Carnival Concoctions: A Taste of Mardi Gras

Pretty Please with Purple, Gold and Green Sprinkles on Top.

Believe it or not, eating during Carnival season isn't just about seeing how much red meat you can get in before the start of Lent. And it's not just about devouring pounds of crawfish and fresh Gulf seafood either. It's not just about fried chicken and funnel cakes on the parade route. It's not even just about king cake. While people all over the city are busy decorating shoes, purses, grails, toilet plungers and bras this time of year, New Orleans' best chefs, bartenders and baristas are getting inspired by Mardi Gras, too. Check out these great offerings from some of New Orleans' most festive restaurants.

Cafe Beignet's King Cake Beignets

Who says beignets have to be white? You can wear black – or Mardi Gras colors – when eating these King Cake Beignets from Cafe Beignet. They're on the menu at all locations through Mardi Gras Day so get 'em while they're purple, green, and gold!

Mardi Gras Mambo from Third Block Depot Kitchen + Bar

What do you get when you mix Housemade Vanilla Vodka, Gambino's Rum Cream, Housemade Cinnamon Syrup, and an ounce of Nitro Coffee? Mardi Gras! If you're going to be in the Quarter this Carnival season, you've got to go to 3rd Block Depot Kitchen + Bar and sample this elegant drink.

Chef Meg at Commander's Palace is in a Mardi Gras mood. Don't pass up a chance to try her King Cake Ice Cream made with brioche king cake and praline liqueur. 

Commander's Palace Mardi Gras Sidecar

There's always a parade to Commander's this time of year for this delcious and fun cocktail! Throw one down, Mister/Sister! 

Clarinet Coffee Shop's Mardi Coconut Frozen Coffee

King Zulu would approve of the Clarinet Coffee Shop's Mardi Coconut Frozen Coffee. Just steps from Canal Street and on the streetcar line in The Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome, they offer all kinds of temping treats during Mardi Gras and all year long. If it's lunchtime, stay for a bowl of gumbo at the Clarinet Bistreaux. One spoonful and you'll never want to leave New Orleans.

Clarinet Coffee Shop's King Cake Coffee

If you looking for something hot and sweet, the Clarinet's King Cake Coffee will do the trick. You won't find a baby but we hope you'll find a moment or two of peace and tranquility during  the hectic Mardi Gras season.

Tujaque's Mardi Gras Smash

From the creator of the world-famous Grasshopper, comes the Mardi Gras Smash. Second line to Earth's third-oldest restaurant today for this delightful combination of Bourbon, blackberry syrup, blackberry liquor and lemon juice. In addition to the cocktail, they'll be offering a special Mardi Gras dessert, the Tujague's King Cake Eclair, from February 1 through Fat Tuesday. It's made with candied citrus and spiced chocolate ganache. So decadent! 

Loft18's King Cake Churros

Mardi Gras is all about creativity and Loft18 really stepped up with the creation of their King Cake Churros. So good and so fun!

Court of Two Sisters' Moon Pie Cocktail

This Royal Street jewel is always ready to celebrate. This year, the Court of Two Sisters is offering both a King Cake Cocktail and a Moon Pie Cocktail in honor of those sweet little chooolate marshmallow frisbees we love to catch on the parade route. Head over there sooner not later. 

Houmas House's King Cake Bread Pudding

This sweet concoction from Houmas House is fit for a sugar baron. When you're not on the parade route, hop the I-10 to Ascension Parish and check it out! 

 

Where To Get Your King Cake On!

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