New Orleans is a city that welcomes people with open arms — and glasses that are always at least half-full. But what made New Orleans such a popular tourist destination has just as much to do with its history as its personality.
All Aboard to New Orleans
Founded in 1718, New Orleans is one of the oldest tourist destinations in America. It was also one of the most secluded ones, too. But that changed following the Civil War, when transcontinental railroads meant easier access to the Big Easy.
So many new visitors required more first-class hotels, restaurants and other tourist attractions to accommodate them with plenty of good times — and plenty of reasons to keep coming back.
All That Jazz
Stories by writers like Lafcadio Hearn and George Washington Cable continued to put New Orleans on the map in the 1800s. But the early 1900s is when winter travelers began to flock down south to get the full experience of Carnival season, horse races at the Fairgrounds, French Quarter shops and the cocktails the city had become known for creating (of course).
When the 1940s rolled around, so did the jazz scene. Clubs sprang to life. Record studios opened. Musicians innovated. And the Birthplace of Jazz was, well, born. Now, the city with so many great hotels, along with a unique culinary heritage, had more than enough music and entertainment for tourists to enjoy.
All Are Welcome
Once the jazz scene was in full swing, everything else fell into place. Tourism boomed for decades thanks to an expanded Carnival season complete with new events like Southern Decadence that gave everyone reason to celebrate.
Today, New Orleans welcomes over 18 million tourists in a normal year. Even better, the city hosts more than 135 festivals, too. It’s uncertain how many cocktails get consumed every year, but who’s counting anyway? You can count on New Orleans to forever be the home of hospitality. And you’re always invited to the Sazerac House.
Events

Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages
Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.

Sip & Soak It Up: Sazerac Through the Ages
Taste your way through Sazerac’s storied history with archivist Nick Laracuente. Your journey begins with a sample of Sazerac de Forge Cognac made in Segonzac, France, where the Sazerac family were distilling Eau de Vie in the 1600s. The Sazerac family grew into international distributors as their products are shipped to New Orleans. A pour of Sazerac Rye follows to highlight the industry transition as France’s grape stocks were plagued by phylloxera giving rise to a popularity in rye whiskies. Next, sample a bourbon from Sazerac’s Buffalo Trace Distillery, the oldest continuously operating distillery in America. During Prohibition the distillery was even permitted to remain operational, to make whiskey for "medicinal purposes.” When Prohibition ends in 1933, only four distilleries in Kentucky are capable of producing whiskey – Buffalo Trace, then known as George T. Stagg Distillery, is one of the last standing. Lastly, enjoy an exclusive pour to toast what is on the horizon as Sazerac continues to Honor Tradition and Embrace Change through constant experimentation and innovation as it develops spirits fit for any occasion. Your ticket price ($45) will include tasting of four Sazerac products, light refreshments, new information and artifacts not shared with the public before, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about any of our historic brands directly to the caretaker of Sazerac’s history! Seating is limited. This is a 21+ event.

Sip & Shop
Holiday Sip & Shop Thursday, December 14th, 2023 5:00pm – 8:00pm Join us for a Holiday Sip & Shop to prepare for the gift-giving season in style! This event promises to bring the spirit to light with beautifully packaged spirited gift sets, cocktail accoutrements, clothing, barware and even fun gifts for our four-legged friends! DJ87 will keep the season bright with holiday favorites spinning all night. Enjoy a complimentary spiked Apple Cider while you shop. If that didn’t get you feeling merry and bright, Santa will be on site from 5:30pm – 6:30pm for a holiday photo keepsake from LazyEye Photography! Opt-in to a mini cocktail class offered every half hour where you can experience a classic holiday cocktail and leave with the recipe to recreate at your own celebration! Just $12.25! (See what we did there??) When you register to join us for this complimentary event, you will have the opportunity to pre-purchase homerun gifts!
