How to Throw a Great Vegan Mardi Gras Party

Mardi Gras, Fat Tuesday, Carnaval—whatever you want to call it, February 21 is a day dedicated to living it up. While traditionally Mardi Gras was celebrated as a way to satisfy indulgences prior to Lent, it has evolved in America as a day to wash down Cajun and Creole cooking with a healthy pint of beer. Whether taking to the street for festivities and parades in New Orleans or planning a Mardi Gras party all your own, these vegan recipes, tips, and tricks are sure to color your party plans all shades of purple, green, and gold.

Big Easy Menu
It’s no secret that Cajun and Creole food is almost synonymous with New Orleans, and unfortunately it’s also no secret that said Southern fare is generally chock-full of meat and dairy. Luckily, veganizing classic Louisiana dishes is simple by knowing the right substitutions. Spicy, zesty Jambalaya is a snap with the meat-free Italian sausages made by Field Roast or Tofurky, or with savory, seasoned Soyrizo. For down-home barbecue main courses, grill up Hickory BBQ Ribs à la Morningstar Farms, or fry Gardein BBQ Pulled Shreds to make hearty sandwiches. Seitan Creole is another tangy, stick-to-your-ribs main that’s easy to whip up at a moments notice. If meat-free alternatives aren’t appealing, ditch them for veggie-based Muffalettas! Classic side dishes like rustic Cajun Stuffed Peppers and smoky Red Beans and Rice will perfectly compliment your Mardi Gras menu. Of course, what’s a dinner party without dessert? Throw your guests into a themed-party frenzy by capping things off with deliciously rich King Cake, a Fat Tuesday favorite that’s dyed yellow, green, and purple and traditionally contains a hidden plastic baby or trinket toy—let’s call that “ingredient” optional.

Alcohol-iday Options
Since Mardi Gras parades and parties have a reputation for getting rambunctious, it’s a good idea to know which beers and drinks are vegan-friendly before leaving the house. Fans of light beer are in luck, as brews from Budweiser, Corona, and Miller are all safe options for plant-based palettes. If darker beer is more your cup of, well, beer, order a New Belgium 2 Below winter ale. If you’re more of a cocktail sipper, order a mixed drink with Bacardi or Smirnoff vodka, Seagram’s gin, Malibu rum, or Jack Daniel’s whiskey, which are all vegan-friendly liquors. For Mardi Gras party planners, pick up a case of Mike’s Hard Lemonade to pour into your punch bowl.

Theme of the Crop
You can’t argue with facts: The sky is blue, grass is green, and themed parties are always more fun. Since Mardi Gras and Carnaval are one in the same, plan a lavish masquerade party—masks required! Think crazy costumes with outlandish headdresses, roaring New Orleans jazz music, and purple, green, and gold everything. Since a Mardi Gras party with a well-stocked selection of alcohol is a guaranteed success, set up a makeshift home bar that would put any pub on Bourbon Street to shame. Like any celebration, it’s all about creating the right atmosphere. With a full menu of tasty eats, sippable drinks, and loud, danceable tunes, you’re sure to throw a Fat Tuesday soirée that would make the French Quarter proud.