The Spirit World

This article is by guest author, Denise Hall who contributes regularly to our sister blog, Fit Fare.

Yes, we’ve just barely finished Valentine’s Day but Mardi Gras is coming. Those of us from Louisiana can feel it in the air - even from as far away as Long Island.

Mardi Gras season officially begins on January 6th (King’s Day) and continues until Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras Day), the day before Ash Wednesday. This year Fat Tuesday is February 20th. To celebrate the season and introduce friends to the fun, my family hosts an annual Mardi Gras party at our home in New York state. In addition to all the jambalaya, red beans and rice, shrimp creole and king cake we like to serve Louisiana themed cocktails and beers from the state.

My husband Donavan wrote an article about the beers we serve at the party. I want share the cocktail recipes with you.

Last year I made traditional Hurricanes and Sazeracs. Both have their own following but are hard core for a family party and most guests chose to drink the beer. This year I want the cocktails to be the star. To increase the appeal, I ordered colored cocktail glasses in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, from the Oriental Trading Company, and I plan to keep the portions small. The Mardi Gras colors are symbolic of certain qualities: purple for justice, green for faith, and gold for power.

Tune in tomorrow for recipes for the three cocktails I created or modified and that we’ll be serving this year!