“The devil made me do it” is a playful excuse often heard during Fasching, Mardi Gras, or Carnival. While customs and names differ around the world, the days before Ash Wednesday—the start of Lent—are traditionally filled with street parties and celebrations. Fat Tuesday, also called Shrove Tuesday, is one of the most notable days on the Roman Catholic calendar.
In French, Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday.” The name comes from older customs, such as parading an ox through the streets of Paris on Shrove Tuesday, and from the practice of using up rich foods and fats before the Lenten fast. Shrove Tuesday itself comes from the older tradition of confession and preparation for Lent.
Fat Tuesday is an excellent occasion to try a historic cocktail: the El Diablo. This drink highlights tequila, and a little goes a long way—so if your party gets lively after one too many, you can jokingly blame it on El Diablo.
Mardi Gras and Carnival celebrations are widespread. In the United States, places like Louisiana, Alabama, California, and Florida mark the occasion with parades and festivities. Around the world, nations from Belgium and Brazil to Mexico, Italy, France, Germany, and many others celebrate before Lent. The German, French, and South American traditions have significantly shaped how Mardi Gras is observed in the U.S.
Whatever your tradition—Fasching, Mardi Gras, or Carnival—here’s a potent cocktail to help start the celebration. As always, drink responsibly.
Do you celebrate Fasching, Mardi Gras, or Carnival?
El Diablo
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Ingredients
- 3 ounces tequila blanco
- 1 1/2 ounces crème de cassis
- 1 1/2 ounces fresh lime juice
- 1 12-ounce ginger beer
Instructions
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Pour tequila, crème de cassis, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice.
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Top with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wedge.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Written by Yvette / Photos by Yvette