1. The Ramos Gin Fizz, a frothy hangover cure, was invented by Henry Ramos in 1888. Difficult to make, the milkshake-like drink is worth the wait (tip extra). Ingredients: dry gin, lemon juice, fresh egg whites, seltzer, powdered sugar, orange flower. We like ’em at The Columns.

2. The Sazerac was recently declared the official drink of New Orleans. This licorice-tasting cocktail is served chilled in an old-fashioned glass. Ingredients: three ounces of rye, simple syrup, Peychaud bitters, absinthe splash. Often served with an orange-rind twist. Go to Antoine’s.

3. The Pimm’s Cup was invented in the mid-18th century by English oyster bar owner James Pimm, and it somehow found its way to New Orleans. Ingredients: Pimm’s No. 1, ginger ale, shot of seltzer, cucumber garnish. Served in a tall glass, it’s the drink of favor at Napoleon House.

TOP 10 BARGAIN BARS
1. Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Lounge (7612 Oak St.): Santa Claus is drunk, year-round.

2. Mother-in-Law Lounge (1500 N. Claiborne Ave.): Leave the old ball and chain at home.

3. The Kingpin Bar (1307 Lyons St.): Uptown’s casual, chick-friendly shrine to Elvis.

4. The Saturn Bar (3067 St. Claude Ave.): Truly a planet unto its own, far, far out there…

5. Half Moon Bar (1125 St. Mary St.): Great for daytime drinking, best neon sign in town.

6. Buffa’s (1001 Esplanade Ave.): Soccer (grand)mom Dixie band on Sundays.

8. Chuck’s Bar (510 Gravier St.): Open 24 hours, the last neighborhood bar in the CBD. “No Sleeping.”

9. St. Joe’s Bar (5535 Magazine St.): Monastery dark inside, heavenly patio out back.

10. Igor’s (501 Esplanade Ave.): Laundromat and bar.