Mardi Gras is one of the most colorful and vibrant celebrations in the world. It's a time when people come together to indulge in food, music, and dance. It's also a time for cocktails.
Whether you're celebrating in New Orleans or hosting a party at home, you'll want to have a few drinks on hand to get the party started. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know where to start.
That's where we come in. We've scoured the internet and talked to some of the best bartenders in the business to bring you the ultimate guide to Mardi Gras cocktails.
From classic drinks to modern twists, we've got something for everyone. Whether you're a whiskey lover or a fan of fruity drinks, we've got you covered.
But before we get started, let's talk a little bit about what makes a great Mardi Gras cocktail. First and foremost, it has to be colorful. Mardi Gras is all about bright, vibrant colors, so your drink should be no exception. It should also be bold and flavorful.
Mardi Gras is a time for indulgence, so your drink should be rich and decadent. And finally, it should be easy to make. You don't want to spend all night mixing complicated cocktails when you could be out on the dance floor.
So, whether you're celebrating in the streets of New Orleans or in the comfort of your own home, we've got the perfect drink for you.
So grab your shaker and let's get started!
1. Classic Hurricane Cocktail
The Classic Hurricane Cocktail is a must-try for anyone celebrating Mardi Gras. This colorful and soulful tropical cocktail is sweet but not too sweet, and it packs a punch. Made with spiced rum, coconut rum, mango passion fruit juice, bourbon-spiked Maraschino cherry syrup, and a few other ingredients, it's a delicious and dangerously potent elixir.
This cocktail is perfect for those looking to add a little bit of New Orleans to their Mardi Gras celebration. So, if you're looking for a drink that's both familiar and new, and will have you saying "Bartender, may I have another?!", the Classic Hurricane Cocktail is the one for you.
2. Frozen Hurricane Cocktail
The Frozen Hurricane Cocktail is a tropical delight that will transport you straight to the heart of Mardi Gras. It's a perfect blend of sweet and sour flavors, with passion fruit, orange juice, and cherries mixed with light and dark rum. The slushy texture of the drink makes it a refreshing choice for a hot summer day.
This cocktail is easy to make and perfect for those who want to enjoy the Mardi Gras spirit without too much fuss. The Frozen Hurricane Cocktail is a must-try for anyone looking to add some fun to their Mardi Gras celebrations. So, grab a glass, sit back, and let the good times roll with this delicious cocktail.
3. King Cake Rum Shake
Looking for a festive and delicious Mardi Gras cocktail? Look no further than the King Cake Rum Shake! This cocktail combines the flavors of a traditional king cake with the smoothness of rum and vanilla ice cream.
Cinnamon, almond, and orange flavors round out the drink, making it a perfect accompaniment to any Mardi Gras celebration. The purple sugar rim and beignet straw add a fun and playful touch to this already delightful cocktail. So why not try something new this Mardi Gras and give the King Cake Rum Shake a try?
4. King Cake Martini
Looking for a unique and delicious Mardi Gras cocktail? Look no further than the King Cake Martini! This dessert-inspired cocktail combines cinnamon-infused vodka, hazelnut liqueur, white crème de cocoa, coffee liqueur, and club soda to create a drink that tastes just like a traditional king cake.
The rim of green, purple, and yellow sugars adds a festive touch to this already fun and flavorful cocktail. Whether you're celebrating Mardi Gras or just looking for a tasty treat, the King Cake Martini is sure to impress.
5. New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch
The New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch is a must-try Mardi Gras cocktail for anyone who wants to experience the authentic flavors of New Orleans. This cocktail combines brandy and milk with homemade vanilla bean simple syrup, heavy cream, and a few other ingredients to create a rich and creamy drink that is perfect for celebrating Fat Tuesday.
The addition of edible gold leaf and freshly ground nutmeg adds a touch of elegance to this already luxurious cocktail. Whether you're a fan of brandy or just looking for a unique and delicious Mardi Gras cocktail, the New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch is definitely worth a try.
6. Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch
The Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch is a smooth and creamy cocktail that is perfect for Mardi Gras celebrations. Made with brandy, milk, powdered sugar, vanilla, and some ice, it's a quiet and silky sipper that seduces with its creamy vanilla tones and brandy.
This cocktail is a kissing cousin to the holiday-favorite Eggnog and carries Mardi Gras with panache and sophistication. If you're looking for a smooth and creamy cocktail to enjoy during Mardi Gras, the Classic New Orleans Brandy Milk Punch is definitely worth a try.
7. Hurricane
The Hurricane cocktail is a must-try for anyone celebrating Mardi Gras. This iconic rum drink made with tropical fruit juices has been a favorite of party-goers for decades. The sweet and tart passion fruit syrup adds a unique flavor to the cocktail, while the addition of citrus juices gives it a refreshing kick.
The Hurricane is a potent cocktail that packs a punch, so be careful not to underestimate it. This cocktail is perfect for those who want to add a little bit of New Orleans flair to their Mardi Gras celebrations. If you're looking for a fun and festive drink to enjoy during Mardi Gras, the Hurricane cocktail is definitely worth trying.
8. Hurricane Cocktail
The Hurricane Cocktail is a must-try tropical drink that originated in New Orleans. This potent cocktail is made with two types of rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine, simple syrup, and lime juice. Served in a hurricane glass full of ice and garnished with orange and a maraschino cherry, this cocktail is a classic Mardi Gras drink that will transport you to the heart of New Orleans.
The Hurricane Cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy a sweet and fruity drink with a kick. It's a great choice for any Mardi Gras celebration or summer party. So, if you're looking for a delicious and refreshing cocktail that packs a punch, the Hurricane Cocktail is definitely worth a try!
9. Passion Fruit Hurricane
The Passion Fruit Hurricane is a sweet and boozy cocktail perfect for Mardi Gras. It's made with passion fruit juice, rum, grenadine, sugar, and lime juice. The Hurricane was created during World War II when whiskey was in short supply, and bar owners were forced to buy large quantities of rum.
The Passion Fruit Hurricane is a must-try cocktail for anyone who loves fruity and sweet drinks. It is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day or for celebrating Mardi Gras with friends.
10. Blueberry Purple Rain Martini
The Blueberry Purple Rain Martini is a fruity and refreshing Mardi Gras cocktail. It's a fusion of blueberry vodka, Blue Curacao, and fruit juices, with a floating of blueberries that add a healthy boost of antioxidants.
The beautiful shade of purple makes it a perfect fit for the festive occasion. The taste is so delicious that you won't be able to stop drinking it. If you're looking for a fun and delicious cocktail to try this Mardi Gras, the Blueberry Purple Rain Martini is definitely worth a shot.
11. Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake
The Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake is a must-try Mardi Gras cocktail that combines the flavors of a classic New Orleans treat with a boozy kick. This creamy and dreamy concoction is made with ice cream, vodka, and espresso liqueur, topped with whipped cream and powdered sugar, and garnished with a beignet for an extra touch of indulgence.
The dark chocolate frosting rim adds a decadent touch to this already rich cocktail. If you're looking for a unique and delicious way to celebrate Fat Tuesday, the Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake is definitely worth a try.
12. Grasshopper
The Grasshopper is a classic cocktail that has fallen out of fashion, but it's long overdue a revival. This delicious drink tastes like a chocolate mint milkshake and has a creamy texture that takes the edge off the mint flavor. It's sinfully sweet, smooth, and infinitely drinkable, making it a perfect dessert drink.
The Grasshopper is easy to make in big batches, making it great for parties, especially spontaneous get-togethers that didn't give you much time for planning. If you like Thin Mints or Peppermint Patties, this cocktail is one you should try. It's nostalgic and lovable, beautiful and tasty, and what more could you want from a cocktail?
13. Fleur De Lis Cocktail
The Fleur De Lis Cocktail is a refreshing and sweet drink that is perfect for any Mardi Gras celebration. Made with vodka, St Germain, lemon, grapefruit juice, and shaken basil, this cocktail is a unique and flavorful combination that will leave you wanting more.
The elderflower liqueur adds a floral note to the drink, while the basil adds a touch of sweetness. This cocktail is perfect for brunch or any weekend cocktail hour. If you're looking for a drink that is both refreshing and sweet, the Fleur De Lis Cocktail is definitely worth trying.