Glass enjoys killer cocktails at Loa Bar in New Orleans

Down a quiet side street that runs off New Orlean’s bustling main thoroughfare lies a sultry candlelit bar that serves five-star cocktails. It would be in your interest to not pass the International House hotel without stepping inside of its plush lobby and taking an immediate left to Loa. The cosy downtown den, resplendent in deep burgundy velvet and charming pendant lamps, is run by Alan Walter, mixologist and self-claimed “Spirit Handler” at the property. Drinks are served in antique glassware and the atmosphere truly touches on an old-school era.

The cosy lounge at Loa Bar

To mark New Orlean’s 300th anniversary, which is officially inaugurated in May, Walter has created a special cocktail programme that draws upon the city’s rich and layered history. Several imaginative concoctions are on the menu. The Haitian Sazerac is grounded by its key ingredient, Peychaud’s Bitters, which was created around 1830 by the Creole apothecary Antoine Amédée Peychaud, who came to New Orleans from Haiti at the end of the eighteenth-century.

For a quintessential taste of New Orleans, Walter has turned to chicory pecan bitters to make La La Louisiane, which was inspired by the house cocktail of a famed but now bygone French Quarter restaurant. For some mischief, and a taste of Spanish moss, try the pisco-rum sour Jean Lafitte, a reference to the infamous pirate who helped to shape the future of New Orleans.

Chien et Loup

Other than cocktails, Loa keeps an excellent wine list, and the staff is also wonderfully flexible and helpful in coming up with a drink from scratch, to suit your wishes. On a recent visit, Glass was charmed by barman Nick, who not only showed flair when mixing up ingredients, but also great attentiveness and patience. We were treated to a fantastically tangy (as well as gorgeous-looking) Green Door Green Chartreuse, made with Granny Smith apples and basil, and a Hickory Wind, another apple creation that included pecan vodka and celery.

Rosalie

In a city known for its long-time boozy culture, as well as tourists who are seeking a boisterous time, Loa offers welcome respite. For a sophisticated spot, with an intelligent drinks menu and a peaceful ambience, this is the place to be.  

by Derby Jones

Loa Bar is at International House, 221 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Tel: +1 504 553 9550

Follow Loa Bar on Instagram.