The Spanish, anise flavored liqueur, named Ojen has become an integral part of the New Orleans Carnival celebration. This year, it seems that this tradition may be over.

New Orleanians were very, very fond of the anise flavored Absinthe that was the characteristic drink of the city until it was banned in the United States in the early 20th Century. When this ban was enacted several other anise flavored spirits found their way here, including one from Spain, Ojen. Ojen has a very simple taste; it is sweet with the anise/licorice flavor. The Ojen Cocktail (Also sometimes called the Ojen Frappé, although this is sometimes classified as a different drink altogether) became a very popular method of consuming this drink. Directions for concocting this beverage are:

2 oz. Ojen
2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
½ oz. Simple Syrup

Pour ingredients into a shaker filled with ice. Shake. Strain into a glass (some versions may stake to strain into a glass filled with finely crushed ice).

A tradition developed in the School of Design, (the organization that stages the Rex parade, and chooses the King of Carnival); the tradition states that drinking an Ojen Cocktail the morning of the parade will give the rider good luck during that days festivities (I believe the consumption of the beverage took was to take place over breakfast at Galatoire’s, although I am not certain that the krewe does in fact dine there prior to parading).

In the nineties the Spanish company that produced the liqueur, decided to stop production, as the only remaining market for the beverage was in New Orleans, and only during Carnival Season.

The major player in the high end alcohol sales business in New Orleans, Martin Wine Cellar, convinced the distiller to produce one last run of 500 cases solely for Martin Wine Cellar. The Ojen thus remained on the shelves (a dusty bottom shelf in the liqueur section beneath Chartreuse and Herbsaint) of Martin for more than 15 years. Beginning in 2007, the price began to rise to more than the $14 a bottle the Ojen had been sold at for ages. By early 2009 it was marked at more than $40 a bottle. In the summer of 2009, Martin sold its last bottle. Retail sales of Ojen have now forever ceased.

This year will be the first Carnival where Ojen is not available for purchase. I am not sure if the Rex Organization has some bottles in store, or if maybe Galatoire’s does, but even those would only be finite. If you’ve never had Ojen, and are ever presented the opportunity to try it, do not pass it up, as the chance will likely never happen again.

By the way, I sure am glad I have two unopened bottles in my bar.