King Cake-Inspired Mardi Gras Cocktail with Bourbon

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant cocktail combining bourbon with cinnamon, citrus, and a hint of sweetness, garnished with festive Mardi Gras colored sugar. This American-inspired Mardi Gras recipe, ready in about 5 minutes, brings together bourbon whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Serves 1 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small shallow dish, combine 1 tbsp total colored sanding sugar evenly divided into purple, green, and gold. Moisten the rim of a rocks glass with lemon juice, then dip the rim into the colored sugar to coat it evenly.
  2. Step 2: In a cocktail shaker, add 2 oz bourbon whiskey, 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz simple syrup, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, and 2 dashes orange bitters.
  3. Step 3: Fill the shaker with ice cubes and shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled and cinnamon is integrated.
  4. Step 4: Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon wheel on the rim to enhance the citrus aroma.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately and enjoy a festive Mardi Gras-inspired drink with warm spice and bright citrus notes.

Frequently asked questions

How long does King Cake-Inspired Mardi Gras Cocktail with Bourbon take to make?

Total time is about 5 minutes (5 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover King Cake-Inspired Mardi Gras Cocktail with Bourbon?

Refrigerate any leftover king cake-inspired mardi gras cocktail with bourbon in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in King Cake-Inspired Mardi Gras Cocktail with Bourbon?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale King Cake-Inspired Mardi Gras Cocktail with Bourbon for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with King Cake-Inspired Mardi Gras Cocktail with Bourbon?

American mardi gras like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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