Mardi Gras means much more than “Fat Tuesday” celebrations. Mardi Gras is the season of celebration that encompasses the entirety of “Carnival.” Some areas of the country begin Mardi Gras season as early as November with parades and balls ending in January and February. That is a lot of celebrating! The most famous of all places to gather, observe and participate in Mardi Gras festivities is in New Orleans in the United States and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mardi Gras celebrations in the United States include masquerade balls from Mobile Alabama, to moon pie eating contests in Pensacola, Florida with anything and everything in between.

No matter the costume, location, or approach to Mardi Gras celebration one thing remains a party staple; the cocktails! Traditional New Orleans cocktails such as the Hurricane and Sazerac embrace the spirit and culture of Mardi Gras. But there is no need to limit cocktails to tradition. Let tradition inspire your celebratory style. Flaunt your Mardi Gras spirit with these joie de vivre cocktails.

Mardi Gras Absinthe Recipes

The HYP Fairy

1/2 ounce Absinthe Mata Hari

1/2 ounce Hpnotiq

Splash Homemade Sour Mix

Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a shot glass.

Southern Belle

1-3/4 ounce Absinthe Mata Hari

1-1/4 ounce Hiram Walker Pomegranate Schnapps

1/4 to 1/2 ounce Cranberry Juice – according to taste

Lemon Twist Garnish

Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with lemon twist.

Mardi Gras Fun Drink Recipes

Grapeful Red

1 ounces Hiram Walker Pink Grapefruit Schnapps

1/4 ounce Hiram Walker Triple Sec

Dash Homemade Grenadine

Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend and chill. Strain into a shot glass.

White Peach Paloma

2 ounces Tequila

1/2 ounce Hiram Walker White Peach Schnapps

2 ounces fresh Grapefruit Juice

2 ounces fresh Lime Juice

1 ounce Homemade Simple Syrup

Lime Twist Garnish

Salt

Rim the lip of a tall glass with lime. Dip into salt. Fill glass with ice. Set aside. Place liquids in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake to blend. Strain into a salt rimmed glass over fresh the fresh ice. Garnish with lime twist.

Tip: Mardi Gras celebrations may not show our most mature side with all the masks, beads and flair, but please party with a responsible attitude since you’ll be cocktailing it.

All content ©2009 Cheri Loughlin, The Intoxicologist. All Rights Reserved. Chat with Cheri @Intoxicologist on Twitter and facebook.com/Intoxicologist or str8upcocktails@gmail.com