The Night Tripper cocktail brings together bourbon, amaro, Strega, and Peychaud’s bitters in a mix that’s both spirited and smooth. It’s a modern New Orleans classic, blending bold flavors with a finish that’s easier than you’d expect.
Created at Jewel of the South by Chris Hannah, this drink pays tribute to New Orleans culture while giving whiskey cocktails a new spin. There’s a story behind it too, not just flavor.
It’s inspired by Dr. John, the city’s music legend famously known as the Night Tripper. The mix of Italian liqueurs and American whiskey gives it something familiar, especially if you’re into Sazeracs or Vieux Carrés.
It’s simple to make but surprisingly layered. The recipe doesn’t ask for much—just a handful of ingredients—but you’ll get a drink with real depth.
Key Takeaways
- Bourbon, amaro, Strega, and bitters come together for a bold, smooth profile
- Its roots are in New Orleans culture and Dr. John’s musical legacy
- Easy enough for home mixing, but it tastes like something you’d get at a good bar
Night Tripper Cocktail Recipe Overview
Bourbon, Italian liqueurs, and bitters come together in the Night Tripper, making a drink that’s bold, a bit complex, and just a little mysterious. The name, the ingredients, the vibe—it all points back to New Orleans.
Origins and Inspiration
Chris Hannah, a bartender at Jewel of the South in New Orleans, came up with the Night Tripper. He’s kind of a cocktail nerd, known for his takes on classic drinks, and he wanted something that captured the city’s spirit.
The name? It’s a nod to Dr. John, the legendary pianist and singer, who went by the Night Tripper. Dr. John’s music and persona are woven into New Orleans’ identity, so it just fits.
Apparently, Hannah was inspired during a Mardi Gras parade where Dr. John was King. That kind of timing—well, it just feels right for a drink that’s all about celebration.
You’ll now find the Night Tripper on the menu at Jewel of the South, and it’s become a bit of a modern staple. If you’re curious about the backstory, Imbibe Magazine has more.
Flavor Profile
This cocktail starts with bourbon and dark amaro—Averna or Ramazzotti are usual picks. That combo gives you a strong base with a mix of sweetness and a touch of bitterness.
A splash of Strega, an Italian herbal liqueur, brings in mint, fennel, and a hint of anise. It softens the amaro’s edge and adds a gentle herbal sweetness.
Two dashes of Peychaud’s bitters—a New Orleans original—bring in a little spice and depth. The result? A cocktail that’s strong but not rough, with herbal notes running through it.
People say it’s in the same family as the Sazerac or Vieux Carré, but Strega gives it a twist. For details and measurements, check Liquor.com.
Serving Suggestions
Stir it, don’t shake it. You want the drink clear and silky, not cloudy.
Mix everything with ice for about 10–15 seconds, then strain into a rocks glass.
Fresh ice in the glass helps the flavors open up as you sip. Top it with an orange peel—the aroma really pulls the drink together.
Bartenders like to twist the orange peel over the glass first, letting the oils float on top. It’s a small touch, but you’ll notice it.
The Night Tripper is great after dinner or just for slow sipping. If you want more, the James Beard Foundation has a version too.
Essential Ingredients
What makes this drink tick? It’s the balance between strong whiskey, bittersweet liqueurs, and a touch of herbs. Each piece matters, from the bourbon’s warmth to the bitters’ brightness.
Bourbon Selection
Bourbon is the backbone here. Its caramel and vanilla notes give the drink structure.
A bottled-in-bond bourbon is a safe bet—higher proof, reliable quality, and it stands up to the other flavors.
Pick a bourbon with enough body to hold its own. Too sweet, and it gets lost; too smoky, and it’s all you taste.
Look for:
- Proof: 100+ is ideal
- Flavor: Caramel, oak, spice—skip the heavy smoke
- Finish: Warm and lasting, so the herbs don’t overwhelm
This way, the bourbon isn’t just background noise.
Amaro and Averna
Amaro brings depth, with bittersweet and herbal notes. Averna is a favorite—dark, a bit syrupy, with caramel, citrus, and herbs.
You could try Ramazzotti or Lucano, but Averna’s balance just works. Its caramel plays off the whiskey, while the herbs add interest.
Averna’s flavor:
- Sweet: Dark caramel, molasses
- Bitter: Subtle, not harsh
- Herbal: Citrus, licorice, spice
Averna keeps things rich but not too heavy.
Strega and Herbal Liqueur
Strega is a wild card—over 70 herbs and spices, with saffron, mint, and fennel standing out. It’s bright yellow and unmistakable.
It’s lighter than most amari, more aromatic. Adds sweetness and a fresh herbal lift, so the drink doesn’t feel too dense.
Why Strega?
- Cuts through bourbon’s richness
- Saffron and mint bring something special
- Adds complexity, but doesn’t steal the show
Other herbal liqueurs exist, but Strega’s saffron note is hard to beat.
Bitters and Peychaud's
Bitters tie everything together. Peychaud’s, invented in New Orleans, is the go-to for this drink.
It’s got a light anise flavor, a red tint, and a gentle bitterness.
Unlike Angostura (which is darker and spicier), Peychaud’s is floral and lighter. That keeps the cocktail in balance.
Peychaud’s profile:
- Base: Gentian root
- Flavor: Anise, floral, mild spice
- Use: Just a couple dashes do the trick
These bitters make sure nothing overpowers the rest.
For more info, check out the Night Tripper cocktail from Jewel of the South.
Step-by-Step Preparation
You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff—just bourbon, amaro, herbal liqueur, bitters, and a twist of citrus. Mixing and chilling the right way makes all the difference.
Mixing the Ingredients
You’ll want bourbon, dark amaro, Strega, and Peychaud’s bitters. Each one brings something different: bourbon is the base, amaro adds depth, Strega gives herbal sweetness, and bitters spice it up.
Most bartenders use a jigger for accuracy. Here’s the usual ratio:
- 1 3/4 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz dark amaro (Averna or Ramazzotti)
- 1/4 oz Strega
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Pour everything into a mixing glass, then add ice. Stir, don’t shake, to keep it smooth and clear.
Chilling and Serving
Stir with ice for about 10–15 seconds. This chills the drink and adds just enough water to balance it out.
If you stir too long, it’ll get watery. Too short, and it’ll be too strong and warm.
Strain into a rocks glass, but use fresh ice—never the ice you stirred with. That keeps the drink cold and crisp.
Twist a strip of orange peel over the top to release the oils, then drop it in. The aroma really brings the flavors together.
Glassware and Ice
A solid rocks glass is the way to go. The wide rim lets you catch all those citrus and herbal notes with every sip.
Use big, clear ice cubes if you can. They melt slower, keeping the drink cold without watering it down.
Good ice and the right glass make a difference. It’s worth the tiny bit of extra effort.
For more, Liquor.com has the step-by-step.
Expert Tips and Variations
The Night Tripper is all about balance—bourbon, dark amaro, herbal liqueur, and just the right amount of bitterness. But you can tweak it to fit your mood or what you have on hand.
Substitutions and Riffs
Bourbon is classic, but if you like a little spice, swap in rye whiskey for a spicier edge. Some folks even use aged rum for a softer, molasses-rich twist.
You can experiment with the amaro, too. Averna and Ramazzotti are standards, but Montenegro or Lucano bring their own thing. Each one changes the sweetness and herbal notes a bit.
If you’re feeling adventurous, orange curaçao can replace the amaro for a lighter, more citrusy riff—kind of like the Rebennack version from Wine Enthusiast.
Adjusting Bitterness
Bitterness is key, but you can dial it in. Use less amaro for a softer finish, or add an extra dash of Peychaud’s for more spice.
Choosing a different amaro also shifts the flavor. Averna is smooth and sweet, Ramazzotti is more herbal, and Cynar will make things earthier.
Even how long you stir matters. More stirring = colder and a bit more diluted (less sharp bitterness). Less stirring keeps the flavors bold.
Glassware and ice also play a part, believe it or not. The little details really do add up.
Serving for Events
Serving cocktails to a group? Batching is a real time-saver. Just mix the bourbon, amaro, and Strega in a pitcher ahead of time. When it’s almost go-time, add the bitters and stir it all with ice before pouring. That way, every glass actually tastes the same—no surprises.
For a nice touch, garnish each glass with a fresh orange peel. Express it over the drink to release those oils; it really lifts the aroma and keeps the bitter, herbal notes in check.
If you’re prepping for an outdoor event, it helps to pre-dilute and chill the mix before you head out. Toss a big ice cube in each glass so the drink stays cold but doesn’t get watery. Makes things a lot easier, whether you’re at a backyard party or something fancier.
Night Tripper in New Orleans Culture
The Night Tripper cocktail is one of those drinks that just feels like New Orleans. It pulls from the city’s deep ties to music, history, and tradition—think Mardi Gras, the old-school French 75 Bar, and the wild legacy of Dr. John.
Connection to Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a whole thing—parades, music, wild flavors everywhere. Cocktails here tend to match that festive spirit, using bold ingredients and layered profiles. The Night Tripper fits right in, mixing bourbon, amaro, and Strega for a drink that balances sweet, spicy, and bitter notes.
Strega’s fennel and mint flavors? They’re a nod to the kinds of tastes you’ll find in Mardi Gras treats like king cake. Locals will get it—it’s familiar, but with a twist.
During Carnival, bars all over the city roll out cocktails made for parties and big crowds. The Night Tripper stands tall as a spirit-forward option, right up there with classics like the Sazerac.
French 75 Bar Legacy
This cocktail traces back to bartender Chris Hannah, who spent years at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar. That place is famous for reviving old New Orleans drinks and inventing new ones that still feel local.
Later, Hannah co-founded Jewel of the South, where the Night Tripper became a signature menu item. Both bars focus on technique, balance, and telling a story through every cocktail.
The French 75 Bar is where bartenders learn the ropes on classics like the French 75, Sazerac, and Vieux Carré. The Night Tripper is a newer addition, but it keeps that tradition alive with a modern twist.
Dr. John’s Influence
The name? It’s a tribute to Dr. John, the legendary New Orleans musician known as the “Night Tripper.” His music blended blues, jazz, and rock—just like the city itself, honestly.
Naming the drink after him turns it into more than just a recipe. It becomes a cultural marker, a nod to someone who embodied New Orleans’ sound and vibe.
Dr. John’s impact on the city is hard to overstate. The cocktail connects bar culture to the broader artistic scene, which feels pretty fitting.
About Chris Hannah and the French 75 Bar
Chris Hannah really made a name for himself in New Orleans at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar. He’s all about respecting tradition and getting the details right, which is probably why he’s one of the city’s most respected bartenders. You can see his love for New Orleans drinks and how he updates them for today’s crowd.
Bartender Chris Hannah’s Story
Hannah started bartending in New Orleans back in the late ‘90s. He joined Arnaud’s French 75 Bar in 2004 and quickly stood out for his way with classic cocktails. His focus? Precision, balance, and keeping the city’s cocktail traditions alive.
Over time, he picked up national recognition and some big industry awards, putting French 75 Bar on the map as a must-visit spot for cocktail fans.
Hannah’s style is a mix of honoring old recipes and tweaking them just enough for modern tastes. That blend of tradition and innovation is what made him a trusted name in the New Orleans cocktail world.
Signature Cocktails at Arnaud’s
The French 75 Bar gets its name from the French 75 cocktail—a classic made with cognac or gin, lemon, sugar, and Champagne. Hannah’s version uses cognac, which he says is more true to New Orleans.
He didn’t stop at the classics, though. Drinks like the Night Tripper cocktail pay homage to local icons like Dr. John. It’s bourbon, Averna, Strega, and Peychaud’s bitters—served chilled in a flask or over ice, depending on your mood.
By offering both historic drinks and new creations, Hannah gave guests a taste of New Orleans’ past but kept things interesting. His attention to presentation and storytelling made the whole experience feel special.
Legacy in Modern Mixology
Chris Hannah’s influence goes way beyond Arnaud’s. After his time at the French 75 Bar, he became a partner at Jewel of the South and kept building his reputation. His drinks there still focus on New Orleans history, with clever updates to classic recipes.
He’s often credited with reviving national interest in New Orleans cocktails. By focusing on authenticity and detail, he set the bar high for anyone wanting to connect drinks with culture and place.
Creations like the Night Tripper are now considered modern classics. Hannah’s career shows how one bartender can shape not just a bar, but the whole cocktail scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Night Tripper cocktail brings together bourbon, amaro, and herbal liqueur for a layered flavor. Getting the mix right, picking the right glass, and adding the right garnish all matter if you want the balance just so.
What ingredients are needed to make a Night Tripper cocktail?
Start with bourbon as your base. Add a dark amaro like Averna or Ramazzotti, a bit of Strega for herbal sweetness, and Peychaud’s bitters for spice. Top it with an orange peel for garnish.
Can you provide step-by-step mixing instructions for a Night Tripper cocktail?
Stir bourbon, amaro, Strega, and bitters with ice until it’s cold. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Finish it off with an orange peel for aroma.
Is there a recommended type of glassware for serving the Night Tripper cocktail?
A rocks glass is the usual choice. It suits the strong character of the drink and leaves space for ice and a garnish.
What garnish is traditionally used with a Night Tripper cocktail?
An orange peel is classic. It adds a bright citrus aroma that works with the bitters and herbal flavors.
Are there any common variations of the Night Tripper cocktail recipe?
Some bartenders swap in different dark amari if they don’t have Averna or Ramazzotti. Others adjust the Strega to make it more or less herbal, depending on their mood.
How does one achieve the perfect balance of flavors in a Night Tripper cocktail?
Honestly, it starts with measuring your ingredients just right. You want to keep the bitter, sweet, and herbal notes in check—nobody wants a drink that’s all one thing.
Stirring is key too. Give it enough time to chill, but don’t let it get watery.
And, honestly, don’t skimp on your bourbon. Using a quality bourbon as the base really makes a difference. That’s what gives you a smooth finish at the end.