Whether you're in the heart of New Orleans or bringing the party home, a great cocktail is a must this Mardi Gras. These five recipes are perfect for Mardi Gras with bold colors and rich flavors.

‍

1. Hurricane

No Mardi Gras is complete without this iconic New Orleans cocktail.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz dark rum
  • 2 oz passion fruit juice
  • 1 oz orange juice
  • ½ oz fresh lime juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • ½ oz grenadine
  • Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Instructions:
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

‍

2. Sazerac

New Orleans’ cocktail, the Sazerac, is a smooth, complex drink with a hint of absinthe.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz rye whiskey
  • ¼ oz simple syrup or 1 sugar cube
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • Absinthe rinse
  • Lemon peel for garnish

Instructions:
Rinse a chilled glass with absinthe and discard excess. In a separate glass, muddle sugar with bitters, then add whiskey and ice. Stir and strain into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.

‍

3. Vieux Carré

A rich and sophisticated cocktail named after the French Quarter, the Vieux Carré is a perfect balance of spirits with herbal and citrusy notes.

Ingredients:

  • ¾ oz rye whiskey
  • ¾ oz cognac
  • ¾ oz sweet vermouth
  • ¼ oz Benedictine liqueur
  • 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.

‍

4. King Cake Martini

Inspired by the beloved Mardi Gras dessert, this cocktail brings vanilla, cinnamon, and creamy flavors together.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz vanilla vodka
  • 1 oz Bailey’s Irish Cream
  • ½ oz cinnamon schnapps
  • Purple, green, and gold sugar for rim

Instructions:
Rim a martini glass with colored sugar. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass.

‍

5. French 75

For a classy toast, the French 75 delivers brightness with a punch of gin and citrus.

Ingredients:

  • 1 oz gin
  • ½ oz fresh lemon juice
  • ½ oz simple syrup
  • 3 oz Champagne
  • Lemon twist for garnish

Instructions:
Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with Champagne. Garnish with a lemon twist.

‍

Cover Photo by Adam Jaime