Bourbon Street Bash: Mardi Gras with TFG

It’s that time of year again! That’s right, while the holiday season may be over, the festivities for 2020 are just beginning. We love to kick things off with a Mardi Gras celebration here at TFG, and it’s no wonder our cute and custom Mardi Gras cups, plates and napkins are top sellers every year. This year, our blog post is full of recipes, drinks and Mardi party spirit for the whole Krewe. If you care to talk a little walk down memory lane (er, Bourbon Street), click here to read last year’s Mardi Gras post.

Keep reading for TFG’s best Mardi Gras sips and sweets of 2020!

Cocktails for the Whole Krewe

Last year, we told you how to serve up Hurricanes in our custom cups with a homemade version of the famous Pat O’Brien’s cocktail. This year, we’re bringing you not one, but two recipes featuring fabulous punches! Choose a signature cocktail for your soiree or serve up both. Either way, the good times will be rolling faster than you can say “laissez les bon temps rouler.” These sophisticated sips can be made in big batches easily, so that means less running back and forth to the kitchen if you’re hosting, or something everyone can enjoy if you bring one along to a party you’re attending.

Milk Punch

Our first recipe is a classic New Orleans brunch cocktail (though we think it can be enjoyed at any time of the day). Stefani, creator of There’s Always Pizza, has an incredible recipe and loves to sip this cocktail especially during Mardi Gras. Stefani loves the music, food and people of the French Quarter, but especially loves the Brandy Milk Punch! If you’re in NOLA, go to Brennan’s for the original, but if you’ll be at home, pay attention to this killer recipe.

Stefani gives the recipe on her adorable blog, noting that this yummy concoction can be made with Brandy, Bourbon or Rum, along with a few other simple ingredients you probably have on hand already.

Simply mix your liquor of choice with simple syrup, vanilla extract and whole milk or half and half. Shake with ice and strain into one of our custom hard plastic cups with a large ice cube. Garnish with nutmeg and enjoy. To get the full recipe, click here. Not sure what liquor to choose? Stefani says choosing Brandy might be the way to go, especially if you had a little too much fun the night before (hey, what happens at Mardi Gras, stays at Mardi Gras). In Colonial times, Brandy was thought to have medicinal properties, so “go ahead and drink up,” says Stefani.

Carnival Punch

Mardi Gras Parade watch parties are tradition in New Orleans, and Carnival Punch is tradition at watch parties. Garden & Gun’s batch recipe is equal parts sophisticated and celebratory. The iconic Southern magazine’s recipe requires quite a few more ingredients than the Milk Punch, but the result is worth it. The recipe calls for two types of Rum, Herbsaint (an anise-flavored liquor), bitters, lime juice, orange juice and cooled black tea. To get that signature flavor, include strawberry cordial and pecan orgeat in the drink, both of which Garden & Gun details how to make from scratch. Though involved, this recipe will be sure to get guests talking, and just like the Milk Punch, will look incredible when served in our custom hard plastic cups!

These bestselling cups always bring the perfect touch to any party, from bridal showers to birthdays! Mardi Gras is no exception, and these sturdy cups are ready to print with our selection of fonts and Mardi Gras stock art. If you’d prefer custom art for a fully personalized look, TFG is here to help. Whether you’re sipping one of our favorite fabulous cocktails or downing celebratory shots, there are plenty of sizes to choose from to make sure your guests are sipping in style. If you really want to step it up, the 9 ounce size is even perfect for holding a cupcake.

Bring on the Beignets

King cake is a Mardi Gras signature, but beignets are a French Quarter Favorite. While last year, we gave you an authentic King Cake recipe, we have something special in store this year that combines these NOLA staples. Kudos Kitchen by Renée just released the perfect homemade beignet recipe but with a festive twist. These beloved pastries are dressed up with green, gold and purple, the colors of Mardi Gras. According to tradition, the purple signifies justice, the green signifies faith and the gold signifies power, all three of which you might need if you’re intimidated by making beignets at home for the first time.

Kudos Kitchen by Renée makes it simple, even for beginners! For the full step-by-step recipe, head to their site. Plus, if you serve these adorable treats on one of our custom Mardi Gras napkins, no one will notice a slightly botched beignet. Our cocktail napkins are fun and sturdy enough to hold snacks, not to mention completely customizable. The luxury linen-like material makes them a staple at casual gatherings and festive cocktail hours alike.

Festive Favors

When the night wraps up and your guests begin to head home, don’t let them leave empty-handed. Our ten-count sleeves of classic 16 ounce foam cup party packs are the perfect way to wrap up any soiree, especially since the affordable sleeves are pre-wrapped with coordinating ribbon. While we can’t personalize ten packs, we have plenty of cute pre-printed options to choose from, making these foam cups a staple for anyone planning a last minute party, too.

Don’t forget to share all your Mardi Gras moments with us on social media. We love to see your tagged pictures with TFG products. Plus, you can follow along on Pinterest too for even more recipes and decor ideas. Happy Mardi Gras!