mug of Abita Amber.

The Pimm's Cup - the drink I originally thought only the British loved, is also adored by New Orleans. It's such a refreshing drink and it's so hot and humid in New Orleans, you can understand why it's gulped down. The Napoleon House is where to drink the Pimm's Cup.