The exotic, iconic New Orleans Hurricane Cocktail – a sweet, strong, tropical storm in a glass that’s sure to get the party started!

Any day can feel like Mardi Gras when you make our easy, classic Hurricane Cocktail recipe! Featuring a double punch of silver and spiced rums, a tangy trio of tasty juices (passion fruit, orange, lemon), and the sweet goodness of grenadine, this drink is perfect for all your spectacular summer events! Served in a beautiful hurricane-lamp-shaped glass with a gorgeous garnish of maraschino cherries and orange slices, there is absolutely nothing subtle about this delicious drink!

hurricane cocktail in a hurricane glass with recipe name at the bottom

A Bourbon Street Rum Special!

The hurricane has been a classic since its origin in the 1940s! Undoubtedly STILL the most popular drink in New Orleans’ French Quarter, it was created at Pat O’Brien’s bar, with their famous flaming fountain and dueling pianos. This hurricane cocktail packs a tropical punch – it’s fun and boozy, fruity and bright, and served in a beautiful, curvy glass that’s shaped like an old-fashioned hurricane lamp (hence the name!)

Other Boozy, Tropical Cocktail Recipes

Peaches and Cream Cocktail is every bit as tempting as the name implies!
Pineapple Rum Punch brings tropical vacation vibes to your own backyard!

Ingredients

Booze: A hurricane needs two different rums! This recipe uses both spiced and silver rum for a hefty kick!

Juice: Orange juice, passion fruit juice, and lemon juice give this cocktail all the tangy, fresh citrus flavors!

Syrup: Grenadine blends in for added sweetness and a touch of tartness!

Garnish: Maraschino cherries and orange slices make the perfect garnish on the rim of the hurricane glasses!

How to Make a Hurricane Cocktail

STEP ONE: Mix the rums, juices, and grenadine together in a small pitcher and stir.

passion fruit juice being poured into a cocktail shaker

STEP TWO: Fill two small hurricane glasses with ice and pour in the cocktail.

hurricane cocktail being strained into a glass with ice

STEP THREE: Garnish the cocktails with an orange slice and a couple of maraschino cherries. Sip and enjoy!

hurricane cocktail garnished with an orange slice and cherries

Tips for Success

If you don’t have passion fruit juice, guava or pineapple juice can be used as a substitute.
The lemon can be exchanged for lime.
Make ahead easily by mixing the drink in a pitcher (leave out the ice) and chilling in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
Use frozen concentrated juices and toss in the blender for a Frozen Hurricane Slushie!
Spear the cherries and fruit slices with cocktail skewers to flavor the drink, then make them easy to nibble!

two hurricane cocktails next to garnishes on a cutting board

What Alcohol Goes in a Hurricane Cocktail?

The hurricane cocktail was created during WW2 when whiskey and other hard liquors were difficult to obtain. Rum, on the other hand, was plentiful, so it became the base of this drink. And not just one type of rum, but a double dose of light and dark or white and spiced, making this drink plenty potent! Most bartenders use Jamaican rum, but Puerto Rican and Dominican rums, all made from Caribbean-grown sugar cane are fantastic and flavorful!

Are Dark Rum and Spiced Rum the Same Thing?

No, dark rum and spiced rum are not the same. While all rum is made from parts of sugar cane and is generally aged in wooden barrels, dark and spiced rums do have some notable differences.

Dark rum is aged longer, has a smoky flavor, contains notes of molasses and vanilla, and is used in drink recipes for the Mai Tai and Dark and Stormy.

Spiced rum, on the other hand, is aged for less time and has spices like cinnamon and nutmeg added to it as well as caramel coloring. It’s featured in cocktails like a rum punch and a Bahama Mama.

angled view of a hurricane cocktail on a wooden board

Other Seasonal, Weather-Inspired Cocktail Recipes!

*This post originally posted on 08/10/2016.