Travelers with an appreciation for the past and a thirst for legendary libations will find their holy grail in New Orleans. In a city that exudes rich culture, soulful cuisine and Southern hospitality, you’re bound to come across an establishment that, in its very essence, chronicles the past and celebrates “les bons temps” (French for “the good times”).

One such place is The Roosevelt, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Located one block from the city’s famed French Quarter, the hotel is home to The Sazerac Bar, which previously was a speakeasy during Prohibition. The bar also used to be a favorite watering hole of one-time Louisiana governor Huey P. Long, who held a residence on the hotel’s 12th floor.

Allow the historical significance to wash over you as you enter the elegant surroundings of this restored New Orleans landmark, take a seat at the African walnut bar and order … what else … a Sazerac. It is, after all, the official cocktail of the Big Easy.

Celebrated as the world’s first mixed cocktail, the Sazerac was created in 1838 in New Orleans by Creole apothecary Antoine Peychaud. Today, The Sazerac Bar’s lead bartender, Brandon Howard, knows everything there is to know about crafting this beloved whiskey cocktail.

Says Howard, “Best enjoyed by itself – with no food – the Sazerac is a slightly sweet, spirit-forward cocktail with notes of spice from the rye whiskey on the palate and anise or licorice on the nose.”

If you want to make this classic cocktail yourself, there’s no better teacher than Howard, who has made well over 1000 Sazeracs since joining The Roosevelt a year and a half ago.

His number one tip for someone wanting to prepare this drink at home? “Using an atomizer to spritz Herbsaint on the glass gives you a more aromatic cocktail.”

So, grab your cocktail mixer and get ready to experience the subtly sweet and spicy embodiment of New Orleans’ past and present. Cheers!