Cindy Brennan has seen more than 40 Mardi Gras from the doorstep of her restaurant, Mr. B’s Bistro. “People are so creative. No two days-or two hours-are the same.” She loves the people watching, where “someone from the Garden District is sitting next to a couple from Minnesota who’ve never caught a throw before, all laughing, sharing parade stories.” Cindy is gratified that Mr. B’s creates those connections. “We welcome everyone into the celebration… Mardi Gras in the French Quarter is pure magic, and we get to be part of everyone’s story.” This hospitable environment extends to her staff — many have worked there for decades, including a cook who has been there since the restaurant opened. In an industry known for high turnover, that loyalty is a testament to Cindy’s leadership. She notes that running a restaurant can be “hard as hell,” but it’s the relationships with both guests and employees that make it worth it. “I’m very proud..and honored by that.”
1
servingsIngredients
- Royal Rita
2 oz Don Fulano blanco tequila
1 oz triple sec or Cointreau
1 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz mixed berry simple syrup (recipe below)
- Garnish
Mardi Gras–colored sugar (purple, green, gold)
Lime wedge
Lime wheel
- Mixed Berry Simple Syrup
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups mixed berries (strawberry, blueberry, raspberry)
1/2 tsp lemon zest
Directions
- Royal Rita
- Rub the lime wedge along the rim of a rocks glass.
- Dip the rim into Mardi Gras sugar.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- In a shaker with ice, add tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and berry syrup and shake hard for 10–12 seconds.
- Strain into the decorated rocks glass.
- Garnish with the lime wheel.
- Mixed Berry Simple Syrup
- Bring water and sugar to a simmer until dissolved.
- Add berries and zest; simmer 8–10 minutes, gently mashing.
- Double strain the mixture, discarding the berries.
- Cool the remaining syrup completely and refrigerate for up to seven days.
Notes
- Cindy notes that this festive, batchable margarita is a nice change from typical Carnival drinks like a Bloody Mary or Milk Punch, and if the weather is warm, it can also be very refreshing.
- Colored sugar is available in many grocery stores, though you may have to buy each color separately to create a purple, green and gold mix.
- You can choose to rim only one half of the glass for a cleaner look.
Listen to Elizabeth’s podcast “Drink & Learn;” visit elizabeth-pearce.com
