Can we celebrate Mardi Gras without a cocktail? I think not. King’s Cup is served at Emeril’s Delmonico during the Mardi Gras season. It reminds me of a much fancier version of Malibu and pineapple. We are gearing up for a move, so I am trying to not add any new bottles to the liquor cabinet since we can’t move it. I found some mini bottles of vanilla vodka at the store, and I think that a mini bottle is a great way to try something before committing to a big expensive bottle.

I accidentally bought sugar-free coconut syrup, I was bummed. Even still, this was a great cocktail. I love the tartness from the lime juice and just a little bubble from the champagne. This drink is not too sweet and really refreshing. I can see this being my summer drink of 2014.

Rimming the glasses in yellow, green, and purple sugar makes these so pretty and festive for your Mardi Gras bash, or as I like to say – Tuesday night. I used a little of the coconut syrup, but you can use water or wipe half of a lime around the rim.

5 ounces vanilla vodka
2 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces coconut syrup
2 ounces lime juice
Champagne for topping off
Yellow, green, and purple sanding sugar
Lime slices

I like to get my glasses ready before I start making my drink. I like the sugar to dry for a minute or two. Add the colored sugar to one plate. Pour a little coconut syrup into another plate.

Dip the rim of the glass into the syrup, then into the sugar, coating the rim completely.

Add the vodka, pineapple juice, coconut syrup, and lime juice to a shaker filled with ice.

Shake well and pour into prepared glasses.

Top off with champagne.

Garnish with lime. This recipe is from Emeril Lagasse.

Thank you to Ballard Designs for providing me these gorgeous tea glasses. They were gifted to me, but all opinions are my own.