Name: New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: Ice; 2 ounces light rum; 2 ounces dark rum; 2 ounces passionfruit juice; 1 ounce orange juice; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 tablespoon grenadine (more to taste); 1 tablespoon simple syrup (more or less to taste); 1 orange wedge; 1 maraschino cherry

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Ooooooh, girl! This signature Hurricane Cocktail Recipe is so good they should change the name of "Bourbon Street" to "Rum Road". With a double shot of rum, this drink will get any party started, including Mardi Gras. Bring a little of the French Quarter to your house with fresh citrus and passionfruit in this intoxicating, sweet cocktail.

With These Hurricane Cocktails, Mardi Gras Can Happen Anywhere at Anytime

This message is for readers 21+. Please enjoy respnosibly. Don't Drink and Drive. Or Drink and Text.

If you have ever been to New Orleans, you know that the Hurricane is one of the most popular cocktails on just about any menu. Served in the classic sexy-curvy hurricane style glass, this rum punch concotion is one of my faves.

Careful, though. These refreshing tropical drinks pack a punch with a double shot of rum. Two ounces of light rum plus two ounces of dark rum combine to create a boozy beverage that will knock your socks off. Literally.

The History of the Hurricane

I really love the history behind the hurricane. The epically Southern cocktail was created back in the 1940's in a New Orleans bar named Pat O'Brien's.

Very cool place. If you ever get down to NOLA, check it out. You can read more about it in our Dear Diary, New Orleans travel post. Fun trip!

When World War II hit, there was a whiskey shortage. Rum, however, came right up the Mississippi River from the Caribbean. The genius bartenders at Pat O'Brien's were quick on their feet and came up with this rum-punch cocktail. They served it in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. Thus the name.

Very fitting, I'd say. After a few of these, you'll feel like you've been blown away.

FUN FACT: Pat O'Brien's started as a speak-easy during prohibition. Oh, to have been there!

Ingredients Needed:

Dark rum
Light rum
Passionfruit juice - or puree if you can find it
Orange juice - fresh is best
Lime juice - see above
Grenadine
Simple syrup
Maraschino cherries + orange slices - for garnish
Ice

In some areas passionfruit is hard to find. I was able to find it in the cocktail mixer section of my local grocery store. You can also find passionfruit juice blends in the juice aisle. If you can't find it, guava juice is a great subsitution.

Some hurricane recipes call for lemon juice instead of lime juice. That's ok, too. I personally prefer the extra kick of a lime.

TIP: To get the moist juice out of your citrus fruit, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds. Then, roll them on the counter to burst the pulp on the inside. Cut in half and squeeze using a juicer.

How to Make a Hurricane Cocktail:

First, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
Pour the dark rum, light rum, and all ingredients into the shaker.
Cover, shake, and strain the rum punch mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
Garnish with an orange wedge and a maraschino cherry.

This is one of those drink recipes where a shaker is a must. If you don't have one, we've found several for you to pick from below. They really are a must-have if you enjoy making cocktails at home. Or, make your own.

Grab a quart Mason jar. Punch several holes into the lid portion. When you are ready to shake it up, cover with a TIGHT layer of foil or wrap secured with a rubber band. Shake and strain.

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Hurricane Cocktails are so fun, y'all. Sweet, colorful, fresh and intoxicating. And a MUST for my fellow rum lovers out there.

Rum Cocktails You Might Like:

How to Make a Mojito

Boozy Chocolate Covered Cherries

Blackberry Mojitos

overhead picture of a cocktail served in a hurricane glass with a wedge of orange and a maraschino cherry

Tips + Ideas:

Juice the oranges and limes before you get started so everything is handy and ready.
Can't find passionfruit? Substitute guava juice. You can also put your own spin on the hurricane by using mango juice or papaya. Fun!
Use lemons in place of limes if you'd like.
Shake everything up in a cocktail shaker with a strainer to catch any seeds and pulp. Plus, shaking it up with ice gets it nice and chilled before you pour it over ice.
Don't have a cocktail shaker? Make your own with a mason jar.
Drink slowly and enjoy responsibly. This cocktail packs a double shot of rum and is quite intoxicating.
You can make this recipe using only dark rum or only light rum. Or, for a flavorful version used spice rum. (I LOVE spiced rum. Sailor Jerry is my favorite.)
Many people find that the hurricane is sweet enough WITHOUT the addition of simple syrup. Use it to your personal taste.
Serving a crowd? Use our recipe and multiply it by the number of servings you'd like to make. Strain the citrus juices first, then stir everything together in a pitcher. Keep chilled and pour over ice when ready to serve. So tasty!

a fruity, tropical hurricane drink in a tall glass

We hope you LOVE this Hurricane Drink Recipe and would love to hear from you. Leave us a comment below this recipe. Happy Mardi Gras!! Or...a Thursday in July. A Friday in December. Whenver you feel New Orleans calling...

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