7 Drive-Thru Daiquiri Shops in the Bayou State to Celebrate Mardi Gras 2025

On March 4, 2025, thousands of people will descend upon the French Quarter in New Orleans for Mardi Gras parades. (Photo: AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Mardi Gras is on March 4, 2025 and People reports that about 1.5 million tourists will descend upon New Orleans for its parades, costumes and debauchery in all forms.

Yet, perhaps no activity is more quintessentially “New Orleans” than purchasing a drive-thru daiquiri from one of Louisiana’s many famed stands. With a veritable rainbow of colors and flavors, these icy, boozy slushies are one of the quirks that many people love about this special state.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the great state of Louisiana or New Orleans for Mardi Gras this year, here are seven drive-thru daiquiri shops that are well worth a visit. But first, let’s get the 4-11 on the drive-thru daiquiri and learn all about the legal loopholes that make this delicious drink a right of passage in Louisiana.

The History of the Drive-Thru Daiquiri

Bon Appétit reports that the first drive-thru daiquiri stand was invented by a Louisiana Tech college student named David Ervin in the 1980s. As the story goes, Ervin was at a small store called Wilmart in Louisiana, which sold frozen alcoholic drinks called Frostys.

Ervin noticed the inefficient process of getting these Frostys — having to park the car, wait in line and order a Frosty. He decided he would streamline the process, and he sketched a layout for the world’s first drive-thru daiquiri shop in the shop’s parking lot.

He took out a $20,000 start-up loan, bought some machines to make frozen drinks, experimented with recipes and eventually set up the first drive-thru daiquiri shop in Lafayette, Louisiana.

“Everybody told me I was an idiot,” Ervin said, according to Bon Appétit.

Ervin’s unconventional idea didn’t have the rosiest of beginnings, and the outlet reports that the city initially wanted to shut down the drive-thru daiquiri shop, claiming Ervin’s idea violated the city’s open container laws by serving alcoholic drinks in vehicles.

Yet ever the creative type, Ervin sought a loophole. He simply decided to place some tape over the hole in the cup’s lid and serve the drink with the straw separately, et voila, no open container laws would be violated. As long as drivers drove to their destination and then drank their boozy frozen treat, no laws would be violated.

Though Ervin’s first drive-thru daiquiri shop eventually closed in the late 1980s due to economic hard times, several have popped up in its place, and Ervin eventually opened up another shop in the suburbs of New Orleans. Today, the drive-thru daiquiri shop is about as quintessential “New Orleans” as Mardi Gras, King Cakes, crawfish boils and cocktail culture.

7 Drive-Thru Daiquiri Shops to Celebrate Mardi Gras in 2025

Cajun Daiquiris

3801 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA, 70001

(Photo: Cajun Daiquiris/Yelp)

With names like Liquid Marijuana and Double Trouble, you know Cajun Daiquiris are going to be potent. This chain drive-thru daiquiri shop with locations in Metairie and Shreveport features jello shots and seasonal daiquiris in sizes that go up to as much as 44 ounces — now that’s a lot of daiquiri.

Consider trying the King Cake Daiquiri this time of year, which is a liquid homage to the purple, green and gold frosted cinnamon cake that is served during Mardi Gras. This delicious frozen concoction is made with King Cake flavored vodka — yeah, it’s a thing — and cinnamon.

Daiquiris Now

1761 Gause Blvd., Slidell, LA 70460

(Photo: Daiquiris Now/Facebook)

The family-run Daiquiris Now has been open for 31 years. You may encounter a line at Daiquiris Now, but due to its fast and friendly staff, you can expect to get your daiquiri in a reasonable amount of time.

On Sundays, Daiquiris Now offers $22-gallon daiquiris, according to its Yelp page. Locals are particularly partial to the fact that the drinks are balanced and flavorful.

New Orleans Original Daiquiris

5111 Common St., Lake Charles, LA 70607

(Photo: New Orleans Original Daiquiris/Facebook)

New Orleans Original Daiquiris is one of the oldest drive-thru daiquiri spots in Louisiana. The franchise opened back in 1983 to offer New Orleanians a friendly place to grab a daiquiri “to geaux.” Founder David Briggs Jr. brought this daiquiri empire up from the humble beginnings of passing out frozen daiquiri samples on Bourbon Street.

This chain grew in popularity during the 1980s and ’90s, and though Hurricane Katrina lent New Orleans Original Daiquiris a heavy blow, the folks behind this frozen phenomenon were quickly back on their feet, serving boozy frozen cups of cheer to drivers all over Louisiana.

If you want a snack with your daiquiri, check out New Orleans Original Daiquiri’s wings.

Daiquiris and Creams

1737 Florida St., Mandeville, LA 70448

(Photo: Daiquiris and Creams/Facebook)

If you’re looking for a great late-night spot, Daiquiris and Creams has more than its fair share of events for those looking to park their cars and stay awhile.

For busy on-the-go types, there’s a drive-thru window, of course, but if you’re interested in live music and dancing, Daiquiris and Creams in Mandeville is a great spot. Yelpers are fans of the place’s live music and pool tables.

As for the daiqs? Well, Daiquiris and Creams claims it uses fresh fruit in its daiquiris, and patrons say they can really taste the difference.

Daiquiri Paradise

(Photo: Daiquiri Paradise/Instagram)

This drive-thru daiquiri joint dates back to the 1980s, and the folks at Daiquiri Paradise claim with each sip of their drinks, every day will feel like a vacation.

There are no small sizes at Daiquiri Paradise, and the smallest is a 20-ounce pour. Thirsty customers can also get daiquiris by the gallon, and on Saturdays, Daiquiri Paradise offers free shots purchased with any 32- or 44-ounce daiquiri.

Daiquiri Paradise has classic flavors like Blue Hawaiian, Jungle Juice and White Russian, but it also offers seasonal flavors like Wedding Cake, Irish Coffee and Royal Apple.

Daiquiri Stop

1700-1740 Hickory Ave., Harahan, LA 70123

(Photo: Daiquiri Stop/Facebook)

With reasonable prices and a wide variety of flavors, Daiquiri Stop is a favorite among folks living in Harahan.

Locals reviewed Daiquiri Stop favorably on Google, claiming the friendly and knowledgeable bartenders offer no shortage of samples until you’ve found the perfect flavor.

The drinks are said to be perfectly balanced and pack one heck of a punch.

Frankie’s Daiquiri

110 14th St., Lafayette, LA 70501

(Photo: Frankie’s Daiquiri/Yelp)

If you’re in the market for a daiquiri garnished with delicious fresh fruit — or even an avocado — Frankie’s Daiquiri in Lafayette is the spot to go.

Folks looking for a late-night tipple will appreciate Frankie’s hours, as the drive-thru daiq spot is open until at least midnight on Sundays, though it is typically open until 1 or 2 in the morning.

This small drive-thru daiquiri spot has a cornucopia of flavors, including Ice Cream and Roseberry. If you’re looking for a more potent daiquiri, Frankie’s has a Ladies Night Daiquiri with Bacardi 151 and a Jet Fuji flavor with Everclear and 151 mixed in — whew.

Yet perhaps the best thing about Frankie’s is its variety. This drive-thru daiquiri spot even offers virgin daiqs for sober curious folks.