Bourbon Street Blues

The Bourbon Street Blues cocktail will make you anything but blue.

When it comes to Mardi Gras, the Hurricane has always, and will likely always be, the king cocktail. No arguments here. But with over seven ingredients, it’s not exactly an easy to make, low-maintenance cocktail. Plus the Hurricane’s high rum ratio isn’t necessarily enticing for those of us celebrating in the middle of the week outside of the NOLA city limits. 

So for a cocktail more akin to a thunderstorm than a hurricane, look no further than the Bourbon Street Blues. Although it’s only about 40 years old, this cocktail pays homage to one of the oldest streets in the United States. New Orleans’ Bourbon Street dates back to 1718 and was named for the Bourbons, the French royal family of the time. Today, however, the street isn’t exactly known for its royal subtleness, but more its wild parties and crazy bars. And that’s where the Bourbon Street Blues come in.

Compared to some of its older NOLA siblings like the Sazerac, A La Louisiana, or the Vieux Carré, this drink is certainly considered a new addition to the cocktail game. But this Manhattan riff is still making a name for itself with the addition of blackberry liqueur – an interestingly sweet change.  

This delicious, modern mix may be new, but just like Mardi Gras itself, it’s classic, a little weird, and a whole lot of fun. So take a step into the French Quarter with the Bourbon Street Blues.