It’s Mardi Gras time in the Big Easy and that means it’s full-on party time. Whether you’re in New Orleans for the big celebration or just hanging out with friends at home you’ll need a few special cocktails to make your party complete. Here’s four traditional New Orleans drinks to get you and your friends in the spirit of the holidays.

Sazerac

Ingredients

• 3 oz rye whiskey
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
• Splash of absinthe
• 2-3 dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
• Twist of lemon zest

Preparation
Add ice to a rocks glass and put aside to chill. Combine simple syrup and Peychauds. Add rye and ice and stir gently. Discard ice and add a splash of absinthe to the rocks glass. Swirl and discard the excess absinthe. Add the rye mixture to the rocks glass and garnish with a twist of lemon zest.

Red Rooster

Ingredients

• 2 oz vodka
• 3 oz cranberry juice
• 1/2 oz orange juice
• orange twist

Preparation
Combine vodka, cranberry juice and orange juice in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Sh.ake then strain into a highball glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a twist of orange zest

Brandy Milk Punch

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 oz  Brandy
• 1 oz simple syrup
• 3 oz  milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• grated nutmeg

Preparation
Combine the brandy, simple syrup, vanilla extract and milk in a cocktail shaker with 2-3 ice cubes. Shake vigorously and strain in to rocks glass filled with crushed ice. Add some grated nutmeg to the top.

Daiquiri

Ingredients

• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz simple syrup
• lime wheel

Preparation
Combine the dark rum, lime juice and simple syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a slice of lime.

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Randy Matheson