SIP & SWIM

8 Cocktails to Drink at NOLA Hotel Pool Bars

Ingredients for a perfect pool day are warm sun, a comfy lounge chair, a comfortably cool pool, sunglasses, and a deliciously crafted cocktail.

A cocktail is like the cherry on top of an outdoor pool experience in New Orleans. At select hotel pools around the city, locals can lounge poolside, listen to live DJ performances and dip into the pool with a creative cocktail in-hand. Whether you prefer a rooftop pool with city skyline views or an intimate backyard pool surrounded by palm trees and plant-life, there’s a pool and cocktail for every occasion.

By Cynthea Corfah COURTESY

Try one of these cocktails by the pool this spring.

11th Symphony from The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

In Louisiana’s hot sun, sometimes frozen drinks are the best way to enjoy a cocktail. This frozen and fragrant drink is made with Hendrick’s Gin, lemon butterfly pea flower tea, and housemade almond-ginger syrup. Sip this frozen treat and catch a local DJ at the lively rooftop bar. The Pool Club Bar is open daily at 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday it stays open until 10 p.m., with extended late-night hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Non-hotel guests can get a pool pass starting at $30 Monday through Thursday.

Berry Me in Mexico from The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Soak up the sun and relax with this fruity and herbal cocktail. It is made with Sauza tequila, Chareau Aloe, blackberry-turmeric shrub, and lime. Enjoy it on the scenic and stylish rooftop pool and bar atop the Virgin Hotel. As with the 11th Symphony, the Pool Club Bar is open daily at 10 a.m. Sunday through Thursday it stays open until 10 p.m., with extended late-night hours on Friday and Saturday nights. Non-hotel guests can get a pool pass starting at $30 Monday through Thursday.

Creole Colada from Hotel St. Vincent

Get a taste of the Caribbean with a Louisiana flair with this tropical cocktail. It is made with Bounty white rum, Giffard Coconut, Tempus Fugit Banana, and El Guapo Crawfish Boil Bitters. Enjoy your cocktail while resting on a retro-looking lounge chair surrounded by lush greenery. The pool is open daily to guests only. The pool bar and courtyard are open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Devil’s Navy from Alto at Ace Hotel

This red and orange drink is a reflection of New Orleans sunsets. Its color is vibrant, striking, and has warm tones. The tasty cocktail is made with a rum blend, Herbsaint liqueur, Lillet, honey, and lime. The pool is open daily for registered guests from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Non-hotel guests can make pool reservations via Resy

Neon Rush from Alto at Ace Hotel

Beat the heat with this neon rush cocktail made with vodka, melon liqueur, Velvet Falernum, lime, and pineapple. The highlighter blue drink is the perfect party starter. Take in the high-rise city vibes of Ace Hotel’s rooftop pool and indulge in bar foods such as fruit salad, chicken wings, sandwiches, paninis, and burgers.

Rosmarino Alto from Hotel St. Vincent

Try something different, yet reliable, with this bubbly cocktail. It is made with Toki Japanese whisky, rosemary, lemon, and soda. Enjoy your naturally-flavored beverage with snacks including shrimp cocktail scapece, parmesan truffle fries, prosciutto and melon, or a fresh salad. Pool guests can also order sandwiches, pastas, beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. The pool is open daily to guests only. The pool bar and courtyard are open from Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Seasonal frozen cocktails from The Chloe

Take a mini staycation at The Chloe’s backyard pool and bar. The chic, tiki-style pool bar serves rum, tequila, and mezcal punches and frozen cocktails, wine, beer, and snacks. Light bites include cracklins, a pickle plate, french fries, a pimento cheese plate, and smoked fish rillettes. Happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. The pool bar is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Access to the pool is available to non-room guests for $25.

Spicy Senorita from Above the Grid at NOPSI Hotel

Keep it sweet and spicy with this elevated margarita. It is made with Espolon Tequila Blanco, triple sec, jalapeno, lime juice, and agave. Pair the spicy senorita with snacks including wings, spinach and artichoke dip, flatbread, boudin balls, a caesar salad, and truffled french fries. The rooftop pool is open to hotel guests daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Day passes can be purchased via Resortpass for varied prices.