Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

We love how the Hurricane has become a symbol of New Orleans culture, especially during Mardi Gras. The Hurricane cocktail recipe combines fruity passion fruit and orange juice with sweet grenadine and rum for a refreshing taste. Its bright color and garnishes make it a feast for the eyes too.

We always remind our friends to sip this cocktail slowly. It may taste sweet, but it packs a punch with multiple types of rum. We've enjoyed many Hurricanes in New Orleans, and now we love making them at home for parties. It's a perfect way to bring a taste of the Big Easy to any gathering.

Ingredients You'll Need

Making a Hurricane cocktail is all about using the right mix of ingredients to create a flavorful and refreshing drink. Each one adds something unique to the recipe, so let’s break it down.

Rum

We love using both light and dark rum in our Hurricane cocktails. Light rum brings a clean, crisp flavor, while dark rum adds depth and richness.

For light rum, we recommend Bacardi Superior or Havana Club 3 Year. These offer a smooth base without overpowering other flavors.

Our go-to dark rums include Mount Gay Eclipse or Gosling's Black Seal. They contribute caramel and spice notes that elevate the drink.

Can't find these brands? No worries! Any quality light and dark rum will work well in this recipe.

Passion Fruit Juice or Purée

Passion fruit is what gives a Hurricane its tropical flair. Fresh passion fruit juice is always the best choice if you can find it. Try checking specialty stores or Latin American markets for it.

If fresh juice is not available, passion fruit purée works just as well. You can mix it with a little water if it feels too thick. If you are in a pinch, passion fruit syrup can do the job too. Just remember to use less simple syrup to keep the drink balanced.

Orange Juice

Orange juice adds a burst of citrus that pairs perfectly with the passion fruit and rum. Freshly squeezed juice is the way to go for the best flavor.

One medium orange will usually give you about a quarter cup of juice, which is just the right amount for one Hurricane.

Grenadine

Grenadine is what gives the Hurricane its beautiful red color and a touch of sweetness. If you can, make your own grenadine with pomegranate juice and sugar. It is easy to do and the flavor is so much better. Get the recipe for Grenadine Syrup here.

If homemade is not an option, look for store-bought brands made with real pomegranate juice. A little grenadine goes a long way, so start small and add more if you need to.

Related: 17 Best Cocktails with Grenadine to Try

Simple Syrup

Simple syrup helps tie all the flavors together. It is just sugar dissolved in water, and you can easily make it at home.

For a fun twist, try using demerara or turbinado sugar instead of regular sugar. It adds a hint of molasses flavor that works beautifully with the dark rum.

How to Make a Hurricane Cocktail

Making a Hurricane cocktail is simple and fun. Let me walk you through the steps to whip up this New Orleans favorite.

First, grab a cocktail shaker. If you do not have one, no worries. A mason jar with a tight lid works just as well.

Start by adding your rums, fruit juices, and grenadine into the shaker. Throw in some ice cubes until the shaker is about halfway full.

Now for the fun part. Shake it up for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill everything and mix it together nicely.

Next, grab a glass. A classic Hurricane glass is great, but any tall glass you have at home will work just fine. Fill it about a third full with fresh ice, then strain your cocktail over the top.

Do not forget the garnishes. A slice of orange and a cherry are the traditional choices, but you can switch it up with a lime wheel or a pineapple wedge. If you are feeling fancy, a little paper umbrella adds a festive touch.

And there you have it. Your Hurricane cocktail is ready to enjoy. Sit back, take a sip, and enjoy the tropical vibes. Cheers!

Variations of the Hurricane Cocktail

The Hurricane is a classic, but it is also a lot of fun to customize. Here are a few ideas to shake things up and make this drink your own.

Frozen Hurricane
If you are looking for something refreshing on a hot day, try a Frozen Hurricane. Blend your ingredients with ice to get a slushy, icy version of this tropical drink. It is perfect for summer afternoons.

Mocktail Hurricane
Not drinking alcohol? No problem. You can still enjoy the fruity flavors of a Hurricane by making a mocktail. Swap the rum for pineapple juice and add a splash of grenadine. It is just as colorful and delicious.

Add a Kick
If you want to add a little extra punch, pour a splash of overproof rum on top. It gives the drink more depth and makes it a little stronger.

Switch Up the Garnishes
Why stick to the usual orange slice and cherry? Try something different. A pineapple wedge, a sprig of mint, or even a half passion fruit can add a fun and tropical look to your Hurricane.

Try New Juices
Mixing in different fruit juices is a simple way to change up the flavor. Cranberry or pomegranate juice can add a tangy twist. For something creamy, add a little coconut cream to make a rich and tropical version.

BerryCane Hurricane
For a fun twist, replace some of the passion fruit juice with blackberry liqueur. This BerryCane version adds a sweet and fruity flavor that is a nice change of pace.

The best part about making cocktails is getting creative and finding what works for you. So do not be afraid to try new things and make your own version of the Hurricane. Cheers!

More Cocktail Recipes to Try

If you are a fan of the Hurricane, here are a few other tropical cocktails you will love:

• Mai Tai
• Zombie
• Piña Colada

These are perfect for summer parties or whenever you need a little tropical escape. Grab your shaker and start experimenting!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called a Hurricane Cocktail?

The Hurricane gets its name from the glass it is traditionally served in. The curvy glass looks like a hurricane lamp, and that is where the name comes from.

This cocktail was first created in the 1940s at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans. The name fits perfectly with the drink’s bold flavors and its reputation for being pretty strong.

What is the alcohol content of a Hurricane Cocktail?

The Hurricane is definitely not a lightweight drink. It is made with both light and dark rum, and each usually has an alcohol content of about 40%. With 2 ounces of each, you are looking at a cocktail with some serious kick.

If you want to dial it back a bit, you can use less rum or swap it out for lighter versions. Either way, it is a drink to enjoy slowly and responsibly.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of the Hurricane Cocktail?

You sure can. To make a non-alcoholic version, just skip the rum and use extra fruit juices instead. Pineapple or cranberry juice works really well to keep the drink bright and flavorful.

You will still use grenadine and simple syrup for sweetness and color. For a little sparkle, add soda water or sparkling lemonade. It is a fun option for kids or anyone who wants a booze-free drink.

What foods pair well with a Hurricane Cocktail?

We love pairing Hurricanes with New Orleans-style dishes like gumbo or jambalaya. Their bold flavors balance the drink's sweetness perfectly.

For snacks, we suggest shrimp cocktail or spiced nuts. These lighter options complement the cocktail at parties.

We also enjoy Hurricanes with tropical desserts like coconut cake or pineapple upside-down cake. The drink's fruity profile works well with both savory and sweet foods.

Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

The Hurricane is a fruity and refreshing cocktail with bold flavors that capture the spirit of New Orleans. This tropical favorite combines rum, passion fruit, and citrus for a drink that’s as vibrant as it is delicious. Perfect for parties or a relaxing evening, it’s a classic you’ll want to make again and again.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 1

Equipment

• Cocktail shaker
• Strainer
• Hurricane Glass or Tall Glass

Ingredients

  

• 2 oz White Rum
• 2 oz Dark Rum
• 2 oz Passion Fruit Juice
• 1 oz Orange Juice
• 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Simple Syrup
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• 1 Cherry for garnish
• 1 Orange Slice for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill your cocktail shaker with ice.
• Pour in the white rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
• Give it a good shake for about 15-20 seconds. This helps chill and mix everything nicely.
• Fill your glass with fresh ice.
• Strain the cocktail into your glass.
• Top it off with a cherry and an orange slice for that finishing touch.

Notes

• The combination of white and dark rum gives this cocktail its perfect balance of crispness and depth.
• Fresh passion fruit juice is the best, but if you cannot find it, a mix of pineapple and orange juice works well too.
• If you prefer a less sweet drink, start with a little less simple syrup and adjust as you go.

 

Grab your glass, take a sip, and enjoy. Cheers!

Keyword hurricane cocktail, hurricane cocktail recipe, hurricane recipe