While the South has more than its share of haunted hotels, leave it to the historic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans to make sure its resident ghosts get their own drinks.
A fixture in the French Quarter for more than 125 years, the hotel has hosted everyone from Louisiana dignitaries to Southern literary greats, but it’s equally famous for its Carousel Bar (yes, a working carousel with rotating bar stools). So in honor of Halloween, the Monteleone’s barkeeps devised a series of cocktails named for their permanent guests. One in particular caught our eye—Solemn John, named for a 1920s businessman from Tennessee who’s said to still wander the premises. It’s a creamy, whiskey-laced fall libation with a bit of pear liqueur and a touch of cinnamon. It works great with bourbon, or try it with rye for a little extra bite. Either way, it makes a perfect treat for a grown-up Halloween party, even if the only real spirits around are in your glass.
