Easy Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

New Orleans' Hurricane cocktail packs the power the name implies! This post-war classic is a must-have if you want a delicious rum-based cocktail with a punch.

The Hurricane Cocktail Lives up to its Name

Let's admit it up front -- this rum-based cocktail packs a punch, but it also tastes darn good! Unlike many drinks that are made with rum and fruit juices, this cocktail is not sweet at all. It has a tangy, sweet-tart taste thanks to the combination of Passion fruit puree and fresh lime juice.

It is said that the New Orleans bar, Pat O'Brien's, invented this drink to use up excess rum stocks in the early 1940's. Other stories claim the drink appeared at World's Fair in the '30's. Like any good cocktail history, there are several possibilities. I prefer the Pat O'Brien story, because I like a good cocktail tale.

The original Hurricane recipe was a pretty simple rum drink. It has evolved into a complex, tasty cocktail that is as famous as the city it is associated with, which is both a blessing and a curse. In some places it has a reputation of being a cheap drink made from a mix that spring-breakers consume by the pitcher. Like most good cocktails, if you avoid mixes and use a classic recipe and fresh ingredients, you'll have a winning drink.

Where did the hurricane glass come from?

The hurricane glass is possibly more famous than the drink itself. It gets its name from the shape of a hurricane lamp, which was a curvy oil lantern used on ships -- probably a good reason for the nautical/tropical theme. The story goes that an enterprising salesman had some leftover glasses and sold them to Pat O'Brien on the cheap. I'm not sure if that's true, but it sounds plausible.

Ingredients Needed for a Hurricane Cocktail

While this drink does have a long list of ingredients, they come together well. You'll need:

• Light rum
• Dark rum
• Overproof 151 rum
• Lime juice
• Orange juice
• Passion fruit puree
• Grenadine
• Simple syrup (I have an easy to follow recipe here)

And don't forget plenty of ice! You'll want to shake it over ice, and then strain the drink into a Hurricane glass full of more fresh ice.

Where to Find Passion Fruit Puree

The passion fruit puree used in the cocktail can be a challenge to find. I thought I'd have no problem getting it my local grocer, considering Southern California has fruit growing everywhere. No such luck! I eventually found it online in a large, 2 pound plastic pouch that is way more than I need for my modest Hurricane consumption. I figure I'll freeze the rest for the next time my cocktail mood forecasts a Hurricane.

If you don't want to go that route, you can get a syrup like Torani. They make a variety of fruit syrups that work well in cocktails. (I don't get compensation from them, I just like their syrups.)

Tips for Success

Tropical or Tiki drinks have a reputation for being difficult to make. That is just not the case! Once you have the ingredients lined up, you merely pour them all into a large cocktail shaker, then shake long enough to get them well blended and chilled. But do keep these things in mind:

• Add an overproof rum -- one of my favorite parts of this drink! This serious alcohol blends nicely with the other rums and fruit juices while giving it an extra kick -- the hurricane effect.
• Incorporate the fresh fruit you're using for the juice into the garnish for the drink as well. Because this drink requires orange juice, I save some of the orange for a wedge or wheel.
• Go easy on the grenadine and passion fruit syrup, unless you prefer the drink to be sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you're having a Tiki themed night, you need to try this baked coconut shrimp which can be served as an appetizer or main course. And here are some other tropical cocktails to go along with it:

Easy Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

Original Pina Colada Recipe

Classic Mai Tai Cocktail Recipe

Simple Blue Hawaii Cocktail

What rums do you like in your Hurricanes? Drop me a line and let me know!

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