3 Strong Mardi Gras cocktail recipes

Drinks to loosen you up this Mardi Gras!

Mardi Gras is just a few short days away, do you have your masks ready, your beads a plenty and your week long supply of strong, strong liqueur?

Mardi Gras is the one time of year (besides Spring Break for college students) you can let loose, drink during the afternoon and really let your hair down. Just be careful because more than one or two of these super strong cocktails will make it that much harder to keep your shirt on.

Nothing pairs better with gumbo, beignets and lots of beads than strong cocktails, and that's a fact. Plus, these drinks can easily be made at home, so no need to travel far and wide to get your favorite Mardi Gras poison. As they say down in New Orleans in the French Quarter, laissez les bon temps rouler (or let the good times roll)!

This is the drink of Mardi Gras, and it's hard not to see why. It's very strong and is usually double the size of a normal cocktail recipe. Plus, it's fruity and perfect for the hot Southern sun.

Serves 4

Ingredients: 

• 6 ounces light rum
• 4 ounces dark rum
• 4 ounces grenadine (or maraschino cherry juice)
• 4 ounces OJ or pineapple juice
• 3 ounces lime juice
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar (or more to taste)
• Orange or lemon for garnish
• About 2-1/2 cups ice

Directions: 

1. Mix all ingredients (except the orange/lemon garnish) in a blender. Pulse on high until mixture is smooth. Serve in a large hurricane glass with the garnish and enjoy!

If you can stomach chugging milk cocktails, this is your kind of cocktail recipe. Made with over half brandy, you will certainly feel the after effects of this popular Southern drink immediately.

Recipe adapted from Liquor.com.

Serves 2

Ingredients: 

• 2-1/4 cups milk
• 1-3/4 cups brandy
• 3 tablespoons sugar (can use powdered for less grain)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Fresh cinnamon sticks (optional)

Directions: 

1. Blend all ingredients (except cinnamon stick) in a blender on low for about 30 seconds. Pour into tall glasses and add cinnamon sticks to each glass and enjoy!

If you've ever been down Bourbon Street, you know that there is a frozen daiquiri machine in almost every "tourist" bar. From mango to strawberry to blue raspberry, there's a different daiquiri flavor for everyone. Create your own "tourist trap" daiquiri with this cocktail recipe and envision yourself waltzing down Bourbon Street, drink in hand.

Recipe adapted from All Recipes.

Serves 4

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups ice
• 2 ounces frozen strawberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3/4 cup light rum
• 2 tablespoons lemon lime soda
• Lime as garnish

Directions: 

1. Mix all ingredients together and place in a blender filled with the three cups ice. Pulse on high for 20 seconds, or until mixture is blended and frothy. Garnish with a fresh lime and enjoy!

More Mardi Gras party ideas

Decorating ideas for a Mardi Gras party
The best gumbo recipes for Mardi Gras
Lighter King Cake recipe