I don’t know about you, but this evening I’m dressing in my purple, green and gold ball-gown with feathers streaming down my back and lace adorning that ever-loving décolletage. Today is Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Fasnacht Day, Carnival. Nothing quite rouses my celebratory mood like the music, masquerade and rich libations associated with this festive Bacchanalian Fete.

The name Mardi Gras pre-dates Reformation. Traditionally, it was the day before Ash Wednesday, when Christians indulged on rich foods in preparation for the Lenten fast. Depending on cultural traditions, you may be sitting in front of a sumptuous stack of Pancakes in Canada, Malasadas on the Portuguese Island of Madeira, salted meat and peas in Iceland, or Semla in Sweden. The Pennsylvania Dutch typically serve fried potato pastries called Fasnachts, designed in the shape of a square to represent the four Gospels of the Bible. They may also have three-sides in honor of the Trinity.

During Mardi gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, the tempo picks up to a higher level. Beads are thrown for “deeds,” and revelry is the order of the day. Just in time for your celebration, you may want to whip-up some easy-to-shake beer cocktails for your favorite Carnival-ites or Parade-a-rados.

Witbier Margaritas

12 oz can of frozen limeade concentrate, slightly thawed
12 oz Herencia Mexicana Tequila
12 oz spring water
12 oz Allagash White
Lime wedges

Blend together limeade concentrate, Herencia Mexicana Tequila, spring water, and Allagash White. Pour over ice and dress with a Lime wedge.

Simply Fresh Framboise Cooler

6 oz raspberries, fresh or frozen (and thawed)
4 oz lychee syrup or simple syrup (1 part water to 1 part sugar)
42 oz Boon Framboise Mariage Parfait (Raspberry Lambic)
12 oz frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate, slightly thawed
4 oz Stolichnaya Vodka

Mash raspberries and place in a pitcher. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Serve over ice.

Traditional White Velvet

Chilled Biere Brut (Malheur or DeuS)
Chilled Chandon Brut Classic Sparkling Wine

Mix together in equal portions and serve in a fluted glass.

Traditional Black Velvet

Chilled Brooklyn Black Ops
Chilled Moet & Chandon Dom Perignon Champagne

Mix together in equal portions and serve in a fluted glass.

Smoky Pete

12 oz Traquair House Ale
1 oz Connemara Peated Single Malt Scotch

Mix together and enjoy the pleasure.

Spiced Ruby Beer

12 oz Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
5.5 oz Tomato-Vegetable Juice Cocktail
1 dash of Louisiana Hot Sauce
1 dash Worcestershire Sauce
Pinch of sea salt

Blend together ingredients. Pamper your frazzled body and pounding head. This works well as a hangover cure.

Be careful with these luscious liquors. Drink responsibly and stay off the cell phone while drinking. You may not remember what you need to regret. One last tip: Let the taxi driver take you home.

Cheers!