The award-winning Jewel of the South has launched its annual Carnival menu, giving guests another reason to enjoy a tipple in its lush courtyard. The Carnival Colada returns for the duration of the season, and includes a homemade king cake-flavored Coco Lopez, three different rums, ginger, honey and lime. It is joined by the Harlequin, named for one of the best-known characters in the Italian Commedia del’Arte and the Neapolitan Carnival, and features both cachaça and rhum Agricole, a papaya and mango cordial and lime juice. 1026 St Louis St., 504- 265-8816, jewelnola.com.
Iris Inspired
Tujague’s is home to the Iris Room, inspired by the Krewe of Iris. It is the city’s first private dining space dedicated to an all-female krewe. Members and fans of the krewe can raise a toast to this century-old organization with the Iris 75, a vibrant twist on a classic French 75, crafted with gin, sparkling wine, lemon, butterfly pea flower and simple syrup. Both the cocktail and the room honor the many Iris groups who gather at Tujague’s throughout the season, celebrating tradition, sisterhood, and the spirit of Mardi Gras. 429 Decatur St., 504- 525-8676, tujaguesrestaurant.com.
High Teas
Revelers of a certain age will fondly recall the groovy exploits of Cheech and Chong. The mellow duo recently launched a line of THC-infused seltzers, with flavors like Mango Twist and Wondermelon. Their aptly named High Teas include a Tommy Palmer, a woozy riff on an Arnold Palmer. The canned seltzers, which use only naturally derived THC from American-grown hemp, are an alternative to alcohol for sipping on the parade route. Their promise of “High Time in No Time” seems to fit with a certain Carnival vibe. cheechandchong.com
Crafted by Design
Loa bartender Abigail Gullo has once again created a Carnival menu inspired by float and costume designer Carlotta Bonnecaze. Bonnecaze, a Creole who lived in the late 1800’s, was the first woman known to design a parade and tableau ball, primarily for the Krewe of Proteus. Gullo notes that, “Bonnecaze’s intricate, creative, and downright sassy designs perfectly capture the gilded golden age of Carnival.” The menu features the Three King’s Old Fashioned, named for the Wise Men whose nativity visit on Epiphany marks the start of Carnival. Gullo describes it as “an ode to the galette des rois” with flavors of rye and apple brandy. The vodka-based Carlotta’s Cup honors its namesake’s creative streak and international inspiration with flavors of the Buddha’s hand citrus and spice. The Zulu Espresso Martini features coconut and coffee, which Gullo describes as “a magical combination,” appropriate to get up early to catch Zulu. 221 Camp St., 504- 553-9550, ihhotel.com
Carnival Cure
Cure is bringing back their fabulous Mardi Gras menu, available through Fat Tuesday. Locals may recognize the Ojen Cocktail, enjoyed by Rex on Mardi Gras day. Owner Neal Bodenheimer feels that, “The Ojen Cocktail is the drink of the Carnival season…basically an adult version of a sno-ball, made pink and pretty by the addition of plenty of Peychaud’s bitters.” Other New Orleans classics include the Absinthe Suissesse, similar to an anise-flavored eggnog; the Obituary Cocktail, a gin martini with extra dry vermouth and absinthe; the Roffignac, made with Armagnac; and a raspberry shrub. Additionally, Neal’s Mardi Gras Punch featuring overproof rum, red wine, fresh lemon and lime juice, and Angostura Bitters, is perfect for sipping on the parade route, no matter the weather. 4905 Freret St., 504-302-2357, curenola.com.
SLOW AND LOW
Carnival is a marathon, not a sprint, and low-proof drinking is usually the way most of us make it to the end of the season. However, for those who want a well-made, easy-to-access Old Fashioned while on the route, Slow & Low can help. The brand’s bottled cocktail history dates to the 19th century, but now imbibers can sip their cocktails in a more modern fashion: cans rather than bottles. They can also enjoy flavors beyond the classic Old Fashioned. In addition to their coffee flavored cocktail, Slow & Low now offer two new flavors: maple and cherry. The 100 milliliters cans keep the servings reasonable and are a robust alternative to standard parade fare. drinkslowandlow.com
