How to Pick Drinks for a Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras is the quintessential event celebrating the last days before Lent begins. Whether or not you observe Lent, everything from the music to the decorations of a Mardi Gras party must be festive and full of energy. Celebrate in true New Orleans style by serving vibrant and colorful drinks at your Mardi Gras party.

Things You'll Need

• Punch bowls
• Ingredients for Hurricanes
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Hurricane glasses

Instructions

1. Check your guest list. Add up the number of people who plan to attend and buy accordingly. A good estimation is to buy enough for two to three drinks per person.

2. Make Hurricanes. This is a must-have Mardi Gras drink. Try the "Storm of the Century Hurricane" from the Allrecipes website.

3. Buy beer and wine. Not everyone will want a Hurricane or other mixed drink so have beer, one red wine and one white wine on hand.

4. Serve Mardi Gras Punch. This can be served without alcohol, too. Go to the Mardi Gras Fun website for the recipe.

5. Remember to serve non-alcoholic drinks. Make it fun by serving a "Cosmo-Not," the non-alcoholic version of the Cosmopolitan Martini, or serve sparkling lemonade.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy bags of ice. Buy a few bags to be used in the drinks and a few more to keep beverages cold.

• Consider buying a half-keg of beer. A half-keg will do when you are serving Hurricanes and other mixed drinks.

• Buy extra alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks so that you do not run out of either type.

• Don't overindulge in alcohol. Overindulgence is the theme of Mardi Gras, but being drunk at your own party is a no-no.

• Keep a close watch on your guests to make sure that they aren't drinking too much. You want your guests to have a good time, not end up passed out or getting sick.

Resources

• Get the recipe for a Cosmo-not and sparkling lemonade at Yumsugar.
• Find drink recipes at Allrecipes.