Last week, my husband and I were on vacation in New Orleans, and on our final day—coincidentally the day Hurricane Francine was set to hit—we stopped by the famous Sazerac Bar at the Roosevelt Hotel for a quick drink before hunkering down for the night (hence the wet ground seen in the photo below).
Now what were the drinks? My husband had a Ramos Gin Fizz, a cocktail that originated in New Orleans (shown on the right in the image below). This drink takes around seven minutes to make, thanks to the raw egg that gives it that amazing fluffy top—a result of vigorous shaking. I opted for a Hurricane, because what else would you order when a hurricane is about to hit? Both drinks were delicious, and the 1930s Art Deco décor was right up my alley (more photos below).
While searching for the perfect Ramos Gin Fizz, two different bartenders recommended places to try the original cocktail—but were they right? I’m still not sure, but here’s what I found online about its history…
New Orleans’ Imperial Cabinet Saloon in 1888 by bartender and proprietor Henry Charles Ramos, known to his regulars as “Carl.”
In the late 1800s, New Orleans emerged as a major tourist destination, benefiting Ramos’ saloon and his Fizz, packing the bar nightly with guests clamoring for the drink of the moment. (Source).
FURTHER READING: The Legend of Huey Long & the Ramos Gin Fizz Incident
Murals by 1930s artist Paul Ninas.
Now, the reason for this post and its title: ‘The Storming of the Sazerac Bar in 1949.’ What was that all about? Before we dive into the story, let’s start with a quick history lesson.
Brief History of the Sazerac Bar
On August 1, 1938, the ‘Main Bar‘ opened with its mahogany bar, walnut-paneled walls, and Paul Ninas murals.
In 1949, Weiss (VP & Managing director of the hotel) purchased the rights to use the name “Sazerac Bar” from the Sazerac Company. The bar had previously been on Exchange Place before Prohibition and at 300 Carondelet Street afterward. He renovated a store front on Baronne Street which had previously held a wine-and-spirits store and opened the Sazerac Bar on September 26, 1949 (photo below).
Weiss and Silverstein architects designed the Baronne Street entrance (Source).
The Storming of the Sazerac Bar in 1949
Before 1949, bars were closed off to women except for Mardi Gras celebrations.
Sept 26th, 1949. As a sign of his marketing genius, Weiss announced through the news media (seen below) that the new bar would abolish the previous ‘men-only’ house rule and admit women. Women from around the city flocked to the venue, and the event became known as Storming the Sazerac (Source).
This event was a moment of civil disobedience among New Orleans women and was a key moment in gaining equality and equal rights (Source).
1949 photos of the women at ‘The Storming of the Sazerac Bar’.
Source: thesocietypages.org
Cheers to equality!
Source: weirdsouth.com
What a fantastic piece of history!
Have you ever come across this historical moment? I hadn’t, until I found myself sitting at this bar. After a brief chat with the bartender, who discovered my love of history, he handed me a binder filled with fascinating stories about the hotel and its bars. I only wish I could have taken photos or brought it home with me to share with all of you!
Dear Readers, if you have anything to share on this hotel, bar or blog topic please share in the comment section below. I love hearing from my readers!
Thanks for dropping by!
Further Reading (Archived blog posts):
Liz
Do you know about Carrie Nation?
That’s a good story
Also Edward Bernays and his Torches of Freedom
No I have not heard of either stories. Will look into it. Thanks!
Liz
I love New Orleans and Hurricanes (the drinks) are the best. That bar looks so beautiful. Looks like a great visit.
It was a fantastic visit even with the bad weather. Make sure you visit that bar the next time your in town.
Thanks for commenting!
Liz