Mardi Gras is synonymous with celebration—an explosion of color, music, and revelry that transforms New Orleans into a living carnival each year. At the heart of this festivity lies Bourbon Street, a legendary stretch where the party never stops, and the drinks flow as freely as the jazz notes in the air. Whether you’re tossing beads from a balcony or simply dreaming of the Big Easy from afar, these 10 Mardi Gras-inspired cocktails will transport you straight to the soul of New Orleans. From classic hurricanes to lesser-known gems, here’s how to bring Bourbon Street to your glass.
1. The Hurricane
No Mardi Gras drink list is complete without the Hurricane, a fruity, rum-soaked staple born at Pat O’Brien’s bar in the 1940s. Legend has it this drink was created to use up surplus rum during World War II shortages, blending it with passion fruit and citrus for a deceptively potent punch.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz light rum
- 1 oz passion fruit syrup
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz grenadine
- Orange slice and cherry for garnish
Instructions: Fill a shaker with ice, add all liquids, and shake until chilled. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice, garnish with an orange slice and cherry, and let the good times roll. The Hurricane’s vivid red hue and tropical kick scream Mardi Gras excess—perfect for sipping under imaginary gas lamps.
2. Sazerac
The Sazerac isn’t just a drink; it’s a piece of New Orleans history. Often dubbed America’s first cocktail, it dates back to the 19th century, blending rye whiskey with absinthe and a hint of bitters. It’s sophisticated yet bold—just like the city itself.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz rye whiskey
- ¼ oz absinthe (or Herbsaint)
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions: Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with absinthe, discarding the excess. In a mixing glass, stir the whiskey, simple syrup, and bitters with ice until well-chilled. Strain into the prepared glass and twist a lemon peel over the top, releasing its oils. Sip slowly—this one’s a refined taste of Bourbon Street’s quieter corners.
3. Vieux Carré
Named after the French Quarter (Vieux Carré means “Old Square” in French), this 1930s cocktail from the Carousel Bar is a sultry mix of whiskey, cognac, and vermouth. It’s a drink that whispers tales of jazz clubs and late-night secrets.
Ingredients:
- ¾ oz rye whiskey
- ¾ oz cognac
- ¾ oz sweet vermouth
- 1 tsp Bénédictine liqueur
- 2 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Cherry for garnish
Instructions: Stir all ingredients with ice in a mixing glass until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube and garnish with a cherry. The Vieux Carré’s complex layers mirror the Quarter’s eclectic charm—ideal for a Mardi Gras toast.
4. Mardi Gras Mule
A festive twist on the Moscow Mule, the Mardi Gras Mule swaps vodka for rum and adds a splash of lime to brighten the party. It’s a modern nod to New Orleans’ love of bold flavors and copper mugs.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz dark rum
- ½ oz lime juice
- 4 oz ginger beer
- Lime wheel and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions: Fill a copper mug with ice, pour in the rum and lime juice, and top with ginger beer. Stir gently and garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig. This fizzy, refreshing drink is perfect for dancing through a Mardi Gras parade—or your living room.
5. Pimm’s Cup
Though it originated in England, the Pimm’s Cup found a second home in New Orleans, especially at the Napoleon House. Light and herbaceous, it’s a daytime sipper that pairs perfectly with warm Louisiana afternoons.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Pimm’s No. 1
- 3 oz lemonade
- Club soda to top
- Cucumber slice, strawberry, and mint for garnish
Instructions: Fill a tall glass with ice, add Pimm’s and lemonade, and top with a splash of club soda. Stir lightly and garnish with cucumber, strawberry, and mint. Its garden-fresh vibe brings a touch of Bourbon Street’s laid-back side to your Mardi Gras spread.
6. French 75
Named after a World War I artillery gun, the French 75 is a bubbly, elegant cocktail with a New Orleans twist. It’s said to have been perfected at Arnaud’s French 75 Bar, making it a Mardi Gras must.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz gin
- ½ oz lemon juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 3 oz Champagne or sparkling wine
- Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions: Shake gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup with ice until chilled. Strain into a flute, top with Champagne, and garnish with a lemon twist. The French 75’s effervescence captures the giddy thrill of Mardi Gras nightfall.
7. Ramos Gin Fizz
Invented by Henry C. Ramos in 1888, this frothy concoction is a New Orleans icon. It’s labor-intensive—traditionally shaken for 12 minutes—but the creamy, citrusy result is worth every second.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz gin
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz heavy cream
- 3 dashes orange flower water
- 1 egg white
- Club soda to top
Instructions: Dry shake (no ice) all ingredients except club soda for 30 seconds. Add ice and shake vigorously for another minute. Strain into a highball glass and top with a slow pour of club soda. The Ramos Gin Fizz is a fluffy, festive cloud—a Bourbon Street brunch in a glass.
8. Bayou Bloody Mary
Mardi Gras demands a bold Bloody Mary, and this Cajun-inspired version delivers with spice and swagger. It’s a hair-of-the-dog classic for those late-night Bourbon Street revelers.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tomato juice
- ½ oz lemon juice
- 1 tsp horseradish
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp hot sauce (like Tabasco)
- Pinch of Cajun seasoning
- Celery, shrimp, and pickled okra for garnish
Instructions: Rim a tall glass with Cajun seasoning, fill with ice, and add all ingredients. Stir well and garnish with celery, a shrimp, and pickled okra. This spicy elixir is a Mardi Gras morning revival straight from the bayou.
9. Absinthe Frappé
Absinthe, once banned for its supposed hallucinogenic properties, is a New Orleans darling. The Absinthe Frappé, popularized in the 19th century, cools its fiery spirit with ice and a touch of sweetness.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ oz absinthe
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 2 oz cold water
- Mint sprig for garnish
Instructions: Fill a glass with crushed ice, pour in absinthe and simple syrup, and top with cold water. Stir until frosty and garnish with mint. The Frappé’s jade-green glow and anise bite evoke Bourbon Street’s mystical allure.
10. Creole Coffee Cocktail
Coffee is king in New Orleans, and this boozy twist blends chicory coffee with rum for a Mardi Gras nightcap. It’s a nod to Café du Monde’s legacy, reimagined for the party.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1 oz coffee liqueur
- 4 oz strong brewed chicory coffee (cooled)
- ½ oz simple syrup (optional)
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions: Stir rum, coffee liqueur, and chicory coffee with ice in a mixing glass. Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice, sweeten with simple syrup if desired, and top with whipped cream. This warm, rich sipper closes out your Mardi Gras night with Bourbon Street flair.
Bringing It All Together
These 10 drinks capture the essence of Mardi Gras—vibrant, bold, and unapologetically indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a Fat Tuesday bash or simply craving a taste of New Orleans, each cocktail offers a portal to Bourbon Street’s electric energy. Pair them with some beads, a King Cake, and a jazz playlist, and you’ve got a celebration worthy of the Crescent City.
The beauty of these recipes lies in their versatility. Mix up a pitcher of Hurricanes for a crowd, sip a Sazerac solo, or shake a Ramos Gin Fizz to impress your guests with your bartending prowess. No matter your mood, there’s a drink here to match the Mardi Gras spirit.
So, raise a glass to the good times—laissez les bons temps rouler! With these cocktails, Bourbon Street isn’t just a place; it’s a state of mind you can savor anywhere.
