Hurricane
The Hurricane is a vibrant, rum-based cocktail that perfectly balances sweetness and tartness with a strong alcoholic kick. Its signature deep red or orange hue comes from a mix of passion fruit, citrus juices, and often a touch of grenadine. Served over ice in its namesake glass, this drink is a tropical escape, synonymous with the festive atmosphere of New Orleans' French Quarter. It's a deceptively smooth drink that packs a powerful punch, making it a favorite for celebrations and warm weather.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Hurricane is a classic cocktail that falls squarely into the Tiki category due to its heavy use of rum and tropical fruit juices. It is considered a long drink and is a staple of tropical-themed bars and New Orleans nightlife. Its sweet, fruity profile makes it a popular choice for those seeking a vibrant and potent mixed drink.
Serving
The Hurricane is a large, cold drink served in its signature tall, curved glass filled with ice. It's a fairly strong cocktail, with an alcohol content typically between 15% and 20% ABV.
Serving size
Approximately 300-400 ml / 10-13 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 15-20% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Hurricane glass
Glass treatment
None, glass is filled with ice.
Backstory
The Hurricane cocktail was invented at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans during the 1940s. The story goes that during World War II, there was a surplus of rum being shipped into the port, while other spirits like whiskey were scarce. To move the large stock of rum, the bar's owner created this delicious concoction and served it in a curvy glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, giving the drink its name.
Origin
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, circa 1940s.
Hurricane
The drink is most famously known simply as the Hurricane. It is strongly associated with its creator, so it is sometimes referred to as Pat O'Brien's Hurricane to distinguish it from other, less authentic versions.
Original name
Hurricane
Alternative name
Pat O'Brien's Hurricane
Characteristics overview
This drink boasts a bold tropical flavor profile dominated by sweet passion fruit and tart citrus, with a distinct rum aroma and a smooth, juicy texture. Its vibrant reddish-orange color and refreshing character make it a quintessential summer cocktail.
Flavor
Sweet, fruity, tropical, tart, rum-forward
Aroma
Passion fruit, citrus, sweet rum
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Sweet, fruity, lingering warmth
Fizziness
Still
Color appearance
Vibrant reddish-orange, clear
Texture
Smooth, juicy, liquid
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, tropical
Flavor intensity & Experience
The Hurricane is intensely fruity and sweet, balanced by a noticeable sourness from the citrus. It is a very strong alcoholic drink with no bitterness, saltiness, or carbonation.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
This cocktail is built on a robust base of both light and dark rum. Its tropical character comes from a generous amount of passion fruit, orange, and lime juices, with grenadine for color and sweetness.
- Light Rum60 ml / 2 ozA white or silver rum works best.
- Dark Rum60 ml / 2 ozProvides depth and character to the drink.
- Passion Fruit Juice or Purée60 ml / 2 ozThe key tropical flavor of the cocktail. If using syrup, you may want to use less and adjust sweetness.
- Orange Juice30 ml / 1 ozFreshly squeezed is recommended for best flavor.
- Lime Juice30 ml / 1 ozFreshly squeezed provides essential tartness.
- Grenadine15 ml / 0.5 ozAdds color and a touch of pomegranate sweetness.
Ice type
- Cubed or Crushed
Mixing equipments
You will need a cocktail shaker and a strainer to prepare a Hurricane. A jigger is also essential for measuring the ingredients correctly.
- Cocktail shaker to chill and mix the ingredients.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate pouring.
- Strainer to pour the drink without the shaker ice.
Instructions
The preparation involves shaking all the rums, juices, and grenadine with ice. The chilled mixture is then strained into an ice-filled Hurricane glass and finished with a classic fruit garnish.
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Add the light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and grenadine to the shaker.
3. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds, until the outside of the shaker is well-chilled.
4. Fill a Hurricane glass with fresh ice cubes or crushed ice.
5. Strain the contents of the shaker into the prepared glass.
6. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry.
7. Add a straw and serve immediately.
Garnishing
A classic Hurricane is garnished with a vibrant "flag" made from an orange slice and a bright red maraschino cherry. This adds visual appeal and a complementary citrus aroma.
- Orange slice and a maraschino cherry, typically skewered together on a cocktail pick.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally free from common allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets and contains no caffeine.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The Hurricane is a high-calorie drink due to its alcohol and high sugar content from fruit juices and grenadine. It contains a significant amount of carbohydrates, primarily from sugars.
Calories
Averagely 350-450 kcal / 1465-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 35-45 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 30-40 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This cocktail is perfect for lively social gatherings, parties, and celebrations like Mardi Gras. Its refreshing and tropical nature also makes it an excellent choice for summer barbecues, beach days, or any warm-weather occasion.
- Party
- Summer barbecue
- Beach vacation
- Celebration
- Mardi Gras
Pairing suggestions
The sweet and tart profile of the Hurricane pairs wonderfully with spicy and savory foods. It cuts through the heat of Cajun or Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and complements the flavors of grilled seafood. It is also a great companion to salty appetizers and coconut-flavored entrées.
- Spicy Cajun food
- Grilled shrimp or fish
- Jerk chicken
- Coconut-based dishes
- Salty snacks
The Hurricane: A Spirited Taste of New Orleans
The Hurricane is a world-famous cocktail that captures the spirit of New Orleans in a glass. Born out of necessity in the 1940s, it has become a symbol of celebration and tropical indulgence. This potent blend of light and dark rum with passion fruit and citrus juices is both deceptively strong and refreshingly delicious. Served in its iconic curved glass, the Hurricane is a must-try for lovers of sweet, fruity, and powerful tiki-style drinks.
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