It was her grandfather’s Manhattan that inspired our guest to love the art of making cocktails, but what was it about that Manhattan that would lead her to New Orleans? 

I’m Susan Schwartz, your drinking companion, and this is Lush Life Podcast, every week we are inspired to live life one cocktail at a time.

Joining us today on our episode sponsored by Louisiana Tourism is the fabulous Abigail Gullo. Creative Director, Loa Bar in the Beaux Arts wonder that is the International House Hotel which won the best Hotel Bar in America in 2019.

She was the First winner of the Heaven Hill Bartender of the Year and a legend in the business.  Originally a New Yorker, she has found her home in the Big Easy. 

Have you ever been to Louisiana? I love it for its Creole and Cajun culture, Mardi Gras, and the beautiful city of New Orleans, but the Pelican State offers so much more, including the amazing live music scene covering everything from Jazz to Swamp pop and Zydeco, a fascinating history combining diverse cultures, over 400 festivals a year and adventures including kayaking on the bayous and lakes, hiking in the many National and State Parks throughout the state or the newly launched Louisiana Civil Rights Trail.  

If you didn’t know already, it’s the home of the cocktail, not only the Sazerac, gumbo, jambalaya, Tabasco hot sauce, King Cake, and beignets!  Louisiana offers a food and drink experience that is second to none.  Meet craft distillers, brewers, and mixologists who are working with local traditions and making a name for themselves on the Louisiana Culinary Trails or Louisiana Libations Trail.

Let the endless beauty of Louisiana feed your soul and inspire you. You can check out more by visiting louisianatravel.com

The French 75 is a New Orleans classic and our cocktail of the week. This is how we make it the Loa way.

INGREDIENTS 

• 1 ounce Cognac or Gin
• 1/2 ounce Lemon juice 
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup
• 3 ounces Champagne

METHOD

• Add the gin or cognac, sugar syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker
• Add ice
• Shake, shake, shake
• Strain into a Champagne glass
• Top up with Champagne
• Stir gently
• Garnish with a lemon peel

If using gin and making it the Loa way, Abigail suggests garnishing it with fresh herbs from your garden, like Basil, Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Lavender, or Thyme. 

You’ll find this recipe, more Louisiana cocktails, and all the cocktails of the week at alushlifemanual.com, where you’ll also find all the ingredients in our shop.

Full Episode Details: https://alushlifemanual.com/how-to-drink-your-grandfathers-manhattan-with-abigail-gullo

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