Mardi Gras—also known as Fat Tuesday- is one of the world’s most iconic celebrations. Known as Carnival in many regions, its roots lie in the Catholic calendar, marking the final day of indulgence before Lent begins. In New Orleans, the festivities reach their peak just before midnight, when parades wind down and street sweepers roll through the French Quarter. It’s a joyful blend of music, food, cocktails, and community- a true last hurrah before the season turns reflective.
The good news? You don’t need to travel to Louisiana to celebrate in style. With a few classic cocktails, festive dishes, and thoughtful wine pairings, you can bring the flavors of the French Quarter straight into your own home.
The Hurricane, made famous by Pat O’Brien’s, is a Mardi Gras essential. Fruity, bold, and unapologetically rum-forward, it’s the kind of cocktail that instantly transports you to Bourbon Street—even if you’re sipping it from your own living room.
Ingredients
2 oz. Black Sword light rum
2 oz. Black Sword aged rum
2 oz. passion fruit juice
1 oz. orange juice
½ oz. fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon simple syrup
1 tablespoon grenadine
Garnish: orange slice and cherry
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a Hurricane glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Food & Wine Pairings
The Hurricane’s bright, tropical flavors shine alongside classic Cajun and Creole dishes. Spicy jambalaya or blackened chicken play beautifully off the drink’s sweetness, while shrimp po’boys and fried catfish lean into the indulgent spirit of Fat Tuesday.
For wine lovers, Sittmann Riesling helps tame the heat of spicy sausage and smoky flavors, while Fog Mountain Brut Rosé cuts through fried foods and adds a celebratory touch that feels right at home during Mardi Gras.
Often considered America’s oldest cocktail, the Sazerac is a New Orleans original dating back to the mid-1800s. Spirit-forward and aromatic, this cocktail is steeped in tradition and perfect for those who prefer something bold and refined.
Ingredients
1 sugar cube
1½ oz. Sazerac Rye Whiskey or Jeffers Creek Bourbon
¼ oz. Herbsaint
3 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Lemon peel
Instructions
Pack an old-fashioned glass with ice and set aside. In a second glass, muddle the sugar cube with Peychaud’s Bitters. Add whiskey and stir. Discard the ice from the first glass and rinse with Herbsaint, then pour in the whiskey mixture. Garnish with a lemon peel.
Food & Wine Pairings
The Sazerac pairs beautifully with hearty, savory dishes. Smoked brisket, andouille sausage, and red beans and rice echo the cocktail’s depth, while a charcuterie board with sharp cheeses adds a sophisticated touch.
When it comes to wine, Pra Vinera Zinfandel complements smoky meats and Cajun spices, while Côtes du Rhône Acantalys offers earthy, peppery balance. Bourgueil Matabrune is another standout choice, with herbal notes that mirror the Herbsaint rinse.
New Orleans is famous for its drive-through daiquiri shops- a quirky tradition locals adore. While you may not have a drive-through window at home, this frozen strawberry daiquiri delivers the same refreshing, vacation-ready vibe.
Ingredients
1 cup Black Sword light rum
¾ cup lime juice
1/3 cup sugar
1 (16 oz.) package frozen whole strawberries
Blend rum, lime juice, and sugar until dissolved. Add frozen strawberries a few at a time until smooth. Pour into chilled glasses.
Food & Wine Pairings
This daiquiri’s bright, fruity profile pairs wonderfully with lighter Mardi Gras fare. Coconut shrimp and crab cakes keep things coastal, while beignets or a Mardi Gras–themed fruit platter lean into the festive sweetness of the season.
For wine, Natale Verga Moscato d’Asti is lightly sweet and perfect with dessert-style pairings, while Bacio Della Luna Prosecco offers crisp refreshment alongside fried seafood. Chateau Mille Anges Rosé also works beautifully, complementing both berry flavors and citrus notes.
With these cocktails, food pairings, and wine suggestions, you can host a Mardi Gras celebration that feels festive, flavorful, and unmistakably New Orleans. Add some jazz, a handful of beads, and a splash of purple, green, and gold- and you’ve got a party worthy of Bourbon Street.