Paul Kushner
I’ve whipped up a selection of Mardi Gras cocktails that capture the festival’s vibrant spirit. These drinks are colorful, full of life, and flavored to perfection, embodying the essence of New Orleans’ joyous celebration. I love how each recipe brings a unique twist to the table, with lively ingredients and playful garnishes that make every sip a party in itself. They’re perfect for adding excitement to your gatherings, and I’m confident they’ll be a hit with anyone looking to jazz up their celebration. I highly recommend checking out the full roundup to find your favorite.
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Sazerac
The Sazerac is a bold and complex cocktail that delivers a rich combination of flavors with every sip. Built on a strong foundation of rye whiskey, this classic drink is enhanced by the herbal sweetness of absinthe and the warm, spiced depth of Peychaud’s Bitters. A touch of sugar balances the bitterness, while the signature lemon twist garnish adds a bright citrus aroma.
The result is a well-rounded cocktail that is both invigorating and smooth, offering a perfect blend of warmth and subtle sweetness. Timeless and sophisticated, the Sazerac remains a favorite for those who appreciate a spirit-forward, aromatic drink.
French 75
The French 75 is a classic cocktail that elegantly balances crisp botanicals, bright citrus, and sparkling effervescence. The drink begins with the clean, aromatic notes of gin, followed by the zesty punch of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
A touch of sugar softens the tartness, allowing the flavors to blend seamlessly. Finally, champagne adds a light, bubbly finish that enhances the cocktail’s refreshing character. The result is a sophisticated yet invigorating drink with a delightful balance of sharp, sweet, and fizzy elements. Perfect for celebrations or a refined happy hour, the French 75 offers a timeless and refreshing sip.
Hurricane
The Hurricane is a bold and flavorful cocktail that delivers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and refreshing citrus. The first sip bursts with the vibrant flavors of passion fruit and orange, while a touch of lime adds a crisp, zesty contrast.
The smooth warmth of rum enhances every note, creating a layered drink that is both rich and invigorating. Its well-balanced sweetness, paired with the depth of rum, makes it feel like a tropical getaway in a glass. Whether you’re sipping it at a party or simply unwinding, the Hurricane offers a lively and adventurous drinking experience.
Mint Julep
The Mint Julep is a timeless Southern classic, known for its refreshing blend of bold bourbon, fragrant mint, and just the right touch of sweetness. Fresh mint leaves release their bright, herbal aroma, complementing the deep caramel and vanilla notes of the bourbon. A drizzle of simple syrup smooths out the flavors, creating a well-balanced sip that’s both rich and invigorating. Served over a mound of crushed ice, this cocktail stays chilled and refreshing, making it perfect for warm weather or a classic Derby Day celebration. Light, cooling, and full of character, the Mint Julep is a true staple of Southern hospitality.
Ramos Gin Fizz
The Ramos Gin Fizz is a unique and luxurious cocktail, known for its silky texture and delicate balance of citrus, floral, and creamy elements. Fresh lemon and lime juices bring a lively tartness, complemented by the subtle sweetness of simple syrup. The combination of egg white and heavy cream creates a rich, velvety mouthfeel, giving the drink its signature smoothness.
A touch of orange flower water adds a light floral aroma, enhancing the cocktail’s complexity. Finished with a splash of soda water, this fizz-style drink is both refreshing and indulgent, making it a standout choice for those who appreciate a truly special cocktail experience.
Mardi Gras Punch
The Mardi Gras Punch is a bold and flavorful party drink, perfect for celebrating Mardi Gras with a crowd. Inspired by the classic Hurricane, this punch blends light and dark rum with vibrant citrus flavors and passion fruit juice, creating a rich, tropical base with just the right amount of tartness and sweetness.
The punch’s deep, fruity notes are enhanced by blood orange slices, maraschino cherries, and citrus wheels, adding a festive and colorful touch to the presentation. Ideal for large gatherings, this boozy and eye-catching punch bowl brings the lively spirit of Fat Tuesday to any celebration.
Pimm’s Cup
The Pimm’s Cup is a light and refreshing cocktail that perfectly balances herbal complexity with bright citrus and subtle sweetness. Pimm’s No. 1, a gin-based liqueur, provides a rich foundation with delicate spice and fruit notes, while lemonade adds a crisp, slightly tangy sweetness.
Fresh fruits like cucumber, orange, and berries enhance the drink’s natural vibrancy, while a sprig of mint lends a cool, invigorating finish. Served over ice in a tall glass, this cocktail is both refreshing and sophisticated, making it an ideal choice for warm-weather gatherings, garden parties, or a relaxed afternoon sip.
Mardi Gras Jello Shots
These Mardi Gras Jello Shotsare a festive and colorful treat, perfect for a Mardi Gras celebration. Inspired by the iconic King Cake, these layered shots require patience and precision but deliver a stunning and flavorful result. Each of the three layers—purple, yellow, and green—features a vodka base infused with different fruity liqueurs or concentrates to achieve the vibrant colors.
The result is a visually striking and boozy party treat that’s as fun to make as it is to enjoy. Though these jello shots require a bit of effort, they are sure to impress guests and bring a lively spirit to any Fat Tuesday gathering!
Brandy Crusta
A true 19th-century classic, the Brandy Crusta is a sophisticated cocktail that bridges the gap between old-world elegance and modern mixology. With a rich brandy base, a touch of maraschino liqueur for subtle sweetness, and the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, this drink is perfectly balanced. A dash of bitters adds depth, while the sugar-rimmed glass and signature long lemon peel garnish give it a striking presentation.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage cocktails or looking for something refined and refreshing, this timeless drink is a must-try for any brandy lover.
Mardi Gras Blue Hurricane
Living up to its name, this bold blue version of the classic rum-based Hurricane stands out with its striking color, courtesy of orange-flavored blue curaçao. Unlike the traditional version that highlights passion fruit, this variation blends a medley of orange, lime, and pineapple juices for a refreshing, citrus-forward taste.
Perfect for celebrations, this recipe yields two cocktails, making it ideal for sharing with a friend during Mardi Gras festivities. Whether you’re toasting on Bourbon Street or simply bringing the spirit of New Orleans to your own home, this festive drink is sure to add a splash of fun to the occasion.
King Cake Cocktail
The King Cake is a signature treat of Mardi Gras, and this King Cake Cocktail transforms its flavors into a festive drink. A smooth mix of vanilla and cake-flavored vodkas pairs with cinnamon schnapps, grape juice, and Sprite to create a sip reminiscent of the beloved dessert.
The cocktail’s shimmering appearance mirrors the colorful sugar topping of a traditional King Cake, making it just as eye-catching as it is flavorful. Sweet with a hint of spice from the cinnamon and a lively, effervescent finish, this drink captures the essence of Mardi Gras in every glass. Perfect for celebrating in style!
Mardi Gras Rita
Combining the lively spirit of Mexican fiestas with the energy of New Orleans’ biggest celebration, the Mardi Gras Rita is a vibrant, layered frozen margarita that brings a festive touch to any gathering. This eye-catching cocktail features the classic mix of tequila, lime, and triple sec, blended with frozen fruits to create the signature purple, yellow, and green hues of Mardi Gras.
Each layer offers a refreshing balance of citrus and natural fruit sweetness, making this drink as visually striking as it is delicious. Whether you’re celebrating with friends or enjoying a solo toast, this margarita is a perfect tribute to the season.
Queen of Mardi Gras Cocktail
This delicate and refined gin cocktail brings together the floral notes of elderflower liqueur, the smooth botanicals of gin, and the subtle sophistication of Lillet Blanc. The addition of lemon juice and berry-flavored soda water provides a bright, fruity tang that perfectly complements the drink’s refreshing character.
Light and crisp, it’s an ideal choice for spring gatherings or warm afternoons. For those who enjoy a bolder twist, a splash of bourbon introduces extra depth and a hint of smokiness. Whether served at brunch or as an evening refreshment, this cocktail is a beautifully balanced blend of floral, citrus, and berry flavors.
Cajun Storm
A tribute to both the rich cocktail history and lively spirit of New Orleans, the Cajun Storm Cocktail offers a bold twist on the classic Hurricane. This version swaps traditional white and dark rum for a combination of Cajun spiced rum and smooth New Orleans white rum, adding a touch of regional flair.
The signature blend of passion fruit, lemon, and grenadine remains, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness. With its deep flavors and a nod to the city’s vibrant culture, this cocktail is an ideal choice for those looking to bring a taste of the Big Easy to their glass.
King’s Cup Cocktail
A tribute to both the rich cocktail history and lively spirit of New Orleans, the Cajun Storm Cocktail offers a bold twist on the classic Hurricane. This version swaps traditional white and dark rum for a combination of Cajun spiced rum and smooth New Orleans white rum, adding a touch of regional flair.
The signature blend of passion fruit, lemon, and grenadine remains, creating a perfect balance of sweetness and citrusy brightness. With its deep flavors and a nod to the city’s vibrant culture, this cocktail is an ideal choice for those looking to bring a taste of the Big Easy to their glass.
Hurricane Mimosas
After a night of Mardi Gras revelry, a boozy brunch cocktail is the perfect way to keep the celebration going. The Hurricane Mimosa merges two iconic drinks—the bright, citrusy mimosa and the bold, fruit-forward Hurricane—into one irresistible pitcher-style cocktail.
This refreshing twist packs more punch than a traditional mimosa, thanks to a generous mix of white and dark rum. Combined with the vibrant flavors of passion fruit, orange juice, and sparkling wine, this festive drink is both revitalizing and indulgent. Perfect for sharing, it’s a lively way to toast to good times and recovery after a night of fun.
Voodoo Rum Punch
This bold and flavorful rum punch is a perfect blend of rich spirits, bright citrus, and warming spice, making it an ideal choice for any gathering. Built on a base of dark rum and cognac, this cocktail delivers a smooth yet robust foundation for a top-shelf experience.
Bacchanalian
Wine enthusiasts, this one’s for you! The Bacchanalian is a New Orleans creation that puts a refined spin on the classic whiskey sour, replacing bourbon with a bold combination of merlot and cognac. The deep, velvety notes of red wine blend seamlessly with the warmth of cognac, while fresh lemon juice and agave nectar provide a bright, balanced sweetness.
This cocktail offers a unique way to highlight your favorite merlot, creating a smooth and sophisticated drink with layers of depth. Whether served at a dinner party or enjoyed as a nightcap, it’s an elegant choice for those who appreciate fine spirits and wine.
Fleur de Lis
This crisp and sophisticated cocktail was born in the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter at the iconic Hotel Monteleone. A refreshing blend of muddled cucumber, lime juice, gin, and St. Germain creates a light and floral foundation, perfectly balancing bright citrus and botanical notes.
The final touch comes from a generous pour of ginger beer, adding a lively effervescence with a hint of spice. This one-shaker recipe is effortlessly elegant, making it an ideal choice for warm afternoons, cocktail hours, or any occasion that calls for a fresh and flavorful drink with a touch of New Orleans charm.
King Cake Daiquiri
The secret to this cocktail’s unique character lies in its homemade King Cake simple syrup, infused with chopped pecans, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice. This warm, spiced syrup transforms a classic rum-based Daiquiri into something truly special, adding layers of nutty depth and aromatic spice.
Rum’s natural richness makes it the perfect partner for these bold flavors, creating a smooth and flavorful cocktail with just the right balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or simply looking for a creative twist on a timeless favorite, this drink is a festive and memorable choice.
