Carnival Cocktails

by Hayley Hill

From delicious Mardi Gras-themed handcrafted cocktails to bring-yourself-back-for- more bloody Marys, we’ve got a few Bay favorites to brag about. Whether it’s before the balls or between parades, don’t miss these top local libations.

MOBILE

Ever wish for a bar that matches that cute dress hanging in your closet? Known for their cutting-edge handcrafted cocktails, POST simply gets it. From the fresh ingredients to the sleek setup, POST is a debutante and royal favorite. Ladies will feel right at home in ball gowns and cocktail dresses while sipping delish concoctions worthy of their getting-ready workout. Men in tuxes? They’ll love it even if they don’t admit it. Naturally, formal attire is so not necessary and if you’re swooning over your cocktail, remember you can sign up for one of their cocktail classes. An ACCESS fave, sip a drink while learning impressive tidbits you’ve not heard before from the best of the best.

As for their Mardi Gras specials? We love The Carnival Daiquiri, created by Barclay Kenworthy. It boasts Bacardi rum, lime juice, strawberry puree, and simple syrup. Warning— they go down easy! Even sweeter (and almost too pretty to drink) is the POST Cake created by Tyler Sayers. This frothy treat features Absolut vanilla vodka, Godiva white chocolate, half and half, and cinnamon syrup, garnished with blue and pink glitter sugar. It’s stronger than it sounds and worth every calorie, we promise.

POST Crafted Cocktails & Wine Bar 571 Dauphin Street, Mobile 251.408.9198

CAUSEWAY

Most of us know about the hair of the dog. And that trusty Mardi Gras eight ball says if you’re a reveler, a hangover is likely. Bite back with Captain Tobie’s Bloody Mary and Oyster House Hurricane. The garnish alone consists of favorite local flavors like a Bill-E’s bacon strip, a Gulf shrimp, and pickled okra—sure to impress out- of-town guests. Paired with a secret spicy mix and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, all ingredients point to a speedy and delicious recovery.

From there, let the good times roll with a Moon Pie Drop that combines Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Creme de Banana, and Rum Chata in a glass rimmed with Mardi Gras sugar and garnished with a Moon Pie. Or shake it up with their King Shake, handcrafted with Pinnacle Whipped Vodka, Amaretto Di Amore, Creme de Banana and ice cream, also rimmed with Mardi Gras sugar but garnished with king cake.

Original Oyster House
3733 Battleship Parkway, Spanish Fort 251.626.2188

FAIRHOPE

Knowledgeable and professionally trained kitchen whiz William Alexander is proud to present The Red Lion just in time for Carnival at Fairhope eatery The Little Whiskey. Aptly named after the famed White Lion originally crafted in the mid-1800s by the imitable Jerry Thomas, aka the great-grandfather of all bartenders, this rum-based little number was a pirate favorite and put on the map when Jerry sweetened it with sugar and citrus. Chef William struck gold and made it a local treasure by using top-notch ingredients like The Real McCoy Rum and adding pomegranate juice, allspice and a king cake rim—um, hello genius! Here’s to historic cocktailing.

The Little Whiskey
14 N Church Street, Fairhope 251.270.7194