Mardi Gras parades are rolling, King Cakes are baking and the beer is flowing at local breweries across the area. Hop in the car with your designated driver and decide which Mardi Gras inspired beer will be your seasonal favorite.

Fairhope Brewing Company in Fairhope was the first brewery to open its doors in Baldwin County in 2013 with two beers on tap. Now the taproom keeps 14 on tap and releases limited release and seasonal beers year-round like their King Cake Stout.

Brian Kane, managing partner of Fairhope Brewing Company said they have made a number of different Mardi Gras brews over the years, but the King Cake Stout is the most popular. The King Cake Stout is an Imperial Stout with hints of cinnamon, vanilla and cake batter.

"We hold an event each year called Mardi Gras in July and that is where our Mardi Gras inspired beers got started. We have done Moonpie inspired beers, funnel cake, hurricane and all kinds of Mardi Gras theme things. The one that has always been the most popular is the King Cake Stout," Kane said. "When you drink it, we want you to think that you are drinking a liquid version of King Cake or as close as we can get it."

Big Beach Brewing in Gulf Shores is the southernmost brewery in Alabama. Their 10-barrel brewing system brews everything from IPAs and stouts to cream ales and Belgian style beers. Their Mardi Gras seasonal beer is called Amber Kreweser Ale. The inspiration for the beer's name came from a bike decorating contest held each year on Fat Tuesday.

Braided River Brewing Company in the heart of Mobile's downtown has some limited releases that will have you thinking of Mardi Gras. Their Boom Boom Pale Ale has notes of creamy coconut, grapefruit and oak. They recently released a King Cake Pastry Stout that is brewed with milk sugar, baking spices and vanilla. If you desire a Mardi Gras cocktail inspired beer, try their newly released Hurricane Alley. The cocktail inspired sour has notes of passion fruit and orange peel.