Hurricane: A Stormy Classic That Brings the Party to Your Glass

The Hurricane is a bold, vibrant cocktail that doesn’t shy away from its roots—or its rum. Originating in the heart of New Orleans, this drink is a riot of tropical fruit flavor balanced by the rich depth of dark rum. It’s flashy, fruity, and strong—everything you’d expect from a cocktail born on Bourbon Street.

Named for the hurricane lamp-shaped glass it’s served in, the Hurricane was originally concocted in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s Bar, a speakeasy-turned-iconic drinking spot in the French Quarter. The recipe was a clever workaround for the rum surplus during wartime restrictions on whiskey. What started as a solution quickly became a staple, and today, no trip to New Orleans is complete without one.

I had my first Hurricane on a muggy June night on Royal Street, walking back from a brass band performance with a chilled, ruby-red drink in hand. It was sweet, tangy, and strong enough to keep the party going all night. Now it’s one of my favorite festive cocktails to serve when I want to channel that easy-going, let-the-good-times-roll energy.

Ready to stir up a storm? Let’s mix one up.

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Quick Facts: Hurricane Cocktail

Method: shaken
Flavor profile: fruity, citrusy, sweet
How to serve it: over ice
Glassware: hurricane glass (or large tulip glass)
Alcohol content: ~18–20% ABV, ~22 grams of alcohol per serving

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Ingredients

• 2 oz light rum
• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz passion fruit juice or syrup
• ¾ oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz orange juice (optional but traditional)
• ½ oz grenadine
• ½ oz simple syrup (optional, depending on passion fruit sweetness)
• Ice
• Garnish: orange slice and maraschino cherry

The Hurricane is all about balance and boldness. It’s a fruit-forward drink that masks its boozy kick in tropical flavors and vibrant color.

Light and dark rum create a layered, complex foundation. The light rum brings brightness, while the dark rum adds molasses-rich depth and a warming finish.

Passion fruit is the key flavor. If you can get real passion fruit juice, use it. If not, a good-quality passion fruit syrup (like Monin or Giffard) will work just fine.

Grenadine adds both color and a pomegranate-citrus sweetness. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste if your other ingredients are already sweet.

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Equipment Needed

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger
• Hawthorne strainer
• Citrus press or juicer
• Hurricane glass or large tulip glass
• Bar spoon
• Ice scoop

The Hurricane is a shaken cocktail, which helps combine the citrus juices and syrups into a smooth, punchy blend. Straining it over fresh ice gives the drink clarity and a frothy surface.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare your shaker.
Fill a shaker with ice.

2. Add your ingredients.
Into the shaker, pour:

• 2 oz light rum
• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz passion fruit juice or syrup
• ¾ oz lime juice
• 1 oz orange juice (if using)
• ½ oz grenadine
• ½ oz simple syrup (optional – taste dependent)

3. Shake vigorously.
Shake for 15 seconds until the drink is well chilled and frothy.

4. Strain and serve.
Strain into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice. The drink should be bold, bright, and slightly foamy at the top.

5. Garnish.
Add an orange slice and a maraschino cherry for a festive, classic look. A cocktail umbrella is optional—but always fun.

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Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

The Hurricane hits you with big, tropical fruit energy right up front—passion fruit and citrus, rounded out with a hint of pomegranate from the grenadine. Then, the rum sneaks in, bringing spice, richness, and a mellow warmth that balances the sweetness.

It’s bold and complex but approachable, especially when made with fresh juices and good-quality rum. As the ice melts, the drink mellows, making it easier to sip while still maintaining that vibrant flavor.

Pairs well with:

• Spicy Cajun or Creole dishes like jambalaya or blackened shrimp
• Grilled meats or smoky BBQ
• Fried chicken and southern-style biscuits
• Tropical fruits, coconut desserts, or pecan pie

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Garnishing and Presentation

The Hurricane is all about show-stopping presentation. With its fiery color and generous garnish, it looks like it was made for a party—which, to be fair, it was.

Classic garnishes:

• A thick orange slice
• A maraschino cherry, either dropped in or skewered
• A paper umbrella or a pineapple leaf
• For a modern look, try a dehydrated citrus wheel

Always serve in a tall, curved hurricane glass, which was designed for this very cocktail. If you don’t have one, a large tulip or curved highball glass will do the trick.

Make sure the ice is fresh—crushed or cubed both work, though cubed preserves the chill longer.

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Pairing Suggestions

Because the Hurricane is fruity and strong, it holds its own against bold, rich, or spicy flavors.

Savory options:

• Andouille sausage sliders with Creole mustard
• BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches
• Crab cakes with spicy remoulade
• Fried catfish or popcorn shrimp

Sweet pairings:

• Pineapple upside-down cake
• Beignets or fritters
• Bananas Foster
• Rum cake or sweet cornbread with honey butter

This cocktail is also fantastic as a dessert drink, especially at events where indulgence is on the menu.

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Cocktail History and Trivia

The Hurricane was born out of necessity during World War II, when whiskey was hard to come by in the United States but rum was plentiful. Pat O’Brien, owner of a then-illegal speakeasy in New Orleans, created the cocktail to help move his excess rum stock.

He served the drink in hurricane lamp-shaped glasses, and the name stuck. The drink quickly became popular with tourists and locals alike—and it’s now a New Orleans icon.

Pat O’Brien’s still serves Hurricanes today, though their version tends to be pre-batched and extra sweet. For the best experience, make it fresh at home with real juice and good-quality rum.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hurricane at:

• Mardi Gras celebrations or Fat Tuesday parties
• Tiki nights or retro-themed barbecues
• Backyard luaus or beach parties
• Any time you need a punchy, fun crowd-pleaser

To make Hurricanes for a crowd, mix a batch ahead of time using the same ratios. Shake individual servings with ice before pouring to keep the texture and chill.

Serve cold and over ice, and don’t be afraid to lean into its theatrical presentation—it’s part of the charm.

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Alcohol Content and Alternatives

With 4 oz of rum total, the Hurricane is no lightweight—typically around 18–20% ABV, depending on dilution. Its sweetness makes it easy to drink, but it packs a real punch.

To lower the alcohol:

• Use 1 oz each of light and dark rum
• Increase the fruit juice slightly
• Add a splash of soda water for a lighter take

Mocktail version:

• 1 oz passion fruit juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• ¾ oz lime juice
• ½ oz grenadine
• ½ oz simple syrup
  Shake with ice and serve over more ice with the same garnishes. You’ll get the same stormy flavors without the booze.

Variations to try:

• Add a float of 151 rum for extra intensity (as some New Orleans bars do)
• Swap grenadine for pomegranate syrup for a deeper, less sugary version
• Use a spiced rum for added warmth and complexity

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it always served in a hurricane glass?
Traditionally, yes, but any large curved glass works. Presentation is a big part of the appeal.

Can I use bottled passion fruit juice?
Yes—just check the sugar content. If it’s sweetened, reduce or omit the simple syrup.

Is this drink sweet?
Yes, but the citrus and rum balance it out. If it’s too sweet for your taste, cut back on grenadine or syrup.

Can I make a big batch ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix all the ingredients (minus ice) in a pitcher and chill. Shake individual portions before serving.

How strong is it really?
With 4 oz of rum, it’s strong—especially since the fruity flavors can mask the alcohol. Sip responsibly.

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Conclusion

The Hurricane is a cocktail with personality—bright, bold, and just a little bit wild. It captures the spirit of New Orleans in every sip and delivers a storm of flavor that’s as festive as it is strong. Whether you’re celebrating Mardi Gras or just want to bring some Big Easy energy to your next gathering, this classic rum drink is always a crowd-pleaser.