Two things when combined provide comfort, joy, and a generous pour of nostalgia: classic films and classic cocktails.
That’s why, in honor of Sazerac Cocktail Week, we’ve compiled a list of a few classic movies where the Sazerac Cocktail has its own starring role.
State of the Union (1948)
Director Frank Capra’s ode to political theatre. With impeccable performances by the biggest stars from the Golden Age of Cinema, including Katherine Hepburn, Angela Lansbury, Spencer Tracy, and a cameo by the Sazerac, State of the Union is a political thriller that beckons to be enjoyed with New Orleans’ most famous cocktail.
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (2008)
In both the enjoyment of director David Fincher’s romantic fantasy drama and of a Sazerac Cocktail, one gets the rare chance to sit and marvel at how unceasingly time passes. And while we never get to return to the days of long ago, we do continue to enjoy its gifts. The all-star cast includes Brad Pitt, Taraji P. Henson, and takes place in none other than the Crescent City herself.
The French Dispatch (2021)
Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch and Sazerac House are both devotions to a bygone era and to the art of crafting something with certain care that’s hard to come by these days. The film features three kind-of-true stories and an incredible cast, including Owen Wilson as the cycling reporter Herbsaint Sazerac – a character named after not one, but two New Orleans cocktail staples.
Much like an Anderson film, the magic of Sazerac is in the detail. Its character is complex, not unsimilar to Fincher’s leads. And like life, it is a cocktail to be savored, a theme Capra frequently explores in his work. So make a round, enjoy these cinematic odes to times past, and be sure to raise your glass when New Orleans’ official cocktail makes its appearance on-screen.
Celebrating Sazerac Cocktail Week
Discover more ways to capture the magic of Sazerac Cocktail Week by inviting over some friends, making a round of Sazeracs, putting on the perfect sipping songs playlist, and enjoying a piece of New Orleans history on film.
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!
