Southern Comfort: Let's Get The Party Started

Culture
02 Dec 21

Hailed as the Spirit of New Orleans, Southern Comfort has been whetting the collective whistles of revellers and lovers of whiskey liqueurs alike since 1874. Hot Press takes a look at the story of the world famous libation and its role as the drink of choice during the Big Easy’s Mardi Gras celebrations (AKA the biggest party of the year!).

With the greatest respect to the likes of Pink, Andrew WK and his royal purpleness Prince, nothing and no-one rivals the tag team of Southern Comfort and Mardi Gras in New Orleans, when it comes to getting the party started. Just like strawberries and cream or summertime and festivals, the Big Easy-originated bash is an unbeatable double act with Southern Comfort. And now, Mardi Gras is coming to Ireland!

Pour yourself a glass of Southern Comfort, put some Dr. John on the stereo, don your best feathery mask – and read on to find out more!

THERE IS A HOUSE IN NEW ORLEANS…

Southern Comfort was born in New Orleans and created by an inventive barman named Martin Wilkes Heron in 1874. The son of a boat builder, the enterprising bartender came up with the idea for a unique, warm and tantalisingly sweet new whisky liqueur in the Lower Garden District, which is around two miles north of the French Quarter in the city they call The Big Easy.

Initially called “Cuffs And Buttons,” the name was apparently inspired by the shape of the ingredients in the original recipe that went into the drink which resembled cuffs (citrus swaths) and buttons (cloves). Needless to say, it didn’t take long for Heron to realise he had a hit on his hands. People from far and wide were eager to sample both the smooth taste and the fruit and spice accents of what became known as the “Grand Ole’ Drink Of The South.” People may not have known it yet, but Southern Comfort had been born.

Fast forward to the end of the century and the burgeoning businessman was now living in Memphis, Tennessee – which is where he patented the libation whose label was to bare the motto: “None Genuine But Mine”. And so we can say for sure that, while Southern Comfort may have ‘officially’ come to life in the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll, its heart and soul truly lie in New Orleans. That this is one of the greatest cities in the world is surely apt and fitting.

The same can be said for one of the biggest parties of the year. We are all familiar with the term Mardi Gras (which, for the unenlightened, is French for “Fat Tuesday”). Well, it is one of the most rollicking festive occasions anywhere on earth and it culminates in a carnival day and parade on what – in this part of the world! – we call Shrove or Pancake Tuesday.

While the event’s roots can be traced to Medieval Europe, passing through Rome and Venice in the 17th and 18th Centuries to the French House Of The Bourbons, in modern times, the festival is most closely associated with the city they call The Big Easy. Across the globe, Mardi Gras, and its various iterations, are a celebration of Spring and Fertility. And the final day of Mardi Gras is the last blow-out, before the traditional austerity of what Christians call ‘lent’ imposes itself.

In New Orleans, they put on one of the finest parades in the world – mirrored in Brazil’s famous Carnival. But when the city’s reputation for round-the-clock nightlife, a vibrant music scene and spicy cuisine – which reflects its history as a melting pot of French, African and American cultures – are added to the mix, New Orleans is the perfect party host. Mardi Gras, of course, is celebrated with good friends, great beverages and a lively spirit – and Southern Comfort is undoubtedly the drink of choice for the event.

Boasting an unforgettable taste and an aroma which conjures up an array of exciting images of New Orleans – both old and new – from your very first sip, this association can only get stronger, as Irish people fall in love with the Grand Ole Drink of the South.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

Mardi Gras, New Orleans-style, is famous as a festival full of fun, colour and copious costumes. A bash that brings together all walks of life, it is bright, sensual and extravagant. Indeed, it seems as if there are almost as many unique and different masks and feathery outfits as there are pilgrims at Mardi Gras.

Its tag team partner Southern Comfort is just as versatile. Indeed, no matter what your taste, there’s a marvellous blend, or cocktail, featuring Heron’s libation, that’ll please the taste-buds. If you prefer your whiskey neat or on the rocks, you can order a glass of Southern Comfort Original, Southern Comfort Black (for those who like very smooth whiskey extra bold) or Southern Comfort 100 Proof – a wonderful drink, which boasts vibrant caramel and fruit accents.

On the other hand, if you really want to get into the spirit of Mardi Gras New Orleans style, there are literally hundreds of cocktails and bespoke creations to ensure the party is started in style. Here’s a half-dozen of our very special recommendations…