Sip your way straight to Bourbon Street, no matter where you are, with some the best Mardi Gras cocktails! It’s the absolute best way to celebrate Carnival!

Your ultimate guide to Mardi Gras cocktails
Ah, Mardi Gras. It’s arguably one of the most fun times of the year. The parades, the celebrations, the cocktails… It’s one big party!
I’ve been to New Orleans — and loved it — but never for the Mardi Gras festivities. It’s high on my list, especially with the FOMO that comes with seeing leftover shiny beads hanging from power lines and trees all year long in the Big Easy.
Until I make it there for the celebration, I’m going to mix up one of these cocktails and join the fun from afar. From classic New Orleans recipes to fun twists on iconic drinks, I know you’ll find one to fuel your party!

What is Mardi Gras?
While its exact history is a bit of a mystery, Mardi Gras in the United States has been traced back to 1699 when French-Canadian explorers arrived near where New Orleans would eventually be according to NewOrleans.com. Since these explorers arrived on the traditional celebration of Fat Tuesday — a name which came from consuming all of the fats in the home before Lent — they named the spot they landed “Pointe du Mardi Gras.”
Mardi Gras tradition is tied to the Christian calendar, with the date shifting alongside Easter. It is always 47 days before Easter, accounting for the 40 days of Lent plus seven Sundays, however the celebration is more of a season, called Carnival. Festivities begin on The Feast of Epiphany and continue through to Mardi Gras.
A celebration of many names, Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday and Pancake Day. Whatever you call it, it’s certainly a lot of fun! Today’s Mardi Gras celebrations include parades, parties, traditional foods and cocktails, of course!

How to pick a Mardi Gras cocktail
In case you didn’t know, NOLA is a HUGE city for cocktails.
It is a city rooted in history, and so many cocktails were born there, which makes its signature holiday so easy to celebrate from afar. The bartenders there are also incredibly creative, and you’ll find some of the most innovative drinks at their bars.
If you prefer a classic cocktail, try something like the Hurricane or the Sazerac. These drinks are known for their prominence in the Big Easy and are traditionally enjoyed during Carnival. Keep all the tradition but none of the booze by mixing up something like a virgin daiquiri.
You can also try a more adventurous route by opting for recipes with more whimsical flavor. These twists on tradition are a great way to ease into some of the bold flavors and get in on the celebration.
What to serve for Mardi Gras
If you’re hosting a Mardi Gras celebration at home, or simply want to get in the spirit of the holiday, you’ll want New Orleans-inspired dishes. Think cajun flavors, seafood, and beignets!
I love making popcorn shrimp for an easy appetizer or even dinner! Pair it with cajun dipping sauce for an added kick.
Hatch green chile gumbo would be a fun — and spicy — twist on the traditional dish. As for dessert, it certainly wouldn’t be Carnival without King’s Cake!
The best Mardi Gras cocktails
Wherever you’re celebrating Fat Tuesday this year, do it with a good drink in hand!
























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