Sleigh Bells And Spirits: Louisiana Eats! Hosts A Holiday Cocktail Party

Chris Jay, bartender Aulden Morgan and Poppy Tooker sample the Carolina Reaper-infused vodka at Zocolo Neighborhood Eatery in Shreveport.

JOE SHRINER

t's the holiday season in Louisiana—a time to eat, drink and be merry!

On this week's Louisiana Eats! we're getting ready for the season by planning the ultimate holiday cocktail party. Master mixologist Adam Seger tells us about his craft of pairing cocktails with art and culinary innovations. We also get a chance to taste his newest creation Balsam Amaro — a versatile vermouth unlike any you've ever had.

Poppy Tooker and Adam Seger

CREDIT JOE SHRINER

Next, we visit the Zocolo Neighborhood Eatery in Shreveport, where bartender Aulden Morgan has been transforming the cocktail menu into one of the most unique in the region — offering drinks with fresh and local juices and a diverse array of quirky infused liquors. We try a sampling of Aulden's new libations, and our roving reporter Chris Jay is brave enough to take the hottest shot around!

Then, for a discussion of drinking and ethics, we turn to Father Bill Dailey, a Notre Dame professor and esteemed clergyman to a community of craft cocktail innovators. Father Dailey shares some wisdom about staying virtuous on both sides of the bar.

We also speak with Debbie Teashon, photographer and co-author of Gardening for the Homebrewer, and discover a new holiday favorite called perry, a traditional beverage resembling cider that's made from fermented pears.

Finally, Lesley Jacobs Solmonson and David Solmonson, authors of The 12 Bottle Bar, provide advice on hosting the ideal cocktail party and wise ways to imbibe.

We're serving up a batch of holiday cheer on Louisiana Eats!