Best Carnival Cocktails in New Orleans
Carnival season is more than parades; it is a time for community and time with friends and family.In a city renowned worldwide for its historical cuisine and cocktail culture, what better way to come together before and after our iconic Mardi Gras parades than with a drink? Yes, the options are limitless when it comes to grabbing a drink in New Orleans. That's why we've compiled a list of restaurants and bars going all out for Carnival with their own unique Mardi Gras cocktails.
1. 4141 NOLA
4141 St. Charles Ave., (504) 247-9753
4141, a cocktail lounge located inside New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. on St. Charles Avenue, produces a dazzling cocktail menu for every season, and Mardi Gras is no exception. Whether it's the Carnival Queen (made with Bayou white rum, lime, and vanilla) or the Krewe 75 (a sparkling green take on the French 75), this menu is perfect for easy, tasteful, and refreshing sipping.
Their happy hour is daily from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and they host live music every Thursday. Following them on Facebook and Instagram and stay up to date.
2. Antoine's
713 St. Louis St., (504) 581-4422
New Orleans icon Antoine's is ready for Carnival season with a
tasteful, themed cocktail menu. Drinks such as the Second Line Reverie (served
with Brandy St. Louise, Domaine de Canton
ginger liqueur, honey liqueur, and orange and chocolate bitters) and the
Bacchus Chalice (served with Indigo Empress gin and St. Germain) will have you
feeling like carnival royalty.
Antoine's is home to the timeless French-Creole cuisine New Orleans is known for, making it an excellent dining experience while we celebrate Mardi Gras. Be sure to get a reservation here.
3. Avegno
1726 Soniat St., (504) 899-7397
Avegno Bar and Lounge, an extension of Gautreau's, is celebrating Carnival with their mix of elevated seasonal sips. On this year's Mardi Gras menu is the Madame X Mambo and the Sidewalk Side Espresso Martini.
Pair them with Avegno's scrumptious small bites. Head over to this cozy and charming lounge and drink like Mardi Gras royalty.
4. Brennan's
417 Royal St., (504) 525-9711
New Orleans' iconic Brennan's has a seasonal selection of Carnival cocktails to pair with all your favorite festivities. This menu includes the King of Carnival made with Jefferson's Ocean Wheated Bourbon, Meletti, and Campari. It also features a spirit free selection of drinks such as The Stompers, made with Bare Zero Proof Reposado, kiwi, and pineapple. Check out the rest of the menu here.
Stop by the Roost Bar and courtyard inside Brennan's Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., as well as Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Espíritu
520 Capdeville St., (504) 267-4975
Espíritu is a New Orleans restaurant with the mission of celebrating the culture of Mexico with a locally-sourced menu. Celebrate with them this Carnival with their new seasonal cocktail menu. Try the Oedipus Rexico, a revival of a lost Carnival classic, or share the Super Krewe flight of purple, green, and gold shots with friends.
Stop by for happy hour bites and try one of their Mardi Gras
cocktails on weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
6. Four Seasons
Multiple Locations
The Four Seasons are leaning into the Mardi Gras spirit with its own curated bar hop from now until February 17 entitled "Krewe of Cocktails." They are offering three elegant Carnival cocktails spanning across three locations in the city.
Stop by the Chemin á la Mer for
the Mardi Gras Mambo, the Chandelier Bar for the Rex, and Miss River for the
Mascarade (and the view). Visit all three and receive a mini King Cake.
7. Gris Gris
1800 Magazine St., (504) 272-0241
It wouldn't be Carnival without Gris Gris' famous King Cake Daiquiri. It's made with brioche infused spiced rum, cinnamon, Amaretto, vanilla soft serve, and, of course, Gambino's Rum Cream.
Get it by the glass with a purple and gold
sugar rim, or buy it by the half-gallon and take it on the parade route. However
you do it, be sure to stop by and try out this sensational Carnival cocktail.
8. Katie's
3701 Iberville St., (504) 488-6582
Katie's is a neighborly Mid-City joint and is a great place to take the
whole family and enjoy a wealth of po-boys and seafood platters. Catch them
between parades and sip on their Carnival drinks such as the Second Line Spritz
and King Cake Martini.
Stop by for happy hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and keep an eye
out for their daily specials. Don't forget to grab a slice of king (cheese) cake while you're there.
9. King Brasserie and Peacock Room
Multiple Locations
For travelers and locals alike, Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is here to celebrate Carnival season. They are offering Mardi Gras cocktails at King Brasserie and the Peacock Room, whichever suites your Carnival desires.
This year, they have the Pleasure Club made with rum, white chocolate, and pineapple; the Celestial Knights made with thyme-infused St. Germain, basil, lemon, and a hint of glitter, and the North Side Skull: made with Boomsma Cloosterbitter (an earthy and aromatic Dutch liqueur), Midori, and lime. These cocktails are creative, beautiful, and classy. Visiting the city for Carnival? Make Kimpton Hotel Fontenot your home base, and check out their website for details.
10. MAZE Cocktail Lounge
5123 Canal Blvd., (504) 354-9377
At MAZE, it's a parade every night. This low-lit lounge is brimming with Mardi Gras frill and flare. Be sure to dress in your most glittering purple and golds and head over to try out their Carnival cocktails.
This year's rollout is the Neutral Ground, the Sidewalk Side, the Second Line, the BnB, and the King Cake Baby. Check out their website to make reservations and check out upcoming events.
11. Monday
4327 Bienville St., (504) 581-8900
This popular brunch spot is offering a list of Mardi Gras
drinks that are sure to get you ready for every day of Carnival. Get the day
started with their King Cake Espresso Martini (made with vanilla vodka and
Royal Bean cold brew) or the Fat Tuesday Fizz (made with Hennessy, lemon,
triple sec, King Cake syrup, and Champagne).
Monday offers bar, indoor, and patio seating and is the
perfect place to gather with friends. Reservations can be made here.
12. Mr. B's
201 Royal St., (504) 523-2078
Catch a break from catching beads with Mr. B's Royal Rita. This Carnival twist on a margarita is sure to revive your Mardi Gras spirit. This Don Fulano 'rita is made with a house-made berry mix, giving it that signature royal red, rounded off with a purple, green, and gold sugar rim.
Keep the party going by getting the Royal Rita
in Mr. B's custom Mardi Gras to-go cup.
13. The Bower
1320 Magazine St., (504) 582-9738
The Bower is a delightful farm-to-table restaurant in the Lower Garden District that specializes in fresh food and outstanding service. The garden inspired restaurant just released a refreshing Mardi Gras drink menu.
Dancing in the Street is made with vodka, tequila, apple, lemon, and is topped with bubbles. Throw Me Somethin' takes a more earthy profile with ingredients such as chai, bergamot, and coconut. The restaurant is just a short walk away from many of New Orleans' favorite parades. Stop by before the parades, grab a drink, and order some of their delectable happy hour bites.
14. The Press Room at Eliza Jane
315 Magazine St., (504) 882-1234
If you haven't made it to The Press Room yet, now is the perfect time. This library-meets-lobby lounge is designed for lingering and sipping. Settle down by the fireplace or sit at the bar and order one of their incredible Carnival cocktails.
This year, they have heavy hitters such as the Zulu King with vodka, Orgeat, coconut, and
lime; the King Cake Old Fashioned, a rum and Fireball take on a classic; the
Tropical Storm with rum, pineapple, orange, and passionfruit; and It's
Pronounced "Praw-Leen," a bourbon drink with praline liqueur.
15. Ralph's on the Park
900 City Par Ave., (504) 488-1000
Ralph's on the Park is a restaurant and bar right off of
City Party. It serves delicious Creole inspired cuisine in a rich and restored
1860s home. They are all about celebrating history and the livelihood
surrounding them today. This year, they have a spectacular selection of
drinks.
For the rest of January, try their Cocktail for a Cause, Dirty Dozen, and 20% of proceeds will go towards supporting the Junior League of New Orleans. For Carnival season, they have a variety of drinks including: Rebirth, Olympia, Hot 8, and Young Tuxedo. They also have festive spirit free options such as Cougar Pride, Commadores, and Best Band in the Land.
16. Red Fish Grill
115 Bourbon st., (504) 598-1200
Red Fish Grill is offering a long list of Carnival cocktails this season such as the Cat 5 Hurricane, Barefoot on Bourbon, It's Good to be King, Throw Me Somethin' Mister, the St. Charles Streetcar, and more.
The highlight
of these festive drinks is the Shot Tree Parade. When you order this for your table, you will get two of each shot: the Vieux Carré, The Second Wind, and P
is for Parading. For those looking to celebrate spirit-free, Red Fish Grill has
three dazzling options.
17. Restaurant R'evolution
777 Bienville St., (504) 553-2277
Chef John Folse's Creole inspired restaurant is offering a selection of aptly named Carnival cocktails this season. Mezcal lovers should try the Beets Workin'!, a smokey, earthy take on a margarita. For something citrusy and herbaceous, go for the Traffic Was Crazy.
They also offer the
Escape, a Chartreuse Piña Colada, and The New Math, R'evolution's classic daiquiri.
These cocktails are perfect for those searching for a classic yet unique cocktail
night.
18. Ruby Slipper
Get an early start Fat Tuesday at Ruby Slipper. Enjoy their Carnival brunch with a Krewe-Berry Margarita and some king cake beignets.
If you
still have room, try their Ooh-Bae French Toast. Get the whole family together at
one of New Orleans' most beloved franchises.
19. The Sazerac Bar
130 Roosevelt Way, (504) 648-1200
Now that its famous Christmas lights have been taken down, the Roosevelt is ready for Mardi Gras season. The Sazerac Bar is offering three themed cocktails: the Royal Iris Spritz, the Krewe Verde, and the Carnival Sunbeam.
Located just across Canal from the Quarter, the Sazerac Bar is great
for a date night in the heart of the city. Take the streetcar and have a drink
before or after the parades.
20. Superior Seafood
4338 St. Charles Ave., (504) 293-3474
Located at Napoleon and St. Charles, Superior Seafood will be there to see parade-goers through the season. This year, they are serving up their Bourbon Slush, a frozen cocktail made with bourbon, lemonade, orange, and sweet tea, a true Southern delicacy.
Not a bourbon drinker? Go with the frozen French 75, and get it with an Aperol floater.
More Than The Theme
Each of these restaurants and bars have more to offer than their seasonal cocktails. Concepts like The Bower combines sustainability and incredible cuisine, and Espiritu crafts a menu dedicated to cultural integrity. Across the board, these Carnival cocktail menus are the perfect excuse to visit them this season, but their menus and ambiance are sure to have you coming back year-round.
