When it’s 90 degrees with 90% humidity there is something about a cold beer or your favorite glass of wine to bring the temperature down. While these staples are tried and true, there is also something to be said about getting a little adventurous. Finding a cocktail that is engineered to deliver an experience and meet an expectation isn’t always easy to find. Are you looking to beat the heat? Keep the party going? Or simply experiment with something new? Something that entertains the palate with a unique twist? Whether you are looking for an adult beverage that meets one or all of these criteria, the bar at BRQ Seafood and Barbeque exceeds them all. Let’s take a closer look at these inventive cocktails.

The Beforehand

The Beforehand, aptly named as an ideal drink to enjoy “before” dinner transforms the traditional Manhattan into a more approachable late afternoon cocktail. We blend bourbon, an Italian dessert wine, and orange bitters; chilled and served up in a coup and garnished with a spiraled lemon zest to enhance the citrus notes. This new spin on a classic after work is meant to relieve both the stress of a long day and the heat of the south Louisiana summer.

Nefarious Cocoa

Webster’s defines “nefarious” as “wicked or criminal” and maintains its definition through the approach and presentation of this beverage, as well as requires a sense of adventure and courage when ordering this beverage. Nefarious Cocoa by sight and scent is ominous and overwhelming, yet once tasted the initial herbal aromas, enhance the maple and chocolate notes that elude to buttery chocolate pancakes. The unexpected smoothness and flavor in contrast with its aroma only adds to the experience especially when paired with BRQ’s double chocolate cake.

Bootlegger’s Run

We are tipping our hat with our “Bootlegger’s Run” to the lifestyle of the booze courier during this nation’s prohibition era. The drinking culture switched from ritzy clubs and lavish restaurants to tea shops, coffee houses, and back rooms known as “Speakeasies” to further avoid prosecution in the 1920’s people would enjoy their alcoholic concoctions from coffee cups that would conceal its contents and provide a reason for people to socialize. BRQ includes rye whiskey, localized chicory liqueur to echo our unique twist to roasting coffee beans, orange bitters, a touch of turbinado sugar, and cold brew. This whiskey/coffee cocktail arrives on a saucer in a heavy coffee cup, just as it would have almost 100 years ago.

Frosé All Day

Two words. Party. Time. The summer fave of New Yorkers has made its way down to Baton Rouge. Perfect for brunch and any other time of the day (hence the name), “Frosé All Day” is a refreshing frozen cocktail that combines Rosé wine, fresh fruit, a touch of vodka to kick it up. Oh, and don’t just discard the Orchid that rests at the top, that’s there for you to enjoy as well. Yep, eat the flower!

Celebracion

I know we mentioned the word party to describe the last drink, but this cocktail is literally a celebration. Celebracion to be exact. Inspired by the Paloma, a refreshing Mexican cocktail, our champagne highlighted bar has put its own rejuvenating twist on this classic drink. Served in a Collins glass; ice, ruby red grapefruit, lime, sugar, and tequila are combined with the quintessential celebration staple, Champagne. While a traditional Paloma will feature soda, BRQ provides the bubbles with bubbles. Oh yeah, it’s the Pop Rocks garnish that takes the excitement to another level. 

Egg Sour Snap

This classic drink that combines the popular 19th century Egg Sour, the locally relevant New Orleans Sour, the request of a Snap (slang for a red wine float) is exactly how one would order in the day. We begin with fresh egg white, whiskey, lemon, Combier (a French orange liqueur), sugar, and of course the “snap” (red wine float). The float is delicately placed at the top of the drink, essentially being painted on top of the cocktail. The intriguing thing about the Egg Sour Snap is that as it settles the drink continues to take shape. The top layer is creamy and white and combined with the wine layer, tastes bit like a frothy tart Sangria. As you work your way through the beverage it finishes as a smooth Whiskey Sour. 



Seasonal Smash

This is an old school drink that resembles a Mint Julep. With seasonal fruits, currently blueberries, this drink provides a refreshing, aromatic treat. Served over crushed ice with lemon, soda, and a precisely placed sprig of mint against the straw you get to enjoy the scent and all of the flavors in every sip.