Celebrating 75 Years of ‘Stormin’ of the Sazerac’ Protest

News Summary

A lively luncheon at the Roosevelt Hotel commemorated the 75th anniversary of the ‘Stormin’ of the Sazerac’, a pivotal protest in 1949 that fought for women’s rights at the Sazerac Bar. Dressed in 1940s and 1950s style, attendees celebrated the courage of women, enjoyed a delightful meal, and participated in a spirited second-line parade. The event highlighted the cocktail’s cultural significance, as the Sazerac continues to be a symbol of New Orleans’ rich cocktail heritage.

New Orleans – On September 26, 2023, a lively luncheon at the Roosevelt Hotel marked the 75th anniversary of the ‘Stormin’ of the Sazerac’, a pivotal protest event from 1949 that changed the landscape of social drinking in New Orleans. The protest was initiated by a group of women demanding equal service at the previously male-only Sazerac Bar, where prior access for women was limited to Mardi Gras Day alone.

The event brought together attendees who embraced the style of the 1940s and 1950s, providing a nostalgic atmosphere as they celebrated both the cocktail and the courage of women who fought for their rights. WDSU news anchor Sula Kim emceed the gathering, guiding participants through the afternoon’s festivities, which included a spirited second-line parade to the Sazerac Bar led by the Twisty River Band.

Guests enjoyed a delightful lunch prepared by renowned Chef Nina Compton, who was also honored as the Spirit of the Sazerac for the day. The luncheon not only commemorated the historical significance of the event but also offered an opportunity for attendees to dance and join in the celebratory spirit with champagne and tea.

Part of the festivities centered around a ‘best dress’ contest, showcasing the stylish ensembles of participants. The attendees enthusiastically recognized Nikki Pontiff, Meaghan Hardcastle, and Gerri Valene as standout contestants, with Hardcastle ultimately winning the title as voted by the crowd.

The ‘Stormin’ of the Sazerac’ holds a profound place in the narrative of the Sazerac cocktail, which is recognized as one of the oldest cocktails in the United States. Originally created in 1850, the Sazerac cocktail typically comprises rye whiskey, a sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters, Herbsaint liqueur, and a lemon twist. The cocktail’s original recipe used cognac until the supply decreased, which led to the adaptation of rye whiskey. Additionally, absinthe was part of the early cocktail mix until its prohibition in the U.S. in 1912 necessitated the substitution of Herbsaint.

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Louisiana House of Representatives designated the Sazerac as the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. The Sazerac House museum, which opened in 2019, further celebrates this distinguished drink’s heritage, featuring interactive exhibits that educate visitors on the history and evolution of the cocktail, as well as an opportunity to sample it firsthand.

The event on September 26 serves as a reminder of the vital role that the cocktail culture, including the iconic Sazerac, plays in the identity of New Orleans. As attendees rejoiced and raised their glasses in honor of both the cocktail and the women who fought for their right to enjoy it, the tradition of the Sazerac continues to be an essential part of the city’s long and colorful history.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Shreveport Times: Most Iconic Drink in Louisiana
• NOLA: ‘Stormin’ of the Sazerac’ Celebration
• Time Out: Sazerac in New Orleans
• Condé Nast Traveler: Sazerac House
• The Advertiser: Sazerac House History Museum
• Wikipedia: Sazerac
• Google Search: Sazerac
• Google Scholar: Sazerac
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sazerac
• Google News: Sazerac