Southampton - Mardi Gras is February 21 and while we may not all be on Bourbon Street down in New Orleans, we certainly can let the good times roll. Here are a few cocktails sure to unleash the Carnival spirit.

Originally created in the 1800s, the Sazerac is one of New Orleans' most iconic cocktails. However, the recipe has changed through the centuries, with iterations today including varying amounts of cognac, absinthe, rye and/or bourbon. The first Sazerac was made with cognac, but American whiskey has often been used in its place by bartenders since the 1870s.

Maker's Mark, a premium wheated bourbon, makes the Sazerac a bit sweeter than its cousin, rye whiskey. However, using Maker's 46 - which is aged with seared French oak staves - will give the drink more spice than original Maker's Mark.

On The Mark Sazerac

 • 3 parts Maker's 46
 • ¾ part simple syrup
 • Peychaud bitters to taste
 • Absinthe rinse
 • Lemon twist

In a mixing flass add simple syrup, bitters and Maker's 46 with ice and stir and set aside. In a chilled rocks glass, add absinthe and rinse by swirling liquid and then dumping it out. Strain the Maker's 46, simple syrup and bitters into the rocks glass.

If you let the good times roll a little more than you should on Mardi Gras, Tequila Avión suggests the Bloody Maria for the morning after. Avión's agave grows for up to 10 years at 7,000 feet in elevation leading to a more mineral rich and tasty agave heart. Then, rather than cooking the agave hearts with modern autoclaves, Tequila Avión roasts its agave hearts for two days in brick ovens. This roasted flavor nicely perks up the traditional Bloody Mary.

Avión Bloody Maria

 • 2 parts Avión Silver
 • 2 parts Tomato juice
 • 2 tsp. Horseradish
 • .5 oz. Worcestershire sauce
 • 2 Dashes Tabasco sauce
 • Squeeze of a lime
 • Squeeze of a lemon
 • Salt & Pepper

Combine all ingredients with ice and stir in a glass. Do not shake. Garnish as desired.

Inspired by New Orleans' spicy Creole cuisine, Pisco Portón recommends the Portón Spicy Halo for all the sinners and saints at Mardi Gras. Pisco Portón is the new white spirit bringing excitement and intrigue back to cocktails. More flavorful than vodka, more subtle than tequila, it is in a category all its own. Made from grapes at a historic distillery in Peru, it's full of aromas and flavors that tantalize and inspire.

Portón Spicy Halo

 • 1.5 parts Pisco Portón
 • ¾ part Triple sec
 • ¾ part Lime juice
 • ¾ part Blood orange juice

Rim a martini glass with a mix of cayenne pepper and salt. Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into glass.