I will admit that over the many years that I have called New Orleans my second home, I have tried cocktails at just about every well known establishment. And one of my favourite go-tos is Bar Tonique. But you won’t easily find this place in the touristy areas of the French Quarter. You need to take a walk north; the bar sits at the border of the Quarter and the Treme.
The thing that makes Tonique so special, besides it’s ridiculously extensive menu of original cocktails, is that it walks that delicate line between dive bar and cocktail bar effortlessly. It feels special while still being completely unpretentious.
I have tried several of their great cocktails but always go back to the ones I think they do exceptionally well: Ramos Gin Fizz and The Aviation. The are both perfect examples of classic cocktails. And if you happen to be in the city on a weekday, check out their $5 Happy Hour Cocktails from noon to five.