The Story Behind the Hurricane Cocktail

The Hurricane Cocktail was born in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans, an establishment that started as a speakeasy during Prohibition. After Prohibition ended, Pat O’Brien’s became an iconic spot in the French Quarter, known for its lively atmosphere and creative cocktails. But the story of how the Hurricane came to be is as much about necessity as it is about creativity.

In the years following World War II, American whiskey was in short supply, but rum was being imported in large quantities from the Caribbean. To sell whiskey to bars, distributors often required the purchase of rum in bulk. This left Pat O’Brien and other bartenders with an overstock of rum and not enough customers asking for it.

Faced with a surplus of rum, the bartenders at Pat O’Brien’s decided to get creative. The result? A potent, tropical cocktail that packed a punch and became an instant hit. They served the drink in hurricane-lamp-shaped glasses—hence the name—and soon, the Hurricane Cocktail was on its way to becoming a New Orleans institution.

The Original Hurricane Recipe

The original Hurricane Cocktail was simple but packed with flavor, designed to showcase the Caribbean rum and the bright, fruity flavors that complemented it perfectly.

Here’s how to make the classic Hurricane Cocktail just like they did at Pat O’Brien’s:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz dark rum
• 2 oz light rum
• 1 oz passion fruit syrup
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup
• 1/2 oz grenadine
• Garnish: Orange slice and cherry

Instructions:

1. Fill a shaker with ice.
2. Pour in the dark rum, light rum, passion fruit syrup, lime juice, orange juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
3. Shake well until all the ingredients are chilled and mixed.
4. Strain the mixture into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a slice of orange and a maraschino cherry for that classic Hurricane look.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical flavors that have made this drink a favorite for decades.

A Timeless Classic

Over the years, the Hurricane Cocktail has evolved, with many bartenders adding their own twists and ingredients, but the original recipe remains a fan favorite. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a symbol of New Orleans' rich cocktail history, as well as the resourcefulness and creativity that come from working with what you have behind the bar.

Whether you're serving it at a bar or mixing one up at home, the Hurricane Cocktail brings a taste of New Orleans right to your glass. Add it to your repertoire, and let the spirit of the Big Easy live on in every sip.