Do year hear that? It’s the sound of a bunch of people calling in sick tomorrow.
Today is Fat Tuesday, which means that some party goers will likely be using it as an excuse to drink excessively and lift their shirts up (not necessarily in that order). Let’s be honest. Do any of us really know what Mardi Gras is all about, other than one big dance party? Do we care?
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One thing is certain: sugary cocktails are the unofficial mascot. Here are two that will make you feel like you’re wearing a feathered masquerade mask on a float made out of unicorns and rainbows.
King Cocktail
By Nicole Barker, The Z Bar (Reno, NV):
“Inspired by its namesake seasonal dessert, this cocktail tastes just as delicious as the traditional Mardi Gras King Cake. You can even make a fun party game out of dropping a King Cake Baby into one of the cocktails and give a door prize to the guest who finds the trinket at the bottom of their glass.”
- 1.5 oz Cognac Park VS
- .75 oz Kringle Cream Liquere
- .75 oz Pecan Syrup
- .75 oz Cream
- 2 Dashes Cherry Vanilla Bitters
Preparation: shake and double strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Police & Thieves Swizzle
By China Morbosa, The Eveleigh (West Hollywood):
“Mardi Gras is decadence — the celebration of celebrations — and swizzles are not far down the family tree from the famous New Orleans favorite, the Hurricane.”
- 2oz English Harbour 5 year rum
- 1oz fresh pineapple juice
- .75oz fresh lime juice
- .5oz Giffard Banane du Brésil
- .5oz Taylor velvet falernum
- .5oz Cruzan blackstrap rum
- 4 dashes Angostura bitters
Preparation: Add the English Harbour, pineapple juice, lime juice, Giffard Banane du Brésil, and velvet falernum into a shaker. Dry shake, strain into a collins glass. Add crushed ice. Float 4 dashes of angostura bitters and .5oz of Cruzan Blackstrap Rum. Garnish with healthy mint bunch.
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“It’s important to remember that during Mardi Gras, you’re likely to hop from one parade or party to another so you need a drink that travels well,” says Morborsa. “Traditionally, swizzles are rum-based and stiff as hell! The crushed ice mellows the booze a little making it refreshing in the thick, muggy air of the Big Easy and great for carrying with you wherever you go.”
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