- Insider’s Guide to Mardi Gras 2023’s Exclusive Food and Drinks
- Insider’s Guide to Mardi Gras 2023’s Parade
It isn’t a party unless there’s tons of food (and drinks!), and it isn’t a Mardi Gras party unless there’s a plethora of “N’awlins-style food and spirits.” That’s why Universal has been steadily increasing the size, scope, and quality of its annual bayou bash’s offerings.
The company has gone ahead and put food at the front and center of this year’s experience, even going so far in 2021 as to rename it Mardi Gras 2021: International Flavors of Carnaval. This means, essentially, that last year’s first-ever Carnival around the Universe tasting tent, which brought together delicacies from carnavals all over the globe, has been expanded to cover pretty much the entire event (and many more countries from the entire world), which we’ll get into in-depth down below.
Skip to: Food and drinks | Tasting Gift Card | Tribute Store | Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and hotels
Mardi Gras 2023 – Food & Drink Menus
Traditionally, a series of food and drink tents located in the New York backlot’s French Quarter Courtyard comprised the bulk of Mardi Gras’s culinary offerings, and while those food and drink tents are integral to the Mardi Gras experience, the food and beverage lineup has been expanded to include the entire theme park, part of Universal’s new International Flavors of Carnaval focus.
Belgium
Food
Liège Waffle Berries and Cream
Pearled sugar waffle, topped with strawberries, whipped topping, and strawberry and cream crumbs
Liège Waffle S’mores
Pearled sugar chocolate chip waffle, topped with marshmallow cream, chocolate sauce, and graham cracker crumbs
Brussels Frites
Crispy seasoned fries served with Andalouse and Joppiesaus sauces
Beverages
Orval Trappist
Complex malt flavor combined with prominent fruitiness and an earthy herbal, peppery bitterness
Rochefort Trappist
Full-bodied with strong notes of plum, raisin, and black currant
Bloody Mary Bar
Beverages
Bloody Mary Wild
A spicy (Louisiana hot sauce and Sriracha hot chili sauce) version of a traditional bloody Mary spiked with New Amsterdam vodka, garnished with a variety of Cajun toppings
Bloody Mary Mild
Mild version of a traditional bloody Mary spiked with New Amsterdam vodka, garnished with a variety of Cajun toppings
Brazil
Food
Picanha Skewers
Beef sirloin cap, with chimichurri, smoked salt, and pão de queijo
Linguiça Skewers
Grilled Brazilian sausage with pão de queijo
Chicken Coxinha
Teardrop chicken fritters
Brigadeiros Trio
Brazilian classic with condensed milk, cocoa powder, chocolate sprinkles, and hazelnuts
Beverages
Mango Caipirinha
Pirassununga Cachaça, Bols orange curaçao with lime juice, mango nectar, syrup, and simple syrup
Guava Caipirinha
Pirassununga Cachaça combined with guava nectar, lime juice, simple syrup, mint extract, and a pinch of salt
Canada
Food
Canadian Snowshoe Maple
Fried sweetened dough, cinnamon sugar, and maple syrup
Poutine with Short Rib Gravy
Crispy fries with short rib, cheese curds, and brown gravy
Candied Maple Bacon
Chewy Maple taffy-covered pork belly with chopped peanuts and chocolate
Canadian Snowshoe Nutella
Fried sweetened dough, Nutella, sugar, and chopped toasted hazelnuts
Beverages
Slocum Maple Smash
Sweet and refreshing combination of New Amsterdam vodka, lemon juice, maple syrup, and cardamom bitters
Collective Arts
New England-style IPA, Simcoe and Mosaic hops
Maple Lemonade
Simple yet refreshing mix of maple syrup and lemon juice
Central City
Food
Crawfish & Shrimp Boil
Mixed bag of crawfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob
Crawfish Boil
Mixed bag of crawfish, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob
Shrimp Boil
Mixed bag of shrimp, andouille sausage, potatoes, and corn on the cob
Beignets
Sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar
Beverages
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passionfruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
Abita Purple Haze
A lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
Oh Baby
This custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt
Colombia
Food
Colombian Empanadas
Crispy corn masa beef and chicken empanadas, served with aji picante
Arepas de Queso
White corn masa cake with queso blanco
Beverages
Refajo
Refreshing and authentic mix of light beer and Colombiana soda
Coco Loco
Limonada de Coco spiked with rum and tequila
Limonada de Coco
Limeade sweetened with coconut cream
Choladas
Shaved ice with sweetened condensed milk, mango, strawberry sauce, wafers, and Lulo syrup
Denmark
Food
Rød Pølse
Danish red hot dog, with curry remoulade, pickled cucumber, and crispy onions
Frikadeller Meatballs with Danish Gravy
Beef and pork meatballs in a creamy gravy, topped with apple butter and dill
Beverages
Mead Flight
Viking Blod, Odin’s Skull, and GI. Dansk Mjod
Odin’s Skull
Composed of honey, sour apple juice, hops, and cinnamon
GI. Dansk Mjod
Sweet and semi-dry notes of ginger and the sweetness of honey
Viking Blod
Sweet honey flavors evolving into cinnamon, clove, and citrus
Carlsberg
Full-bodied Danish pilsner with a hoppy aroma and flavor
France
Food
Muffaletta Crepe
Savory crepe filled with olive relish, mortadella, salami, ham, mozzarella, Cajun mayo, arugula, and sesame seeds
Beverages
Domaine Paul Buisse Chinon
Highly aromatic robust, intense with silky tannins that produce a lovely finish
Dopff & Irion Crustaces Blanc
Crisp medium-bodied, with notes of peach, wet stone, and minerality
Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rosé
Dry rosé with notes of grapefruit, stone fruit, and crisp apple
Wine Flight
Domaine Paul Buisse Chinon, Dopff & Irion Crustaces Blanc, and Bertrand Cote Des Roses Rosé
French Quarter Bar Menu
Beverages
Oh Baby
This custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
Abita Purple Haze
A lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
Goombay Smash
Cruzan Aged Dark rum, Don Q Coconut rum, Grand Marnier, Coco Lopez cream of coconut, mixed with pineapple, orange and lime juices
French Quarter Menu #1
Food
King Cake
Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing and colored sanding sugar
Beignets
Sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar
Beverages
Abita Purple Haze
A lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
Oh Baby
This custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt
French Quarter Menu #2
Food
Twisted Frank with Cheddar Sauce
stuffed twisted tater, foot-long hot dog, spicy white cheddar sauce, and your choice of seasoning
Twisted Frank
Stuffed twisted tater with a foot-long hot dog and your choice of seasoning
Twisted Tater
Fried spiralized potato topped with your choice of seasoning
Seasoning Choices:
- seasoned salt
- garlic parmesan
- sour cream & chives
- ghost pepper
Beverages
Goombay Smash
Cruzan Aged Dark rum, Don Q Coconut rum, Grand Marnier, Coco Lopez cream of coconut, mixed with pineapple, orange and lime juices
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
Abita Purple Haze
A lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
Oh Baby
This custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt
French Quarter Menu #3
Food
Jambalaya
Mixed rice, andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers and tomatoes topped with a crawfish
Shrimp Gumbo
Stew of shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon, and trinity over white rice
Beverages
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passionfruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
French Quarter Menu #4
Food
Fried Green Tomato Po Boy
Flash-fried green tomatoes, lettuce, onions, pickles, Cajun remoulade, served with Cajun kettle chips
Crown Cookie
Vanilla short-crust cookie dipped in dark chocolate and sprinkles
Beverages
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passionfruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
Germany
Food
Chicken Schnitzel with Käsespätzle
Fried chicken thigh cutlet served with baked spätzle and beer cheese sauce
Potato Pancakes
Crispy potato and parsnip pancake with apple butter and sour cream
Beverages
Reissdorf
Light brew with minty, hop aromas; sweet vanilla malt flavors and a crisp, dry, cedary finish
Warsteiner Pilsener
Pale golden pilsner with a clean refreshing taste balanced with hints of barley malt, yeast tones, and mild hoppy bitterness
Weihenstephaner Helles
Easy drinking with full flavor, light body and clean crisp finish
Tucher Helles Hefe Weizen
Gaffel Kolsch
Ayinger Celebrator
India
Food
Pav Bhaji
Spiced vegetable stew served with a toasted King’s Hawaiian roll
Onion Bhaji
Curry spiced crispy onion fritter with green chutney dipping sauce
Gulab Jamun with Rose Water Syrup
Fried dough balls soaked in saffron and rose water syrup, with chopped pistachios
Beverages
Nimbu Pani
Lime juice, mint extract, a pinch of salt and pepper, and our house-made garam masala syrup
Aam Panna
Lemon juice, mint extract, a pinch of salt and pepper, and our house-made amchur syrup
Indonesia
Food
Indonesian Style Chili Crab with Fried Mantou
Fried soft shell crab tossed in a sweet & spicy crab stew, served with fried sweet buns
Nasi Goreng
Indonesian-style fried rice with egg, Thai fried shallots, cucumber, and a prawn cracker
Bubur Ketan Hitam
Indonesian purple sticky rice pudding with coconut condensed milk, mango, and shaved toasted coconut
Beverages
Bali Punch
Batavia Arrack Van Oosten Indonesian rum, guava and lime juices, simple syrup, mint extract, and Peychauds bitters
Java Cooler
Batavia Arrack Van OostenIndonesianrum, grapefruit and lime juices, and simple syrup
Japan
Food
Ube Ice Cream Sesame Bubble Waffle Cone
Ube soft serve ice cream served in a toasted black sesame bubble waffle with cookie crumbs, pocky, and a Meiji panda cookie
Nikuman Bun Sampler
Trio of soft fluffy steamed buns filled with char sui park, teriyaki chicken, and a sweet coconut matcha custard
Okonomiyaki
Savory cabbage and bacon pancake topped with Kewpie mayonnaise, hoisin, cilantro, sesame, and katsuobushi
Beverages
Japanese Highball
Nikka Days Japanese Whisky and Perrier sparkling mineral water
Hakutsuru Chika
Light-bodied and slightly dry with light aromas of honey and sugarcane
Hakutsuru Draft
Fruity yet dry in a classic Japanese style. Aromas of sweet rice, nuts, pear, green melon, coconut, and light cream
Joto One Cup
Combining tradition and innovation in one delicious sake, light and fresh, notes of juicy green grape and watermelon
Choya Sparkling Umeshu
Tart Japanese Ume with back notes of citrus and white peach
Kirin Ichiban
Light-bodied with aromas of sweet malt and crisp flavors of citrus
Sapporo Silver
Refreshing lager with crisp and refined flavor and a clean finish
Calpico Mini Bottles
Sweet and tangy with a smooth texture
Italy
Food
Tour of Italy Arancini Flight
Tomato basil with marinara, mushroom with garlic cream sauce, and seafood served with basil pesto
Gelato Stuffed Pressed Brioche
Ice cream sandwich pressed to order:
- Oreo & Mint
- Nutella & Vanilla
- Strawberry
Beverages
Bollini Pinot Grigio
Intense varietal aromas with a fragrant bouquet and elegant, fruity, and floral flavors
Bertani Valpolicella
Notes of red fruit, cherry, raspberry, and strawberry
Fantinel Extra Dry Prosecco
Exotic stone fruits and nutty elements combine with bright minerality and the scent of wet slate
Tondo Soave Monte
Bright and clean, with delicate yellow apple and floral notes
Mexico
Food
Tacos al Pastor
Pork al pastor off the spit with pineapple, pickled red onion, and habanero mango sauce
Baja Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
Marinated shrimp with avocado crema and a crispy blue corn tortilla
Vegan Churros
Crispy cinnamon sugar vegan churros with coconut nectar and chocolate sauce
Elotes
Char-grilled corn, jalapeño mayo, ancho chili powder, cotija cheese, cilantro
Beverages
Grapefruit Paloma
El Jimador tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a pinch of smoked sea salt, finished with Fresca soda
Modelo Especial
Pilsner style lager, characterized by an orange blossom honey aroma with a hint of herb
Modelo Chelada Lime
Modelo’s authentic Mexican beer with the flavors of lime and salt for a crisp and refreshing taste
Modelo Chelada Pineapple
Modelo’s authentic Mexican beer with sweetness of pineapple and a dash of spice
Modelo Chelada
A classic michelada-style beer with authentic flavors of tomato, salt, and lime
Puerto Rico
Food
Mofongo Trio
A mix of smashed plantains, bacon, chicharrónes with shrimp criolla, crispy chicken thigh, and mayo ketchup
Alcapurrias
Crispy green banana and yautia masa, filled with picadillo beef, served with mayo ketchup
Vegan Alcapurrias
Crispy green banana and yautia masa served with mayo ketchup
Beverages
Classic Piña Colada
Cruzan light rum, Coco Real cream of coconut, with lime and pineapple juice
Piragua
Shaved ice with your choice of flavorings:
- crema
- coco
- frambuesa
- tamarindo
Ponche
Non-alcoholic Welch’s® grape juice mixed with sweetened condensed milk and blackberry extract
Spain
Food
Paella Mixta
Saffron yellow rice, chorizo, squid, mussels, and shrimp
Spanish Bocadillo
Serrano ham and drunken goat cheese with parsley sauce, on a gently pressed baguette
Leche Frita
Crispy fried condensed milk, vanilla, and cinnamon
Beverages
Sangria Flight
Sangria tinto, sangria blanco, and sangria rosado
Sangria Tinto
Our red sangria with Flaco Tempranillo, Torres 10 brandy, Ferrand dry curacao, lemon juice, orange juice, blackberry extract, and simple syrup
Sangria Rosado
Our rosé sangria with Marq Caceres Rioja Rosé, New Amsterdam gin, strawberry mix, and a pinch of smoked sea salt
Sangria Blanco
Our white sangria with Honoro Vera Rueda, Bacardi light, pineapple and lemon juices, simple syrup, pineapple extract, lemon bitters and a pinch of salt
Trinidad and Tobago Menu
Food
Crab & Dumplings
Curried chickpeas, spicy bara flatbread, micro cilantro, and mango chutney
Chickpea Doubles
Curried chickpeas, spicy bara flatbread, micro cilantro, and mango chutney
Pholourie
Deep-fried spicy split pea dough with turmeric, curry powder, and a side of tamarind chutney
Beverages
Carib
A full-bodied golden brew with a rich combination of malt and hops
Shandy Ginger
Carib-brewed beer combined with a zing of ginger
Shandy Lime
Carib-brewed beer combined with a kick of lime
Shandy Sorrel
Carib-brewed beer combined with the spicy sweetness sorrel with a kick of lime
Mardi Gras 2023 – Food and Beverage Gift Card
In previous years, guests have been able to purchase a “tasting” lanyards to sample food and drink items throughout the festival. This year, the “sample” sized options have been removed from menus, and guests are invited to purchase Food & Beverage Gift Cards to use on tasty Mardi Gras items.
Here’s the pricing for the Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard:
- Pay $65 for a $75 Universal Orlando Resort Food & Beverage Card and Lanyard
- No limit on the quantity for purchase
- No expiration date
If you don’t use up your remaining balance by the end of the day, worry not – they don’t expire, although, obviously, Mardi Gras comes to an end on April 16. Even then, this gift card can be used at any Food & Beverage location in Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, and Universal CityWalk.
Mardi Gras 2023 – the Tribute Store
Much like the Halloween and Holiday Tribute Stores from 2020, Mardi Gras’s rendition of the fabled shopping experience this year features a room that has a number of baked goods on hand.
What’s available to eat and drink outside of Universal Studios Florida?
It’s not enough to celebrate the bayou bash only in Universal Studios Florida, right? For 2023, a number of establishments in Islands of Adventure, CityWalk, and Universal Orlando’s hotels are getting in on the festivities, too.
Islands of Adventure
Mardi Gras Hits
Food
Jambalaya
mixed rice, andouille sausage, chicken, shrimp, peppers, and tomatoes topped with a crawfish
Shrimp Gumbo
Stew of shrimp, andouille sausage, bacon, and trinity over white rice
Beverages
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
Oh Baby
This custom brew is bursting with vanilla and cinnamon flavors on a base of sweet yet roasty malt
New Orleans Desserts
Food
Beignets
Sweet fried pastry dusted with powdered sugar
King Cake
Traditional cake with cinnamon swirl icing and colored sanding sugar
Beverages
Category 5 Punch
Myers’s Dark rum, Cruzan Aged Dark rum, passion fruit purée, mixed with grenadine, orange and lime juice
Abita Purple Haze
A lager brewed with real raspberries, wheat malts, and Wanguard hops
CityWalk – Taste of The Mediterranean Menu
Food
Crepe Suzette
Topped with a Grand Marnier orange sauce
Grilled Octopus with Potatoes
Marinated grilled octopus with tomato, oregano, and lemon herb rice
Beverages
Francois Montand Brut Sparkling
aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit give way to a creamy and smooth palate with flavors of freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples, and Meyer lemons
Bertrand Corbieres Heresie
A velvety texture with a balanced finish, notes of fresh fruit, morello cherry, wild raspberry, and spices
Mas La Chevaliere Cabernet Sauvignon
Intense fruit concentration laced with developed tannic structure, good intensity and nice, juicy mouthfeel
French Wine Flight
Francois Montand Brut Sparkling, Bertrand Corbieres Heresie, Mas La Chevaliere Cabernet Sauv
Monograph Agiorgitiko
Nemea grapes present a smooth body and complex aroma of prickly pear, pomegranate, and butterscotch
Monograph Assyrtiko
Youthful with refreshing acidity with notes of citrus fruits, honeysuckle, lemongrass, and stone fruit with a touch of salinity
Universal Orlando’s hotels
Mardi Gras 2023 Hotel Offerings
Just as if you were in New Orleans itself, one of the best ways to get a taste of Mardi Gras is through the hotels. Universal Orlando Resort hotels provide a number of specialty menu items during the Mardi Gras season.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Trattoria del Porto
Cajun Jambalaya Pasta
Shrimp, Smoke Sausage, Chicken, Onions, Peppers, and Mushrooms in a Creole Sauce with Fettuccine Pasta
Masquerade Cannoli
Mixed berry insalada
The Thirsty Fish
Boulevardier
Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Campari, Sweet Vermouth
Splendido Bar & Grill
Mojito Lampone
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chambord, simple syrup, raspberry, mint
Hard Rock Hotel Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
The Kitchen
Bourbon Street Beignets
Bourbon Caramel Sauce, Powdered Sugar
French 75
Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne
Velvet Bar
N’awlins Po’ Boy Sliders
Smoked Andouille Sausage, Sautéed Peppers and Onions, Cajun Remoulade, Toasted French bread
French 75
Hendrick’s Gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar, champagne
beachclub
Hurricane
Papa’s Pilar Rum, Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, grenadine, pineapple, and orange juice
Loews Royal Pacific Resort Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Islands Dining Room
King Cake Pancakes
Lemon and powdered sugar glaze, spiced walnuts (breakfast only)
Orchid Court Lounge & Sushi Bar
Orchid
Nikka Gin, St.Germain, Crème de Violet, Lemon Juice, Simple Syrup, Pea Flower Float
Tuk Tuk Market
Chocolate Bomb
Choose from: chocolate and caramel with spiced pecan with Mardi Gras purple, green and gold decor, s’mores or cookies & cream
Loews Sapphire Falls Resort Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Amatista Cookhouse
Shrimp & Andouille Sausage Gumbo Pot Pie
Vegetables and Okra
Strong Water Tavern
Cucumber Hurricane Twist
Light rum, lime juice, Midori, sliced cucumber
New Dutch Trading Company
Traditional King Cake
Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach Resort Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Galaxy Bowl Restaurant
Shrimp Po’ Boy with Zapps Chips
Crispy Cajun fried shrimp piled on a French baguette and topped with a creole-inspired creamy remoulade sauce – add $7 for a choice of 16-ounce Abita draft beer or 12-ounce Abita king cake soda (Also available a la carte)
Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler Hurricane
Let the good times roll with Bacardi Light Rum, Cruzan 12yr Single Barrel Rum, passionfruit puree, orange juice, and grenadine – served with a 32-ounce souvenir Galaxy Bowl cup
Universal’s Aventura Hotel Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Bar 17 Bistro
Crawfish Etouffee
Classic dish of crawfish, the holy trinity of onions, celery, and bell pepper served over rice
Muffuletta Sandwich
Genoa Salami, Mortadella, ham, provolone, and swiss cheese with olive salad
Bar 17 Bistro and Bar Ventura
Hurricane
Bacardi Superior Rum, Myers’s Original Dark Rum, passion fruit, tropical juices
Sazerac
Rye whiskey, absinthe, simple syrup, Peychaud’s Bitters
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn and Suites Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Beach Break Cafe
New Orleans BBQ Shrimp & Dirty Rice
A classic creole dish. Sautéed shrimp in a rich butter and Worcestershire sauce on a bed of flavorful Cajun spiced rice with andouille sausage
Sandbar
The Endless Carnival
Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge, and a green sugar rim
Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Dockside Inn and Suites Mardi Gras 2023 Offerings
Pier 8
New Orleans Cajun Roasted Chicken & Dirty Rice
A classic creole dish of Cajun spiced oven-roasted half chicken on a bed of flavorful Creole rice with andouille sausage topped with spicy sweet candied bacon
Sunset Lounge, The Oasis Beach Bar, and The Wave Maker’s Pool Bar
The Endless Carnival
Castillo Silver Rum, Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, Chinola Passionfruit Liqueur, pineapple juice, orange juice, a pinch of dried blackberries, pineapple wedge, and a green sugar rim
That’s all we got for our Mardi Gras 2023 guide to food and drinks. Please keep in mind this is only one page in our Mardi Gras insider’s guide – for the most effective planning, please be sure to read through all of our pages, which you can access at any time using the navigation links at the top and bottom.
