Emeril’s is a beloved, award-winning institution that achieved one of the highest awards in the culinary world when it was awarded two Michelin stars in November 2025, while Chef EJ Lagasse earned the 2025 Michelin Guide American South Young Chef Award. The restaurant provides an impeccable service and food experience with its multi-course tasting menu that includes a trip to the kitchen for diners so they can learn about their dishes for the evening.

The bar outside the glass doors sets a high standard for its own food menu, excellent service, and exceptional wine and cocktails. Behind the bar is Alexandria “Alexa” Bowler. She first came to New Orleans on the James Beard Women in Culinary Leadership and Scholarship, where she mentored under TI Martin at Commander’s Palace, but stayed in New Orleans to pursue bartending  because she enjoyed the combination of interacting with people and being creative. Alexa oversees the Emeril’s bartenders, makes drinks for both restaurant and bar guests, and creates a seasonal menu of specialty drinks. She is as informative as she is creative, often explaining to the recipient of one of her cocktails why she uses he products she chose, and she loves her work, taking time to visit with guests.

Emeril’s Trinity Daiquiri is a fresh, light drink that fulfills what Alexa believes a daiquiri should do: “be consumed while it is still laughing.” To imbibe some of the laughter yourself, be sure to check out the recipe.

Featured image courtesy Kenny Morrison.