You Don't Have to be in New Orleans to Celebrate Mardi Gras

New Orleans is the place to be at the moment. Mardi Gras is in full swing, leading up to the big finale on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21. But if you can’t make it to New Orleans, there are some local places in and around Atlanta ready to help you get into the spirit of Mardi Gras.

In Gwinnett County on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 21, Friends Sports Bar and Grill in Dacula will be hosting a Masquerade Costume Ball, New Orleans Food Specials, Hurricane drinks and Live Music by Emily Cannon.

If Atlanta isn’t too far for you to travel, CBS has a wrap up of the hottest Mardi Gras parties in town.

Closer to home on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 6 p.m. the Classic Center in Athens will transform into Bourbon Street for the the American Cancer Society’s Boule on Bourbon.

"The lifesaving festivities will begin at 6pm with strolling minstrels, an outside oyster roast, tasty cajun cuisine to be sampled down Bourbon Street, and silent auction items on display throughout the French Quarter," according to the event's website. Dance the night away with Motown- New Orleans-style music.  There will also be a silent auction.  Check out some of the items to bid on.

Tickets are $75 and all money raised benefits the American Cancer Society.

Whiskey Blue in Buckhead and Whiskey Park in Midtown have been celebrating Mardi Gras through the month of February with a Fat Tuesday-themed cocktail. They were kind enough to share the recipe with us for those who aren’t able to make it downtown.

MARDI GRAS MAMBO (courtesy of Whiskey Blue and Whiskey Park)

1.5oz of Svedka Citron

S M GRAS 3/4 oz Cointreau

1oz of cranberry

splash of lime juice and a splash of simple syrup.

Pour everything into a shaker filled with ice. Shake and then strain into a rocks glass, and garnish with an orange twist.

If you have an event planned and we missed it, please let us know in comments and we'll get the word out.