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Batten Down the Hatches — The Hurricane


The most identifiable drink in the French Quarter is undoubtedly the delicious, fruity Hurricane, garnished with a cherry and an orange slice. This local cocktail was created with rum at the now-storied Pat O’Brien’s bar during World War II when whiskey was in short supply.

 

The drink’s name was derived from the glass it’s served in, which resembles a hurricane lamp, not the actual type of storm it’s customarily associated with. However, those who don’t live on the coast, forced to face Mother Nature’s wrath during hurricane season, should raise a glass to toast their fortitude and drink to their safety. Having grown up on the Texas Gulf Coast, I assure you it’s perfectly acceptable for drylanders to host hurricane parties.

  Hurricanes—the storm and cocktail—are best experienced in the company of friends.

Today, you don’t need a trip to the Louisiana Bayou or Galveston Island to enjoy the famous drink. You can order a Hurricane in almost any bar. But here’s the best part—it’s a simple cocktail to make at home with basic bar cabinet ingredients. You can even try a frozen variety prepared like a daiquiri if you want something frostier. Add additional simple syrup or some maraschino cherry juice for a sweeter taste. While I love drink recipes that give me a non-alcoholic option to serve in conjunction, this isn’t one of them.

 

One thing’s for sure: Hurricanes—the storm and cocktail—are best experienced in the company of friends. So, let’s all raise a glass and enjoy this iconic cocktail together!

 

Ingredients

2 oz light rum

2 oz dark rum

2 oz passion fruit juice

1 oz orange juice

½ oz fresh lime juice

1 Tbsp. simple syrup

1 Tbsp. grenadine

orange slice and cherry for garnish

 

Directions

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice. For the frozen version, skip the shaker. Combine the ingredients in the blender with ice and pulse until perfect. If necessary, place the icy slush in the freezer until it reaches the desired thickness. Pour, garnish, and serve.

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