Pull out your purple, green and gold beads—it's time to shake and stir some Mardi Gras drink ideas just like the bartenders do in the French Quarter.
Sazerac
A Sazerac looks more understated than a Hurricane, but this rye-based vintage cocktail cocktail still packs a punch. Though you probably have most of the ingredients for this drink at home, absinthe may be one you don’t have on your bar cart. Sip a Sazerac as an aperitif or savor it after dinner with dessert—you can’t go wrong either way.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes are an iconic New Orleans-inspired recipe. Served in a tall, curved glass with the same name as the drink, the bright, sunset color and passion fruit and rum base will make you feel like you’re on vacation. You’ll need a cocktail shaker, ice, rum and a handful of fruity ingredients to shake up a New Orleans-style Hurricane. For a frozen version of this drink, add the ingredients to a blender with ice and pulse until slushy.
Daiquiri
It’s always vacation in NOLA, isn’t it? It sure feels that way when sipping daiquiris. This refreshing cocktail is a classic rum drink with only three ingredients that never seems to go out of style. Though not invented in New Orleans, daiquiris are still incredibly popular, either shaken with ice or frozen.
Rum Runner
The rum runner is a fruity Mardi Gras drink with light and dark rum. Similar to Hurricanes and daiquiris, rum runners are fruity and potent. Though it looks like something you’d find at a tiki bar in the middle of summer, it’s refreshing year-round, so you’re going to want to add it to your Fat Tuesday cocktail list.
Pimm’s Cup
In the midst of heavy, boozy Mardi Gras party drinks, the Pimm’s Cup is a breath of fresh air. A staple at Napoleon House, this British cocktail jumped the pond with help from the restaurant’s founder. This refreshing, low-ABV drink contains lemon juice, Pimm’s No. 1 liqueur and ginger ale or lemon-lime soda, and is usually garnished with cucumber slices, fresh mint and a strawberry, making it perfect for a hot New Orleans day.
Dark ‘n Stormy
In a city full of themed bars, one of the best is Pirate’s Alley Cafe. The cash-only, airy bar is decked out in pirate gear and slings exceptionally strong cocktails like the Dark ‘n Stormy. This bright Mardi Gras cocktail recipe is made with dark rum, fresh lime juice and ginger beer. To get the right blend of tangy and spicy, you need to start with one of the best ginger beers for a bold punch of ginger.
Milk Punch
Clarified milk punch, also known as English milk punch, is thought to have originated in the 1600s, but it’s different from the New Orleans-style milk punch, which is also a classic drink. Clarified milk punch is strained, so it’s clear, whereas New Orleans milk punch remains creamy. If you’re an eggnog drinker during the holidays, this bourbon and rum libation will go down just as easily, year-round.
Strawberry Daiquiri
One flavor isn’t enough when it comes to daiquiris! While a classic daiquiri has rum, lime juice and simple syrup, a frozen strawberry daiquiri takes things to the next level with the addition of sweet berries. Our tips for making frozen drinks will ensure your cocktail is perfectly thick and slushy.
Ramos Gin Fizz
Many cocktail origin stories are a mystery, but the origin of the Ramos gin fizz is pretty clear: In 1888, Henry C. Ramos shook up the first New Orleans fizz, which we now call the Ramos gin fizz. According to lore, he recommended that the drink be shaken for 12 minutes before serving. The foamy head, similar to that on a glass of stout beer, is the result of egg whites and all that shaking.
French 75
The French 75 didn’t get its start in New Orleans, but like much of the city, French influences abound in the bar culture there. It’s no surprise that this drink shows up on cocktail menus in NOLA, and it’ll be no surprise if it becomes an instant favorite once you try it. This classic Champagne and gin cocktail is bubbly and lemony, and will definitely have you ordering a second glass.
Grasshopper
If you like Mardi Gras desserts, then you’ll probably enjoy Mardi Gras drinks that taste like dessert. A grasshopper is a beautiful mint-hued (and flavored) digestif meant to be sipped post-dinner. Made with creme de menthe, creme de cacao and heavy cream, grasshoppers are said to have originated in New Orleans. We can’t say we’re surprised that so many cocktails have stemmed from this lively city.
Bourbon Hot Toddy
If you’ve ever complained of a cold in front of your grandma, she may have recommended a hot toddy to soothe your throat. This vintage bourbon cocktail with lemon juice and honey does beat a cough drop, if you ask us.
Mardi Gras Drink Ideas FAQ
What are traditional Mardi Gras drinks?
Traditional Mardi Gras drinks include classic New Orleans cocktails, like a Sazerac, Ramos gin fizz and Hurricanes. Beyond those cocktails, absinthe is also very popular in New Orelans and many bars serve the anise-flavored spirit the traditional way with an absinthe fountain. This setup involves placing a slotted spoon with a sugar cube over a glass of absinthe and letting cold water drip from a spout into the glass. The water dissolves the sugar and mixes with the absinthe, which is then slowly sipped.
What is the most famous drink in New Orleans?
The most famous drink in New Orleans is the Sazerac, which was invented in the city in the 1800s. The simple cocktail is made with a sugar cube, Peychaud’s bitters, cognac or rye whiskey and a dash of absinthe. The Sazerac is so ubiquitous with New Orleans that it became the official cocktail of the city in 2008.
What cocktails are good for a Mardi Gras party?
The best cocktails for a Mardi Gras party are crowd-pleasers that are easy to scale up, such as Hurricanes and rum runners. These drinks are fruity and easy to sip on, making them a great choice for a wide range of palates. If you prefer something less sweet, a French 75, daiquiri or Sazerac are simple enough to make on the fly or have your guests mix themselves.
