Booze Traveler Season 1 Episode 12 Dead in New Orleans

In season 1 episode 12 of Booze Traveler, entitled "Dead in New Orleans," host Jack Maxwell visits the city of New Orleans to explore the role that alcohol has played in the city's unique traditions and history. As the birthplace of some of America's most iconic cocktails, including the Sazerac and the Hurricane, New Orleans has a reputation for being a drinking town. But for Maxwell, it's much more than that - it's a place where the art of mixology is revered and celebrated, and where every cocktail tells a story.

The episode starts with Maxwell taking a stroll through the city's famous French Quarter, where he stops off at various bars and cocktail lounges to sample some of the city's most iconic drinks. Along the way, he meets with local bartenders and mixologists who share their knowledge of the city's rich cocktail culture and help him understand the history and symbolism behind each drink.

One of the bars that Maxwell visits is the historic Sazerac Bar, located inside the luxurious Roosevelt Hotel. Here, he gets a lesson in mixing the perfect Sazerac cocktail from the hotel's lead bartender, who explains the origins of the drink and its significance as a symbol of New Orleans' unique mix of cultures.

Next, Maxwell heads to the famous Pat O'Brien's bar to try their signature drink, the Hurricane. This fruity and potent cocktail is synonymous with the city's wild party scene and has been a staple of New Orleans' nightlife since the 1940s. Again, Maxwell meets with the bar's expert mixologists, who share their secrets for creating the perfect Hurricane and explain the drink's history as a symbol of resilience in the face of disaster.

Throughout the episode, Maxwell also delves deeper into the city's dark and haunted history, exploring the role that alcohol played in some of New Orleans' most infamous tragedies. He visits the site of the notorious LaLaurie Mansion, where he learns about the shocking atrocities committed by its former owner and how her fondness for alcohol may have fueled her depravity.

Maxwell also visits the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, where he discovers the tomb of Marie Laveau - the legendary "Voodoo Queen" of New Orleans. Here, he learns about the role that alcohol played in the practice of voodoo and how it was used to facilitate communication between the living and the dead.

The episode concludes with Maxwell reflecting on his time in New Orleans and the profound role that alcohol has played in shaping the city's unique culture and traditions. He marvels at the way that each drink tells a story - of struggle, resilience, and ultimately, celebration - and how they have helped to create a city unlike any other.

Overall, "Dead in New Orleans" is a fascinating and entertaining exploration of one of America's most iconic cities and the integral role that alcohol has played in its history and culture. With its mix of history, mixology, and spooky haunts, this Booze Traveler episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in cocktails, culture, and the fascinating stories behind them.