Cocktail of the Month: Carnival Queen

Today is Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday," is the last day of the Carnival season as it always falls the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. No better way to celebrate than by making your very own Mardi Gras themed cocktail. Created by famed mixologist Ricky Gomez, the Carnival Queen will not disappoint.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 oz. Crown Royal Regal Apple
• 1/4 oz. Chambord or dark berry liquor
• 1/4 oz. lemon juice
• Champagne or other sparkling wine

Instructions:

1. Place Crown Royal Regal Apple, Chambord, and lemon juice in a shaker tin.
2. Add ice and shake.
3. Strain into flute and top off with champagne or other sparkling wine.
4. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Cheers and Happy Mardi Gras!

Cocktail of the Month: Bourbon Smash

There's nothing like a good bourbon cocktail during these cold winter months. Similar to an Old-Fashioned, the Bourbon Smash is super easy to make!

Photo Credit: Food Network

Ingredients:

• 3/4 ounce simple syrup
• 8 fresh mint leaves, plus 1 sprig, for garnish
• 3 lemon wedges
• 2 ounces bourbon

Instructions:

1. Put the simple syrup, mint leaves and lemon wedges into a cocktail shaker and muddle them until the lemons are broken down.
2. Add the bourbon and fill the shaker with ice. Stir vigorously until very cold.
3. Fill a rocks glass with ice and use a fine strainer to strain the drink into the glass.
4. Garnish the drink with the sprig and serve.

Enjoy!