Today (7.19) is National Daiquiri Day! Whether you prefer more upscale versions or you are more partial to the Queen Latifah-approved drive-through variety, the daiquiri is arguably one of the signature drinks of New Orleans. The standard recipe includes rum, sugar, and lime, but these days pretty much any variation boozy and slushy makes the cut. Celebrate this most hallowed of days with NoDef's round-up of the best spots in the Big Easy (er, Big Freezy) for this cool beverage. 

The New Orleans Police Department saw four crimes hit the city on Tuesday (7.18). According to the Major Offense Log (MOL), the NOPD responded to two armed robberies, a shooting, and an aggravated burglary. 

Happy hump day, y'all. Today, refresh your mid-week grind with a crystal session. The Catahoula Hotel hosts a rooftop screening of the Tom Cruise classic Cocktail, while actors and improvisers take a stab at an unscripted version of Romeo & Juliet. Comedy Central power couple Natasha Leggero and Moshe Kasher offer stand-up and relationship advice to the lovers of New Orleans. On this day in 1875, Alice Ruth Moore Dunbar was born. She was a poet, journalist and political activist and among the first generation to be born free in the South after the Civil War. Now, more to do this Wednesday. 

Whether due to workplace deadlines, lovers quarrels, or an uncertain political climate, stress is unavoidable. A new study reveals that life in the Big Easy isn’t all that easy, with New Orleans ranked in the top 20 most stressed cities in the country. WalletHub conducted the survey, analyzing 150 American cities on key criteria related to work, financial, health, safety, and family stressors. 

On Monday night, Queen Latifah appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to discuss Girls Trip, her “uncuffed” rated-R movie. Set during Essence Fest, Girls Trip follows a group of college friends played by Latifah, Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, and Jada Pinkett Smith as they run wild through New Orleans. 

We’re in the thick of New Orleans’ summer season, and how better to beat the heat than with some cold sweet treats? The folks at Freezy Street, a new Marigny dessert outpost, are here to help with some Instagram-friendly ice cream creations. In just three days since the Saturday opening of their St. Claude Ave. brick and mortar, Adam Enterkin and Frances LaMagna have seen New Orleanians go crazy for their handmade rolled ice cream. 

The New Orleans Police Department saw three crimes hit the city on Monday (7.17). According to the Major Offense Log (MOL), the NOPD responded to two armed robberies and a shooting. 

Today, slow down and arrange nature, pour your heart out in your very own hand made zine, check out a fantasy improv show, or take in a show at Tips. On this day in 1923, “Milneberg Joys” was recorded by the New Orleans Rhythm Kings. Now, more to do this Tuesday. 

The race to see who will replace Mitch at his mayoral mantle intensified on Friday, after the three-day qualifying period saw 18 candidates throw their hats in the ring in a bid for the Crescent City's highest office. Scroll on for photos of some of the candidates from the official qualifying day.

The New Orleans Police Department saw four crimes hit the city on Sunday (7.16). According to the Major Offense Log (MOL), the NOPD responded to two armed robberies, an unclassified death, and a stabbing. 

Today, get funky poolside at the Drifter or learn the benefits of herbal smoke blends. On the music front, Mags is bringing in a limited edition indie residency while always wonderful and improvised Instant Opus is back at the Hi-Ho. This day in 1948 was the final day of operation for the Gentilly streetcar line. Now, more to do this Monday. 

The New Orleans Police Department saw eight crimes hit the city on Saturday (7.15). According to the Major Offense Log (MOL), the NOPD responded to three armed robberies, unclassified death, two shootings, simple robbery, and an armed burglary. 

Today, relax poolside with some hip tunes, learn how to raise your very own flock of chickens, understand the magic behind fairytales or learn about your favorite artists’ influences and processes at Bar Redux. On this day in 1920, the writer, literary critic and editor for The New York Times, was born in New Orleans. Now, more Sunday happenings. 

The New Orleans Police Department saw eleven crimes hit the city on Friday (7.14). According to the Major Offense Log (MOL), the NOPD responded to two homicides, two rapes, unclassified death, a stabbing, four armed robberies, and a simple robbery. 

Today, bring your food scraps to be collected, learn about starting your own apiary, get down at the Bastille Day Block Party, or immerse yourself in David Bowie. On this day in 1850, Mother Frances Xavier of the Cabrini family, was born. Now, more to do this Saturday. 

The New Orleans Police Department saw seven crimes hit the city on Thursday (7.13). According to the Major Offense Log (MOL), the NOPD responded to four rapes, an armed robbery, a shooting, and an attempted armed robbery.