It's time to break out all the essential cocktails you'll need to get the Mardi Gras party started. While many flock to New Orleans each year to celebrate Fat Tuesday in full force, don't let that stop you from having your own party at home. From rum to bourbon, expand your palette, and serve up these nine New Orleans bevvys (aka cocktails) to join in on this Southern festivity.
Many will request an old fashioned garnished with cherries and an orange wedge, but those who take it the truly old-fashioned way keep it simple with bourbon, bitters, sugar, and an orange or lemon twist.
Invented by a New Orleans barkeep in the 1800s, this frothy, refreshing classic is the perfect day drink.
If rum is your choice mixer, you'll go wild for a hurricane, a punchy pineapple, rum, and passion-fruit drink made famous by Bourbon Street bar Pat O'Brien's.
This honeyed twist on the French 75 cocktail is a go-to choice for Champagne fans. Your classy taste buds will enjoy it undoubtedly.
A classic mint julep makes for easy daytime drinking thanks to its cool, refreshing flavor.
The Sazerac is a quintessential New Orleans cocktail made with rye whiskey, bitters, absinthe, and a lemon peel. If you crave something bold and straight to the point, this is the drink for you.
This slushy milk punch features the delicious flavors of bourbon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
Topped off with purple, green, and yellow sprinkles, a bourbon milkshake features a fusion of flavors reminiscent of Mardi Gras king cakes. Don't forget to add a small plastic baby for garnish.
After a night on the town, the fastest road to recovery is a spicy Bloody Mary. Remember to add plenty of horseradish, lemon, and olives to make it count.