Right around the time that the wait for King Cake was over, New Orleans was forced to question whether we had in fact backtracked to that pre-Christmas season of waiting called Advent instead of moving ahead to the time of pagan revelry, as we were required to keep vigil for yet another treat. The word went out to the masses that King Cake Vodka was on its way. In the early days, a few lucky players got to try the spirit,. But the rest were left to keep offering Jello shots at early Carnival parties. According to the founder of the company who produces the spirit, however, the wait will be over this week.

All week, King Cake Vodka producer Lucky Player has been advertising that the French-distilled vodka would arrive Thursday Feb. 2. We asked Lucky Player founder Alfredo Diaz more about the plans.

"The inventory arrives tomorrow here in Louisiana, and will be available for purchase on Thursday across Louisiana," Diaz said.

Prior to Diaz' remark, Rouse's appeared to throw a wrench into the Florida-based company's air of finality with a Facebook posting that said they were only willing to say was that the Vodka was on the way "VERY soon."

"We are hesitant to post our expected delivery date, since we've been told a few different dates in the past that have come and gone," the statement said. "

However, Rouse's also revealed that they will be the first retailer to receive King Cake Vodka. In fact, they will be the only retailer carrying King Cake Vodka for a "very short time."

"We will, however, still be buying the bulk of the shipment coming in, and so will have the largest supply of King Cake Vodka in the area (by far!)," the statement said.

In the meantime, A Mountain of Crushed Ice offers a way to start planning what to use for a mixer. And, NoDef will be on the lookout for sightings. Stay tuned!