Mardi Gras will be different this year. Official floats will not be rolling in 2021, the best time of the year will be condensed and we will be forced to find alternative ways to maneuver through Carnival season. This begs the question, how do we drink through the season with COVID concerns and restrictions on bars?
According to alcohol.org, Mardi Gras brings in the beads, but it also brings in the booze. On average, Americans consumed 4.5 drinks on this day, making “Fat Tuesday” one of the booziest days of the year.
We assume that IF you’ll be out and about, your Yeti will be in hand and full of your home made cocktail. Maybe you’ll find a small gathering spot, depending what place is open and for how long. But in case you’re sticking close to home, we have a few DIY drinks that will get you through Carnival during these uncertain times.
The Hurricane
- 2 ounces light rum
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 ounce orange juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 ounce passion fruit puree
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- Garnish: orange wheel
- Garnish: preserved cherry
To make: Mix all ingredients in shaker tin and pour over ice
Perfect Strawberry Daiquiri
- 4 oz light rum
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1 bag frozen strawberries
- Juice of one lime
To make: Blend rum, frozen strawberries and lime juice until smoot. Pour into glasses and garnish
with lime slices.
Let’s say you don’t like your Daiquiri frozen. Here’s another option. Instead of ice, add frozen watermelon cubes. DID I JUST BLOW YOUR MIND?
Watermelon Daiquiri
- 4 cups cubed frozen watermelon
- Lime juice
- 1/2 cup or 2oz rum of your choice
- Extra watermelon for purée
To make: You can purée a few pieces of watermelon in a food processor first. Then pour all ingredients into a large cocktail shaker and add rum, lime juice. Pour over frozen watermelon cubes and watch your palate jump for joy.
Another great idea is to get some purple, green and gold shot glasses. Have them on stand-by at the house, just in case you have a small, safe gathering. You can toast to your crew in the name of celebrating differently.
The good news is, we are going to find ways to celebrate. So enjoy safely and responsibly, even though this will be the most non-traditional Mardi Gras of all time.
