ROOTed in New Orleans: A Mardi Gras Special


Mardi Gras - The famous historical celebration that occurs right before Lent begins, or, as most of us know it, a weekend long celebration in New Orleans with a Carnival-like appeal. With a city so packed full of history and culture, New Orleans is the perfect place to celebrate a holiday such as this. New Orleans has a very special place in the heart of Root Elixirs, as it has an important role in our founder’s story. 


Dominique Gonzales, founder of Root Elixirs, attributes much of her business success to her bartending background. Dominique has been bartending from Sacramento to Santa Barbara, and has gained extensive experience in the craft cocktail industry specifically. Something that may be news to you, however, is that her bartending career took her all the way from California to New Orleans. 


The story begins in sunny Santa Barbara, where Dominique had recently entered into a Negroni competition, with a grand prize of a trip to New Orleans for their annual bartending convention, Tales of the Cocktails. This convention was especially coveted by the competition because of the classes being offered: classes taught at the best bars and by the bartenders in the world. Dominique, being the only female competitor in a room full of men, smashed the competition and secured the first place spot - and the trip to New Orleans. 


Needless to say, Dominique LOVED New Orleans. She could feel the history and soul of the city seep out of every corner, and at every turn was greeted by the unique culture; whether it be through art, jazz, food, or music. As she strolled down the streets, the gas lanterns lit her path, and she couldn’t help but feel transported to another time. The allure of the city is something that has stayed with our founder, and her once in a lifetime experience learning from the best of the best has influenced her desire to create high quality mixers that can be shared with everyone. 


Dominique’s history with New Orleans makes a holiday like Mardi Gras near and dear to our hearts. While we wish we could be in attendance this year, celebrating from home can be just as fun! A great way to celebrate Mardi Gras from wherever you are is to make a classic dish and drink New Orleans style to get in the spirit. For a dish, we recommend anything seafood (because who doesn’t love a seafood boil?), and to drink, we’ve got you covered on that one. Here’s our twist on a Mardi Gras classic drink: the hurricane. 


Hurricane 

  • 1 oz Spiced Rum
  • 1 oz Blonde Rum 
  • 6 oz Root Elixirs Pineapple Passionfruit 
  • Top with brandied cherries & a bar spoon of cherry juice

Follow along with Root Elixirs on instagram for more Mardi Gras content all month long!