NOLADrinks – 2-8-18 – Mardi Gras and Chris Hannah and Paul Gustings on Carnival Cocktails and More

On this edition of the NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias, we are all about Mardi Gras! In our featured interview, we welcome back noted New Orleans bartenders, Chris Hannah of the French 75 Bar at Arnaud’s and Paul Gustings of Tujague’s. We talk about the Mardi Gras scene and Ojen Liqueur. Also, on the show, we discuss being prepared for Mardi Gras including some thoughts on batching cocktails for the parade route.

Pictured above from left – Chris Hannah of The French 75 Bar at Arnaud’s, Paul Gustings of Tujague’s, and Bryan Dias of NOLADrinks.

NOLADrinks – 2-8-18 – Mardi Gras and Chris Hannah and Paul Gustings on Carnival Cocktails and More

We start things up talking a bit about this week’s show and kicking off the big finish to Mardi Gras.

Next up, we cover some Mardi Gras basics sharing some tips and thoughts. If you’re a Mardi Gras veteran, you may just want to fast forward the next two segments. But, we cover ideas for being comfortable, safe, and a good neighbor. We also talk about recycling all those parade throws including a pilot effort this year that is setting up recycle stations, handing our recycling bags, and picking up recyclables right after the parade.

Then, we discuss batch cocktails and how they can be a great way to go when you’re out watching the parades or checking out town. We cover some basic ideas for making punches and sangría. We also offer some tips on what to consider serving these along the parade route while you’re out and about for an extended period of time.

In the second half of the show, we have our featured interview we’re once again welcome Chris Hannah of the French 75 Bar at Arnaud’s and Paul Gustings of Tujague’s. It’s an interesting conversation, as always, with these two noted and celebrated New Orleans bartenders.

We talk about some Mardi Gras traditions like our long pre-Mardi Gras Friday lunch, understanding how we’re “offline” during this weekend through Fat Tuesday, and what these guys have going on at their establishments for the rest of Carnival.

We also discuss the interesting Spanish liqueur Ojen, an anisette. We talk about what it is, a bit of it’s history, and touch on it’s connection to New Orleans and Mardi Gras. See more on the beverage here and here for more detailed info. We event talk about a cocktail at the French 75 that utilizes “fat washing” to celebrate some Mardi Gras gluttony!

The show wraps up with a brief description of next week’s show with guest, Murf Reeves. We mention the Krewe of Lafcadio that celebrates culinary culture in New Orleans with their Saturday parade in the French Quarter. This year they are honoring Arnauld’s restaurant and one today’s guests, Chris Hannah, is a Duke.

Below the map that shows the locations of Arnaud’s and the French 75 bar as well as Tujagues, you can subscribe to, stream, and download the NOLADrinks Show with Bryan Dias podcast…

Cheers and Happy Mardi Gras, You All!

~ Bryan