Name: Fat Tuesday Drink
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 oz rum; 1 oz orange liqueur; 4 oz orange juice; 1 oz grenadine syrup; 2 cups ice; Optional: 1 oz peach schnapps; Orange slices.; Maraschino cherries.; Mardi Gras-themed cocktail

I’m sharing a simple yet show-stopping Fat Tuesday drink recipe that will make your celebrations unforgettable. Inspired by the iconic party vibes and festive traditions of Mardi Gras, this cocktail will not only satisfy your taste buds but transport you to Bourbon Street with every sip.

Table of Contents

How to make a Fat Tuesday Drink

A Fat Tuesday drink is a festive, often colorful and boozy cocktail inspired by Mardi Gras, especially the celebrations in New Orleans.

Ingredients

2 oz rum (light rum works well, but spiced or dark rum can add depth).
1 oz orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau).
4 oz orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought).
1 oz grenadine syrup (for color and sweetness).
2 cups ice (crushed ice for that slushy-style texture).
Optional: 1 oz peach schnapps for added flavor.
Orange slices.
Maraschino cherries.
Mardi Gras-themed cocktail picks or straw decorations.

Instructions

Prepare your blender: Add the ice first to your blender to ensure a consistent texture.
Add the liquids: Pour in the rum, orange liqueur, orange juice, grenadine, and—if desired—peach schnapps.
Blend: Blend the mixture until smooth and slushy. If it’s too thick, add a splash of orange juice. If it’s too thin, toss in a handful of crushed ice and blend again.
Taste test: Adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding a little more grenadine if needed.
Garnish: Pour your frozen drink into a glass (or a festive Fat Tuesday-style souvenir cup, if you have one!). Garnish with an orange slice, a cherry, and fun Mardi Gras decorations.
Drink up: Serve immediately while frosty cold. Pair it with a Mardi Gras playlist or colorful décor for the ultimate vibe!

Tips for the Ultimate Fat Tuesday Drink

Customize the alcohol: While rum is traditional, you can swap it out for vodka, tequila, or even flavored spirits (e.g., coconut rum or tropical punch-infused vodka) to suit your guests’ taste preferences.
Make it non-alcoholic: Simply omit the alcohol and add a splash of lemon-lime soda for some fizz. It’s perfect for kids or guests who prefer booze-free options!
Mix up the flavors: Experiment with other tropical juices, like pineapple juice or mango nectar, for a fruity twist. You can even layer multiple drink colors (e.g., red and orange) for a stunning gradient effect.
Go big: Make a large batch if you’re serving a crowd! You can double or triple the recipe and use a bigger blender to prepare drinks in bulk.
Chill your glassware: For an extra frosty experience, chill your glasses in the freezer before serving the drink.
Add Mardi Gras flair: Embrace festive decorations! Mardi Gras beads around the glass, colorful straws, and bright cocktail picks can help match your drink to the celebration.

What to serve with

Fat Tuesday drinks are vibrant, fun, and packed with tropical flavor, so they’re best paired with dishes that embrace the celebratory spirit of Mardi Gras and complement the bold, fruity notes of the beverages.

Jambalaya: A hearty mix of rice, smoked sausage, shrimp, and chicken simmered in Cajun spices. Its warm, spicy flavors balance the sweetness of your Fat Tuesday drink perfectly.
Gumbo: Rich and savory, gumbo features a medley of seafood, sausage, okra, and vegetables in a dark roux-based stew. Serve it over white rice to complete the dish. The spices in gumbo complement the fruity, icy drink exceptionally well.
Etouffée: The creamy and flavorful crawfish (or shrimp) étouffée is another Southern classic. Its bold, slightly spicy sauce pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cocktails.
Po’ Boys: A traditional Louisiana sandwich stuffed with fried shrimp, oysters, or roast beef, served in a crusty baguette with lettuce, tomatoes, and a tangy remoulade sauce. The crispy bread and savory fillings contrast with your cold drink wonderfully.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making the perfect Fat Tuesday drink is all about capturing the vibrant flavors, festive vibes, and flexibility of Mardi Gras. But what if you don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem!

1. Rum

Rum is the backbone of many Fat Tuesday drinks, bringing a smooth, tropical flavor. If you don’t have rum or want to explore other options, these substitutes will work perfectly:

Vodka: A neutral spirit like vodka can replace rum in equal amounts. You can also use flavored vodka (e.g., coconut, pineapple, or vanilla) to add a tropical twist.
Tequila: For a margarita-inspired variation, swap out rum for tequila—silver tequila works best for a light, citrusy flavor.
Whiskey/Bourbon: Create a bold and slightly smokier version by using whiskey or bourbon, though the flavor will be less tropical.
Coconut Water (Non-Alcoholic): For a mocktail version, replace the rum with coconut water to maintain the tropical vibe.

2. Orange Liqueur

Orange liqueur, such as Triple Sec or Cointreau, adds a sweet, citrusy depth to the drink. If it’s not available, here are some alternatives:

Grand Marnier: This is a more premium orange liqueur with subtle notes of brandy—perfect if you want a richer flavor.
Orange Extract: Add a small amount (¼ tsp or to taste) of orange extract for a concentrated orange flavor.
Fresh Orange Juice (Non-Alcoholic): Replace liqueur with fresh-squeezed orange juice for a lighter, booze-free twist.

Final Thoughts

This Fat Tuesday Drink recipe is your ticket to transforming any occasion into a Fat Tuesday-style party. Easy to make, customizable, and utterly delicious, this drink is a guaranteed hit for Mardi Gras or whenever you’re craving a touch of New Orleans revelry.