New Orleans and Mardi Gras go hand in hand, but the roots of our infamous celebration go all the way back to Medieval Europe. Long before New Orleans was a city, Europeans celebrated Carnival. So how did this celebration become so synonymous with NOLA? Well, it all starts with our French connections.
Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday†in French, is the celebration that takes place the day before Ash Wednesday. In France, people would indulge in rich, fatty foods before the start of Lent. And from those humble origins, the beginnings of Carnival, as we know it, was born.
As the French colonized North America, they brought their joie de vivre with them, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans became a focal point for that spirit. Street parties, masked balls, fancy dinners, even the name of the very first place in what would become Louisiana, Pointe du Mardi-Gras, reflected this affinity for celebration. In the years following, they would also bring Sazerac Cognac, which would eventually be used for the Sazerac Cocktail, a drink that’s since become synonymous with the celebratory nature of New Orleans.
But even as New Orleans began to put its own spin on the holiday, we still took cues from France, with elaborate galas modeled after those held in Versailles and the Opera de Paris. Where society’s strict expectations were left at the door, as attendees donned festive masks and danced the night away.
All good things must come to an end, and for this first iteration of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, that took the form of the Spanish takeover of the city in the 18th century. Spanish Governors outlawed the celebrations, but the spirit of Carnival never truly died.
In 1827, after visiting Paris, a group of students brought the celebration back to the streets of New Orleans, and ten years later, the first recorded Mardi Gras parade took place. And the rest, as they say, is history.
New Orleans may not have been the first city to celebrate Mardi Gras, but it’s certainly the one that does it with the most panache. And Sazerac is a proud part of it all. With 400 years of French heritage and counting, we invite you to join us as we raise a glass to Mardi Gras.
Events
Immersive Legacy Tour
Step into the story of New Orleans’ most iconic cocktail with an immersive journey through the origins of the Sazerac. This guided experience invites guests to explore the evolution of flavor, culture, and craftsmanship that gave rise to a true classic. As you move through the museum floor, you’ll taste your way through history—beginning with the rich, aromatic notes of coffee liqueur. From there, discover the bright and bittersweet balance of bitters and soda, a nod to the early apothecary roots of cocktail culture. The journey continues with a guided choice: guests will select either Sazerac de Forge XO Cognac, honoring the original French spirit that defined the earliest Sazerac recipes, or Sazerac Rye, showcasing the bold, spicy character that came to shape the modern version of the drink. Your experience culminates in a perfectly crafted sample of the Sazerac cocktail itself, bringing together each element you’ve explored along the way. By the final sip, you won’t just taste the cocktail—you’ll understand the story behind it. This tour is perfect for curious drinkers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to experience New Orleans cocktail culture in a deeper, more interactive way
The Weller Classroom Experience
Step into the story of one of bourbon’s most enduring families and discover how William Larue Weller helped pioneer the wheated style that would later inspire the Van Winkle legacy. This guided tasting explores four expressions—Special Reserve, CYPB, Full Proof, and Single Barrel—tracing Weller’s journey from the days of the Stitzel-Weller Distillery through the industry’s quiet decades of the 1970s and 1980s to its modern revival under Buffalo Trace. Guests will nose, taste, and compare each whiskey in an elegant classroom setting, uncovering how proof, age, and history intertwine to shape the signature richness of Weller and the heritage of American bourbon.
Meet the Distiller: Small Group Tour & Tasting
Step behind the scenes with the artisans who bring Sazerac’s legendary spirits to life. “Meet the Distiller” is an exclusive, hour-long experience that begins with a private VIP tour through the Sazerac House distillery and historic Apothecary. Guests will enjoy insider access, behind-the-barrel stories, and a rare glimpse into the craft and science of our production process. Following the tour, you’ll join our distiller in their private tasting room for a curated guided tasting of four Sazerac expressions — hand-selected and presented by the distiller. This intimate setting allows guests to explore the flavors, techniques, and traditions that define our spirits.
