Signature Sips of the Spring Parade: Light, Refreshing Cocktails for a Day in the Quarter

Spring in New Orleans calls for a drink that can keep up with the season—bright, refreshing, and easy to sip while the music plays and the floats roll by. For the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler’s April parade, we’ve gathered a list of warm-weather cocktails that fit the mood perfectly. From classics with deep local roots to lighter twists on old favorites, these drinks are parade-ready and Crescent City–approved.

Hurricane

Why it’s perfect:

Born at Pat O’Brien’s in the 1940s, this rum-heavy, fruit-forward cocktail was invented to use up surplus rum during wartime. Served in its signature curvy glass, the Hurricane is bold, sweet, and unapologetically festive—making it perfect for parade day celebrations.

Where to find it:

Pat O’Brien’s courtyard, where you can enjoy one under the twinkle lights and live piano music.

Pimm’s Cup

Why it’s perfect:

Crisp, light, and refreshingly herbal, the Pimm’s Cup is practically the official drink of spring in New Orleans. Napoleon House made it famous here, serving Pimm’s No. 1 with lemonade, lemon-lime soda, and cucumber slices for that cool, garden-party vibe.

Pro Tip:

Order one before the parade starts and sip slowly—it’s built for the long haul.

French 75

Why it’s perfect:

Equal parts elegant and celebratory, the French 75 pairs Champagne with gin (or sometimes cognac), lemon juice, and sugar. Light bubbles make it ideal for day drinking, and it feels fancy enough for a parade day toast.

Where to find it:

Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, where the presentation is just as gorgeous as the drink.

Frozen Irish Coffee

Why it’s perfect:

Yes, it’s coffee. Yes, it’s a cocktail. And yes, it’s frozen—making it an excellent choice for warm afternoons. Made famous at Molly’s at the Market, it blends coffee, whiskey, cream, and ice for a parade-ready pick-me-up.

Where to find it:

Molly’s is right along the French Quarter route—easy access before or after the floats roll.

Mint Julep

Why it’s perfect:

Fresh mint, crushed ice, and bourbon—a Southern classic that’s light on mixers but big on refreshment. The icy chill is perfect for fending off Louisiana’s springtime heat, and the presentation in a frosty metal cup never gets old.

Pro Tip:

Pace yourself. The smoothness can be deceptive.

Paloma

Why it’s perfect:

Not strictly a New Orleans creation, but the Paloma—tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime—has that sunny-day flavor profile that just works for parade season. Citrus-forward and bubbly, it’s a festive alternative for tequila lovers.

Where to find it:

Many Quarter bars will happily whip one up, but try Cane & Table for their craft spin.

Why These Drinks Work for Parade Day

The best parade-day cocktails share three traits: they’re refreshing, they’re flavorful without being heavy, and they let you keep the beat without knocking you off your feet. Whether you go for the herbal cool of a Pimm’s Cup, the effervescence of a French 75, or the caffeinated kick of a Frozen Irish Coffee, the goal is the same—something delicious in hand as you wave to the floats and let the good times roll.