Cocktails For Mardi Gras
Six Cocktails For Mardi Gras
If you will not make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, you can still have an enjoyable time at home. Mardi Gras is one of the biggest parties of the year. In French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday.” It is a time when people indulge in rich foods and libations before the Lenten season, which is filled with forty days of fasting. Here are six dynamite cocktails that will help you kick off a great celebration.
Cucumber Hurricane
Classic Mardi Gras colors are purple, green, and yellow. This is why a Cucumber Hurricane is an ideal drink to celebrate this special occasion. A Hurricane is a rum-based blend that will kick your party into high gear. Adding some lime flavoring brings a refreshing twist. To create this cocktail, mix ice, vodka, triple sec, and lime juice. Garnish the cup with cucumber slices as well.
Mint Julep
Although a mint julep is commonly served at the Kentucky Derby, it is a great drink to celebrate Mardi Gras. It is a traditional summer cocktail that will bring a cooling sensation to your party. A conventional mint julep requires bourbon, sugar, water, crushed ice, and sprigs of mint. Even though this beverage can be served in a highball glass or plastic cup, a true drinking connoisseur will want to enjoy this cocktail in a silver tumbler.
Ramos Fizz
The weather in New Orleans during Mardi Gras is unpredictable. The temperatures can be cold or extremely warm. A drink that is popular in the area, especially when the heat is sweltering, is a Ramos Gin Fizz. This cocktail is a blend of lemon gin, sugar, and seltzer. To give it a foamy consistency, an egg white is used. Many bartenders will add cream and lime as well. If you do not have the chance to be in Louisiana for Mardi Gras, you can mix one at home and enjoy it on your back porch or during an exciting party.
Back-Country Lemonade
In honor of the French Cajun culture found in New Orleans, heat up your Mardi Gras feast with some spicy back-country lemonade. This drink has true southern roots and can be made with or without alcohol so that it can be enjoyed by everyone. Simply fill cups with lemonade and a dash of Tabasco. For a bigger kick, add a touch of dark rum. For a festive presentation, garnish your glasses with some lemon and cilantro. This drink is sure to leave the crowd ready to form a parade.
Sazerac
Legend states that the Sazerac cocktail began on Royal Street and became popular throughout the French Quarter. It was named after a specific cognac brand and is one of the most historic drinks in the area. Although it was first mixed using brandy, American whiskey is currently used in its place. To create the perfect sazerac, blend absinthe, rye whiskey, simple syrup, and Peychaud’s Bitters. A true Mardi Gras celebration will always feature this cocktail. For the perfect party treat, pair it with a large pot of jambalaya.
Flambeau Wedding
During Mardi Gras, parades are popular. A flambeau is a torch used in these marches. Since this drink is set on fire before it is served, it is named for the torch. It looks like a festive martini and contains vodka, lemon juice, pineapple juice, green chartreuse, prosecco, and Disaronno Originale. For the best presentation possible, the glass’s rim can be trimmed with colored sugar as well.
Mardi Gras in New Orleans is filled with masks, beads, parades, and alcohol. Cocktails play big roles in the celebration. If you are stuck at home, it is still possible to participate in the fun. Throw a party and serve your guests some amazing beverages, and don’t forget the silver barware. The above drinks are easy to create and taste delicious. In no time, you will be transported to the hustle and bustle of the festivities.