A classic New Orleans cocktail rises from the dead

The big picture: The obituary cocktail was invented at a former incarnation of Café Lafitte in Exile, says Strachan, who wrote "The Obituary Cocktail."

• It was popular in the 1940s and early '50s, she tells Axios New Orleans, when absinthe was illegal in the U.S.
• The origin of the drink's name "remains a mystery," she says, but it follows in the tradition of death-inspired names — corpse reviver, the zombie, vampire's kiss and death in the afternoon.

Zoom in: The obituary cocktail is like a gin martini with a spritz of absinthe, she says.

• "It's a refreshing drink and great to drink any time," she says. No one needs to die.
• It's traditionally made with gin, vermouth and absinthe, she says, but the recipes in her book include a few spiffed-up versions.

Between the lines: The book is part of LSU Press' iconic New Orleans cocktails series.

• "The Ramos Gin Fizz" by John Shelton Reed came out this month too.
• Strachan previously chronicled the history of the Cafe Brûlot for the series.

Inside the room: Strachan's book sold out in 15 minutes at her launch party Friday at the Garden District Book Shop.

• The space was crowded with people buying the drink at Bar Epilogue, including members of the Grande and Secret Order of Obituary Cocktail Club mentioned in her book.

If you go: Find the classic cocktail at Café Lafitte's in Exile, Jewel of the South, Fives, Peychaud's, Cure and Elysian Bar.

What's next: Strachan is signing books Wednesday at the Ritz-Carlton during Tales of the Cocktail.

• She'll also be at Barnes & Noble in Metairie on Aug. 2.
• The new book is also available online.

Go deeper: 3 ways to enjoy Tales of the Cocktail