Inside The Award-Winning Bar Resurrecting 150-Year-Old Cocktails | Jewel Of The South | New Orleans

Key Concepts

• Historical Preservation: Maintaining the architectural and cultural integrity of a 200-year-old building.
• Cocktail Archaeology: The process of researching, reviving, and perfecting lost or forgotten historical cocktail recipes.
• Ingredient Craftsmanship: The use of time-intensive techniques like infusions, milk washing, and multi-day straining processes.
• Hospitality Philosophy: The integration of deep historical knowledge with personalized guest service to create a "memorable experience."
• Legacy Building: Ensuring the continuity of a historic establishment beyond the tenure of current leadership.

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1. The Philosophy of Jewel of the South

Chris Hannah, head bartender and partner, emphasizes that Jewel of the South is designed to be an authentic experience rather than a modern trend. Located in a 200-year-old Creole cottage in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the establishment aims to transport guests back in time.

• Historical Context: The original Jewel of the South was the most prominent bar in New Orleans during the 1850s, owned by Joseph Santini. It holds the distinction of being the only bar and bartender mentioned in the first-ever cocktail book written by Jerry Thomas.
• Atmosphere: The venue is designed to feel like a home kitchen, with the bar positioned at the edge of the room and an authentic 1880s back bar, creating a distinct "vibe" that avoids the ubiquitous "Brooklyn-style" aesthetic.

2. Cocktail Methodology and Craft

Hannah’s approach to mixology is rooted in his background as a chef (having spent six years in a kitchen) and his passion for New Orleans jazz and cocktail history.

• The Brandy Crusta: A signature drink for the establishment. It is historically significant as the world’s first sugar-rimmed cocktail. Hannah notes that he rediscovered the drink through a guest’s travel book in 2004 and has since made it a staple of his menu.
• Technical Prep: Many cocktails require extensive preparation, ranging from hours to two weeks.
  • Infusions: Require long-term maceration.
  • Milk Washing: A process involving curdling milk in the cocktail to clarify and soften the texture.
  • Straining: A multi-stage process using mesh bags followed by coffee filters, which can take up to two days of slow dripping to achieve the desired clarity and mouthfeel.

3. Staff Training and Guest Engagement

Hannah views his bartenders as historians and ambassadors for the city of New Orleans.

• Knowledge Transfer: Training focuses on ensuring every staff member possesses the same depth of historical knowledge as the head bartender. This allows them to educate guests on the origins of the drinks they are consuming.
• Community Integration: Staff are trained to provide recommendations for other neighborhoods and bars, ensuring that the guest’s entire stay in New Orleans is curated and memorable, not just their time at Jewel of the South.

4. Recognition and Professional Standards

The establishment has achieved significant industry acclaim, including:

• Awards: James Beard Foundation awards, inclusion on the "World’s 50 Best Bars" list, and recognition at the "Tales of the Cocktail" Spirited Awards.
• Perspective on Success: Hannah views these accolades as a source of positive pressure that drives innovation and the creation of new, seasonal cocktails. He emphasizes that while the awards are prestigious, the true value lies in the team effort and the satisfaction of the guests.

5. Synthesis and Conclusion

Jewel of the South serves as a bridge between the past and the present. By combining rigorous historical research with advanced culinary techniques, Chris Hannah has created a space that honors the legacy of Joseph Santini and the broader cocktail culture of New Orleans. The ultimate goal of the establishment is not merely to serve drinks, but to preserve a historic house and provide a lasting, meaningful experience for every guest, with a long-term vision of ensuring the venue remains a cultural landmark for future generations.