BC might be 1500 miles away from the Mardi Gras capital of the world, New Orleans, but that doesn’t mean we can’t bring some of that Creole spirit up north! One of the easiest ways to celebrate in true New Orleans fashion is by mixing up some classic, southern cocktails. From whiskey to vodka, these four drinks are sure to spice up any and all Fat Tuesday celebrations.
Hurricane:
As the signature drink of Mardi Gras, this cocktail has to be good. The idea behind the cocktail is that it numbs you before the storm hits. To truly get in the New Orleans mindset, we suggest drinking from a traditional hurricane glass and decorating your drink with a colorful straw and paper umbrella!
1 ½ ounces Kentucky Bourbon whiskey
1 ½ ounces sweet and sour mix
1 ½ ounces orange juice
1 ½ ounces pineapple juice
Splash of grenadine
- Fill a hurricane glass (or any fun drinking receptacle) with ice.
- Add all ingredients to the glass and stir.
- Garnish with an orange wedge and a cherry. Enjoy!
Red Snapper:
This cocktail originates from the French Quarter, the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. Like the name suggests, this drink is strong and snappy – a perfect concoction to indulge in before Lent begins.
½ ounce Whiskey
½ ounce Amaretto
½ ounce cranberry juice
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Strain and garnish with a lemon wedge.
Madras:
The Madras cocktail is similar in tasted to a Cosmopolitan, but packed with even more cranberry flavor. It is easy to make and a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Bartenders will be mixing up more of these babies than they can count on Fat Tuesday this year!
1 cup ice cubes
2 ounces Vodka
4 ounces cranberry juice
½ ounce orange juice
- Fill a tall glass with ice. Pour in vodka.
- Fill glass to ¾ full with cranberry juice.
- Top with orange juice.
- Stir and enjoy!
Mardi Gras Punch:
Planning on throwing a Mardi Gras party with all of your friends? Punch is definitely the way to go. It will keep all your guests happy, while acting as a festive bar centerpiece. This recipe combines the traditional colors of Mardi Gras – green, gold, and purple – to create a deliciously sweet libation.
40 ounces grape juice
48 ounces pineapple juice
2 liters Sprite
2 oranges
2 limes
Fifth of Vodka
- Slice oranges and limes in thin round slices. Set aside.
- Place ice (either regular ice or homemade juice ice) in a punch bowl.
- Add juices, soda, and vodka to the bowl. Stir together.
- Float orange and lime slices on top before serving.
Sources:
http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/824893/mardi-gras-cocktail-recipes
http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/mardi-gras-punch
http://gallery.yourtango.com/gallery/Mardi_Gras_Our_5_Favorite_Cocktail_Recipes
http://www.miami.com/sites/migration.miami.com/files/images/mardi-gras-_-hurricanes.jpg