The Storming of the Sazerac

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In September 1949, a new Sazerac Bar—named for the iconic New Orleans cocktail—opened at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans. Just before it did, the owner put out word that women would be welcome anytime. They had been allowed in the old bar only on Mardis Gras.

On opening day—September 26, 1949–New Orleans women took full advantage of the change in policy by descending on the bar in force.
It is often said that the women crowded into the bar in defiance of the bar’s old policy, which in the telling was still in force. This makes for a better story. But even the real story underscores that the times were changing.
This “Storming of the Sazerac” has been re-enacted annually ever since, complete with vintage costumes.

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