Hurricane Recipe – Bold, fruity, and unapologetically vibrant, the Hurricane cocktail is one of the most iconic drinks to come out of New Orleans. Originating in the 1940s at Pat O’Brien’s Bar in the French Quarter, the Hurricane was created during a time when whiskey was scarce, but rum was plentiful.
Bartenders needed a cocktail that used up their rum supply—so they blended it with passion fruit, citrus, and sweetness to create a drink that was powerful, tropical, and deeply refreshing.
Recipe Overview
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Cuisine: New Orleans / American
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Course: Cocktail / Beverage
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Servings: 1 drink
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Calories: Approximately 250–350 calories
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Active Time: 5 minutes
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Resting Time: 0 minutes
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Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
For One Classic Hurricane
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2 oz light rum
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2 oz dark rum
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1 oz passion fruit syrup (or passion fruit juice + simple syrup)
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1 oz fresh lemon juice
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1 oz orange juice (optional but common in modern versions)
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½ oz grenadine
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Ice cubes
Equipment
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Hurricane glass (traditional) or highball glass
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Cocktail shaker
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Jigger
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Strainer
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Bar spoon
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Ice scoop
Instructions
1. Fill the Glass
Add fresh ice cubes to a hurricane or tall glass. Filling the glass first ensures that your cocktail stays cold while you mix.
2. Add Ingredients to the Shaker
In a cocktail shaker, combine:
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Light rum
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Dark rum
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Passion fruit syrup
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Lemon juice
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Orange juice
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Grenadine
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A handful of ice
Shaking is key—this cocktail needs proper dilution and blending.
3. Shake Vigorously
Shake for 10–12 seconds until the mixture is thoroughly chilled and slightly frothy.
4. Strain into the Glass
Strain the cocktail over ice in your prepared glass.
The drink should have a deep red-orange color reminiscent of a tropical sunset.
5. Garnish & Serve
Top with a cherry, orange slice, or pineapple wedge.
Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the sweet, tangy, island-inspired flavors.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250–350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25–40 g |
| Sugars | 22–38 g |
| Protein | 0–1 g |
| Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 5–10 mg |
| Alcohol (ABV) | ~16–22% |
| Fiber | 0 g |
Variations in alcohol type, juice quantity, and syrup brand can affect calorie count.
Expert Tips
1. Use Real Passion Fruit Syrup
Authentic passion fruit syrup makes a huge difference in taste and texture.
2. Fresh Lemon Juice Is Essential
Avoid bottled lemon juice—it lacks the brightness needed to balance the sweetness.
3. Shake, Don’t Stir
Shaking helps incorporate the citrus and syrup more effectively, resulting in a smoother, more refreshing drink.
4. Chill the Glass First
Place the hurricane glass in the freezer for 5 minutes to keep your cocktail ice-cold longer.
5. Consider Layering Rums
For visual flair, float ½ oz dark rum on top after pouring.
6. Garnish with Fresh Fruit
Pineapple, orange slices, or cherries not only look beautiful—they enhance the aroma.
Conclusion
The Hurricane is more than just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of New Orleans culture, history, and flavor. With its bold mix of rum and fruit, its vibrant color, and its energizing sweetness, this drink brings festive spirit to any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a Mardi Gras party or simply craving a tropical escape, this recipe provides everything you need to create the perfect Hurricane at home.
