The Museum of the American Cocktail seeks to honor and educate about the craft of mixology through exhibits, seminars, and tasting events. It is rumored that the first cocktail was invented in New Orleans by an apothecary, Antoine Peychaud. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that New Orleans would also play host to this unique museum.
The drink created by Mr. Peychaud was sold at his apothecary in the French Quarter and consisted of French brandy, sugar, water, and bitters. His concoction was called the Sazerac, and it's the official cocktail of New Orleans.
Museum of the American Cocktail - one of the highlights of 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in New Orleans (Read all about New Orleans here)
photo by kerinin (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Highlights of the Museum of the American Cocktail
Founded in 2004 by cocktail aficionado Dale DeGroff and others, the Museum of the American Cocktail hasn’t always been located in New Orleans. It started as a traveling exhibit that went from New York to Las Vegas, with various stops along the way. The museum returned to New Orleans in 2008 and is housed in the Southern Food and Beverage Museum.
The museum pays homage to the influence the cocktail has had on many facets of American culture, from Hollywood to politics. It displays an assortment of cocktail equipment, from glasses and bottles to a variety of cocktail shakers.
photo by Kent Wang (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Good to know before visiting the Museum of the American Cocktail
Though it may seem counterintuitive, you can not actually imbibe at the Museum of the American Cocktail, as there is no bar on-site. There are sometimes mixology seminars and hosted events when alcohol is served, however.
As the museum is housed within the larger Southern Food and Beverage Museum, there is plenty more to explore and discover. The Museum of the American Cocktail is on the back wall and offers an interesting collection of not only bottles and spirits, but books and historical information about the era of Prohibition. The GO NOLA pass is accepted. Reservations can be made, but are not required.
Museum of the American Cocktail
Location: 1504 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113, USA
Open: Thursday–Monday from 11.30 am to 5.30 pm (closed Tuesday–Wednesday)
Phone: +1 504-569-0405
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