When we think of Mardi Gras we think of New Orleans. Mardi Gras began in medieval Europe in the 17th and 18th centuries and eventually made its way to the French House of the Bourbons. From there, the traditional revelry of “Boeuf Gras,” or fatted calf followed France to her colonies one of which was New Orleans. The first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when French explorers Pierre Le Moyne d’Iberville and Sieur de Bienville landed near present-day New Orleans, Louisiana.
Texans aren’t known for passing up a good time, so eventually Mardi Gras traditions jumped the border into the Lonestar State! Check out how three cities get their Gras on, and keep in mind celebrations take place all over Texas, so you’re never far from fun!
Galveston throws the third largest Mardi Gras celebration in the United States! It’s a great chance to experience the famed beach city while also getting to enjoy the revelry and lavish parades known to dominate Galveston Island during carnival season.
Mardi Gras of Southeast Texas is a grand old time and prides itself on being a safe, fun, affordable event that has something for all ages – “A Family Affair”. The event is staffed by volunteers, sponsors, member organization offers many attractions which include State Fair Carnival Rides, Kid Zone (free to kids), Street Entertainment, Concerts, Parades and much more.
For big Mardi Gras fun in a small town, you can’t beat Nocona’s Mardi Gras Nocona Style Celebration! The entire city of Nocona comes alive with green, gold, and purple for an entire week beginning February 19, reminding people just why it was named “One of the Most Fun Small Towns in America” by Rand McNally.
If you’re throwing your own Mardi Party be sure and stock up on these Louisiana essentials like Zapp’s Potato Chips and Abita Amber! You’ll also want an authentic New Orleans cocktail…or two!
Sazerac Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz. Rye whiskey
- ¼ oz. Absinthe
- One sugar cube
- Three dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
Directions
- Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with the absinthe, add crushed ice and set it aside.
- Stir the remaining ingredients over ice and set it aside.
- Discard the ice and any excess absinthe from the prepared glass and strain the drink into the glass.
- Add the Lemon peel for garnish.
- Laissez les bons temps rouler!
New Orleans Hurricane
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Bayou Silver Rum
- 4 oz. Bumbu dark rum
- 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- ½ cup passion fruit juice
- ¼ cup lime juice
- 4 tsp. grenadine
- cherries, orange and lime wheels (optional garnish)
Directions
- In a pitcher, mix together rum and fruit juices. Fill four 8 oz. glasses with ice and pour mixture between glasses.
- Top each glass with 1 tsp. grenadine before garnishing with fruit to serve.
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