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
In The Mix Cocktail Class
In the Mix is an immersive cocktail class where music, flavor, and storytelling come together. Guests learn to craft three iconic drink, the Vieux Carré, Southside, and Painkiller, while experiencing curated soundscapes that enhance each cocktail’s character and mood. More than a mixology lesson, this class connects taste and sound to culture, creating a memorable, multi-sensory experience that lingers long after the last sip.
Tequila Tasting
Join us for an immersive tasting class that explores the craftsmanship and character behind Corazón Tequila. This guided experience features a curated lineup of expressions, including Corazón Blanco, Corazón Reposado, Corazón Añejo, and a rare Corazón Sazerac Barrel Select. Throughout the class, you’ll journey through the full tequila-making process, from harvesting blue agave to fermentation and distillation, gaining a deeper understanding of what defines quality tequila. We’ll also break down how aging influences flavor, aroma, and complexity as you compare each expression side by side. To round out the experience, you’ll learn how tequila shines in cocktails, with insights into balance, pairing, and technique that you can take home. Whether you’re new to tequila or looking to refine your palate, this class offers a flavorful and educational exploration of one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits.
The Art of Proof: Sazerac Rye Edition
Explore the depth and character of Sazerac Rye in this guided whiskey class designed for both enthusiasts and newcomers. Led by a knowledgeable expert, guests will learn about the history, production, and flavor profile that define this iconic rye. The experience includes a comparative tasting of each expression—90 proof, 100 proof, and Sazerac Rye Full Proof—allowing guests to discover how proof influences aroma, body, and finish. This side-by-side journey highlights the versatility and craftsmanship behind one of the most recognized names in American rye whiskey.
