This place was a total game changer. Opened in 2009 by Nick Bodenheimer and Kirk Estopinal, Cure was one of the first bars to kick start the craft cocktail renaissance in New Orleans, and they haven’t let the ball drop since. Freret Street is now a restaurant/bar hotspot with Cure at its heart.

The interiors are classic and cool with the stunning back bar the centre of the action and a sheltered leafy terrace. Harking back to the origins of the cocktail in home remedies and medicines, the menu keeps you guessing with unusual tinctures, bitters and ingredient combinations – booze geeks, check out the Reserve Cocktails list. The Mexican Bus Ride nearly knocked us over (Alipus San Baltazar Mezcal, Ocho Repesado Tequila, Cocchi Americano Rosa and Benedictine), so we followed it up with a thankfully low proof Once Over (Aperol, Tequila Cabeza, lime, mint and house-made Orgeat). They’re really into their fortified wines too – just get them chatting about Madeira. Cocktails are reasonable, but at $6 a pop during the daily happy hour (5-7pm) you know where to find us.