6 Mardi Gras inspired cocktails that aren’t a hurricane

While some people might dream of sipping a cocktail on Bourbon Street as beads fly through the air, not every Mardi Gras celebration has to take place in the Big Easy. Although the food, like King Cake, gumbo, and beignets, often get the big fanfare, the beverages deserve a rousing toast. Luckily, these Mardi Gras inspired cocktails can be shaken up both near and far from New Orleans.

From a Gin Fizz to The Sazerac, many cocktails are associated with New Orleans. Although some people might prefer to sip on an Abita beer, a more potent potable is often enjoyed. With Mardi Gras around the corner, some people are looking for a cocktail or two that capture the annual celebration. Whether paired with a Po Boy or some etouffee, these sippers will have everyone letting the good times roll.

Mardi Gras inspired cocktails that toast to good times

Rum cocktails are often a popular choice for Mardi Gras. While the term “grog” is not often thrown around, the tropical vibe can make those cooler nights seem like a distant memory. With this cocktail from Mount Gay Rum, the combination of sweet and tart is delightful. Although some people might be apprehensive about the egg whites, it is a technique that many people can master. Just remember to shake vigorously.

Mount Gay Rum Bajan Soul

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Mount Gay Rum Black Barrel
• 0.75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 0.5 oz Grenadine Syrup
• 0.75 oz Egg White
• 2 Dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

Directions:

• Dry shake all the ingredients the first time
• Then, shake with ice cubes
• Fine strain into a chilled coupette glass

Rye whiskey and New Orleans have had a long history. While some people might enjoy a simple pour, this Banana Street cocktail from St-Rémy combines the rye and absinthe in a creative way. With the flavors of banana and clove, the sip is quite enticing.

St-Rémy Signature Banana Street

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz St-Rémy Signature
• 0.50 oz Rye Whiskey
• 0.75 oz Roasted Banana/Clove Rich Syrup
• 2 dashes Pimento Bitters
• 2 dashes Aromatic Bitters Absinthe

Directions:

• Stir all ingredients with cracked ice
• Strain over a large cube into an old fashioned glass (that has been flame rinsed with absinthe)
• Garnish with a brûléed spiced banana wheel

For many people who make a pilgrimage to New Orleans, the famed Peacock Room at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans has an amazing cocktail that will impress the most discriminating palates. Drawing inspiration from the classic Suissesse cocktail, the Carnival on the Rhine has everyone talking.

As Jordan Deis, Bar Supervisor shared, “The inspiration for the cocktail came from my love of the very old cocktail known as a ‘Suissesse.’ This cocktail is an homage, and in my humble opinion, an improvement on the Suissesse cocktail framework. The word means basically, ‘from Switzerland,’ so I thought that the inspiration for this cocktail could be having to do with the ‘Mardi Gras,’ traditions in Basel, which they call ‘Fasnacht.’ They throw oranges instead of beads, so I wanted to highlight that flavor in the cocktail as well. This is an incredibly decadent, creamy, herbaceous, and mysterious ballet of a drink. The flavors really mingle seamlessly.”

Carnival on the Rhine

Ingredients:

• .75oz Cruzan White Rum
• .5oz Wodka Polish Rye Vodka
• .25oz Cathead Bitter Orange Vodka
• .25oz Pernod Absinthe
• .25oz Tempus Fugit Creme de Menthe
• .5oz Réal Brand Coconut Cream
• .5oz Giffard Orgeat
• .75oz egg white
• .25oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 drops vanilla extract
• 5 drops 20% salt tincture

Method:

• Shake with ice, shake without ice… MUST BE DOUBLE STRAINED! 3 dots of each Mardi Gras color (purple, green, gold), made to look like beads.

While there are many elaborate Mardi Gras inspired cocktails, the classic daiquiri is always a delightful choice. Although some people might think of an overly sugary, frozen variety enjoyed on a tropical vacation, the classic cocktail is more nuanced.

In this version from Pink House Alchemy, the combination of cardamom syrup with the rum and lime juice is quite enticing. It is definitely worth a taste.

Pink House Cardamom Daiquiri

Ingredients:

• 2 Oz dark rum
• 1 Oz pH Cardamom Syrup from Pink House Alchemy
• 1 Oz fresh lime juice

Method:

• Combine in a shaker with ice.
• Strain and pour neat into a coupe glass.

One of the most iconic Mardi Gras foods is the King Cake. While people might cheer when they discover that plastic baby or maybe it is all the sugar associated with the dessert, the vibrantly colored treat brings the celebration sentiment.

In this cocktail, the celebration comes to the cocktail glass. It is a complicated cocktail, but one that is worth trying.

King Cake Crusta

• 1.5 oz Butterfly pea flower infused El Bandido Yankee Blanco Tequila
• 0.5 oz vanilla liqueur (Giffard)
• 0.75 oz lemon juice
• 0.5 oz Creole pecan orgeat (El Guapo)
• Bar spoon cinnamon syrup
• 2 dashes Scrappy’s Orleans bitters

Directions:

• Rim chilled glass with edible gold glitter, shake all ingredients and strain into rimmed glass. Garnish with a lemon peel along the inside of the glass.

Lastly, a simple, colorful cocktail rounds out the Mardi Gras inspired cocktails list. This Bourbon Street Bramble is straight-forward. It is both sweet and tart, which creates a craving to raise another glass.

Bourbon Street Bramble

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 part gin
• 1⁄2 part fresh lemon juice
• 1⁄2 part Chambord
• Lemon wedge

Method:

• First, take a tumbler glass filled with ice and add lemon juice. Next, add the gin of your choosing. Finally, add some luxurious Chambord and garnish with a deliciously zesty lemon wedge!

What are some other Mardi Gras inspired cocktails? Is there a great one missing from this list?