Mardi Gras Primer
“Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday”. It is an annual religious celebration that was added to the Gregorian calendar in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. Mardi Gras, is the day before Ash
King Cake
Wednesday and marks the beginning of Lent, which is the 40 day period of fasting prior to Easter.
Mardi Gras is best known for festivities in New Orleans, colored beads, drinking, parades and King Cake.
The “King Cake” is a purple, green and gold cake with a baby Jesus baked into it. It is traditionally first served on January 6th and goes through until the eve of Mardi Gras. Guests are invited to take a slice of cake and whomever gets the little baby Jesus is said to have good luck throughout the year and is tagged as the next year’s host for the party. The Mardi Gras colors are symbols of the festivities with purple meaning justice, green is for faith and gold is for power.
If you plan to be part of a float in a parade, make sure to wear a mask or paint your face. It is illegal not to!! Originally, the purpose of the mask was to eliminate any social constraints allowing people to mingle with whomever they pleased.
Popular Mardi Gras Cocktails
Creole Cocktail
-- This cocktail was originated in New Orleans and has become a local favorite: muddle lemon and mint, sweeten with agave nectar and top with rum (usually spiced rum) and club soda. Garnish with a sprig of mint and lemon wedge.
Hurricane Cocktail
-- A very refreshing cocktail that contains a potent mix of fruit juices and two kinds of rum served in a hurricane glass. Be cautious with this cocktail as it goes down easy but can pack a serious punch.
Sazerac Cocktail
-- It is said, but not confirmed, that this cocktail was invented in New Orleans in the 19th century and has become a New Orleans favorite. This cocktail contains Absinthe (or any anise flavored liqueur), bitters, cognac or rye whiskey and sugar.
Vieux Carré
-- Pronounced “VOO ka-RAY”, this cocktail contains cognac, rye, bitters, Benedictine and sweet vermouth. This cocktail was created by a bartender at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.
Regardless of your drink of choice, one thing is certain: New Orleans is a welcoming city with an appetite for partying. If you are planning to be there for Mardi Gras, plan your culinary outings in advance, making reservations days early, otherwise you’ll find it very hard to get a table at the most popular restaurants. Cheers!
