Mardi Gras in New Orleans: A City's Love Affair with Cocktails

According to VinePair, the city of New Orleans is renowned for its vibrant cocktail culture, particularly during Mardi Gras season. As the biggest drinking event of the year, Carnival season is the perfect time to indulge in the many classic cocktails that have been perfected in the Big Easy. From the Sazerac to the French 75, these timeless tipples are a testament to the city's rich history and cultural diversity.

The Unifying Aspect of NOLA Cocktails

Despite the variety of recipes, the unifying aspect of popular NOLA cocktails is their refreshing quality. Whether spirit-forward or made with milk or cream, these drinks are designed to be light and fresh, making them perfect for the Mardi Gras celebrations. As Sam Kiley, bar manager at Dovetail Bar, notes, "You've always had one bartender passing down their knowledge to another bartender to another bartender, and that really wasn't interrupted in the same way" during Prohibition.

Community Spirit and the Art of Punch-Making

The true spirit of Mardi Gras is not just about the drinks, but about the community that comes together to celebrate. As Abigail Gullo, bartender at Loa, explains, "If you're not at Mardi Gras and you want to capture the spirit, you need to get together with your friends, with your community, with your neighbors; you need to make a punch with whatever you have, and you need to share it because that's the true spirit of community and Mardi Gras and New Orleans." With this in mind, we've curated a list of 12 classic New Orleans cocktails that are sure to bring the Mardi Gras spirit to your celebrations.

The 12 Classic NOLA Cocktails

1. Sazerac
2. Ramos Gin Fizz
3. Daiquiri
4. Milk Punch
5. Vieux Carré
6. Hurricane
7. French 75
8. Bloody Mary
9. Brandy Crusta
10. Cocktail Louisiane
11. Frozen Irish Coffee
12. Punch

What This Means for Bartenders

As a bartender, understanding the history and cultural significance of these classic cocktails can elevate your craft and provide a unique experience for your customers. Whether you're working in New Orleans or just looking to bring a taste of the city to your bar, these timeless tipples are sure to impress. Consider incorporating some of these classic recipes into your menu, and don't be afraid to experiment with new twists and flavors.

For those looking to start a career in bartending, learning about the classic cocktails of New Orleans is a great place to start. Consider enrolling in a bartending program bartending programs to learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the industry.

Get Ready to Shake (and Stir) Things Up

With Mardi Gras just around the corner, it's the perfect time to get creative with your cocktail menu. Whether you're a seasoned bartender or just starting out, these classic NOLA cocktails are sure to bring a taste of the Big Easy to your bar. So why not get started today? Explore our collection of cocktail recipes cocktail recipes and learn how to mix up the magic of NOLA.

Ready to take your bartending career to the next level? Learn more about our bartending programs bartending programs and start shaking (and stirring) things up today!