Louisiana is a sober, god-fearing state. The people are mild-mannered and mostly keep to themselves. They are in no way associated with music, flashy celebrations, nudity for jewelry children can afford, and least of all, alcohol.
That’s why when state Sen. Ed Murray, of the normally subdued New Orleans, suggested making Sazerac (a beverage containing whiskey, bitters and absinthe) the official state cocktail, there was a huge uproar. Sen. Buddy “Buddy” Shaw fully opposed the idea, fearing the label of a party state. He argued a state cocktail would send the wrong message, and might hurt its tourism industry, based on people who want to see what big boats look like in flood waters.
“‘Is there a possibility that we could be encouraging folks, who were not intending to drink, that it would be acceptable and they could become an alcoholic?’ Shaw asked.
“‘No,’ Murray replied.”