From Fat Tuesday to Blah Tuesday, New Orleans is debuting a new tradition of celebration — Election Day.
Stocking up on libations for big events is nothing new for New Orleans bars and liquor stores, but this year, business owners are witnessing sales rivaling Mardi Gras numbers as Election Day approaches.
“It’s insane. I’ve run out of rum and vodka three times this week,” said Morgan Richardson, manager at Pat O’Brien’s.
Richardson noted the rush began on October 18th, the start of early voting in Louisiana. Since then, the demand for alcohol has climbed steadily, and he predicts Election Day will break records.
Over at Bar Noir in the Warehouse District, they’ve crafted a lineup of special Election Day shots designed to help patrons forget their worries. Offerings include the Cacklekaze, TimTini, Trumped Up, Veep Leap, Hillbilly Highball, Shitshow, Burnout, Kamalanade, Biglyrita, and the Fake Brews — an alcohol-free nod to abstainers.
“These shots aren’t for casual sipping,” said Bar Noir manager Chris Sunseri, mentioning no one these days has time for that. “People want to get drunk, and they want to get drunk now.”
Why the sudden spike in sales? Experts point to voters’ collective angst.
Prepping for a ‘spirited’ Election Day: An 18-wheeler loaded with enough liquid courage to last through campaign season arrives outside a popular French Quarter bar, as locals and visitors alike brace for results — and refills.
“This all comes down to the candidates,” said Abigail Hendricks, a political science professor at Tulane University. “Most people are disillusioned with the presidential choices, and the thought of having to choose has driven many straight to the bottle. I have to lecture on this election, and I haven’t been sober since the party conventions.”
Never one to miss out on a celebration, New Orleans businesses are preparing in full force. Richardson revealed that Pat O’s has rented rooms at the Morial Convention Center to store kegs and endless bottles of liquor for the big day.
Daq Dat, a daiquiris shop, is joining the fun with all-day specials: half-price Blue Raspberry for Kamala Harris supporters, half-price Strawberry for Trump voters, and a hearty laugh in the face for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. voters.
“We’re partying like there’s no tomorrow,” Richardson added. “Because let’s face it, no matter who wins, there probably won’t be.”
