Toast the Leading Lady
For those who do Mardi Gras in heels and suits, this elegant sparkling sipper is the perfect Carnival tipple!
Flambeaux
Galliano is an Italian liquor with vanilla and anise flavors. it is a key ingredient in the Harvey Wallbanger, so brunch enthusiasts will be familiar!
Makes 1
Purple sugar for garnish
1 ounce Galliano
4 ounces sparkling wine
2 ounces orange juice
1. Place a tablespoon of water on a saucer and pour purple sanding sugar on another. Dip the rim of a champagne flute in the juice and then in the sugar. Set aside to dry.
2. Add Galliano to sugar-rimmed flute and top with sparkling wine. Once the bubbles settle, top with orange juice and serve.
Mary Buschmann Frayer, general manager of Red or White Mobile, recommends:
POL ROGER CHAMPAGNE: “This is one of my faves, and for good reason. They are a smallish-large Champagne house that is still doing everything by hand! This is the wine that has been served at every British Royal wedding since the 1960s. Get a bottle while you can with Queen Elizabeth’s stamp on it.”
Above The custom pin made for the courtiers and friends of the 2025 Mobile Carnival Association Queen, Hunter Lyons.
No paper napkins at this soiree. Embroidered hem stitched linens set a regal tone. $48 for set of 4, Etsy.com
Purple stemware is as elegant as the ladies who will drink from it. Contessa stemware by Vietri in Lilac. $27 each
Porch Party on the Parade Route
After last night’s ball, some caffeine and a little hair of the dog is exactly what is needed before the next parade rolls.
Cafe Brulot
While Cafe Brulot is often made tableside at New Orleans restaurants, just a few cups at a time, we’ve made this recipe work for a crowd.
serves 8
2 cups Cognac or brandy
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
Zest of 2 oranges, removed with a vegetable peeler
Zest of 2 lemons, removed with a vegetable peeler
1/4 cup sugar
16 whole cloves
4 cinnamon stick
8 cups strongly brewed coffee
1. In a large saucepan, combine the Cognac, Grand Marnier, orange and lemon zests, sugar, cloves and cinnamon stick. Heat over low, stirring, until the sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.
2. Turn off the heat. Using a stick lighter or long match, carefully set the mixture on fire. Let it burn for 30 seconds or more to singe the citrus peels and cinnamon, then pour the coffee into the pan to douse the flames. Stir well.
3. Strain the coffee into cups and serve hot, or hold warm in a crock pot on low until serving.
Above Keep your cafe brulot warm in a slow cooker and let your guests ladle it into purple paper to-go cups so they can walk to the parade with drink in hand!
Coffee and chicory is the perfect grind for Cafe Brulot. While it doesn’t technically add much to the flavor, it’s a tradition!
We can argue the green issue all you want, but this MOB hat is too cute to ignore! shopaviate.com
Bienville Square Boom-Boom
If you’re hitting the streets and beads are your main mission, a King Cake Bushwacker is a must!
King-Wacker
Bushwackers are a local favorite, but for fat tuesday, just swap the chocolate and coconut for cinnamon, vanilla and hazelnut, making a king cake-inspired sip that packs a punch!
serves 4-6
3/4 cup dark rum
3/4 cup Frangelico
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup cinnamon-flavored creamer
3 tablespoons maple syrup
6 cups ice
Maraschino cherries for garnish
1. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Serve topped with a cherry.
Above The restroom options may be limited on the streets, but this sticker keeps spirits high! Good as Gold sticker, DirtyCoast.com
Tennis shoes are a must for dashing to catch the parade a second time on Government! Belk.com
Let these paper napkins tell everyone your Mardi Gras Mantra!
A Queen who knows what her subjects really want— King Cake! DirtyCoast.com
