Unleash an epic flavor experience with this quick and easy recipe for a rum-laced drink that’ll take your senses by storm!
There’s only one way a hurricane is a good thing—in a frosty glass! This hurricane drink recipe unleashes an epic flavor experience that’ll take any party by storm.
This juicy adult beverage comes from New Orleans—a city known for both a partying attitude and devastating weather events. Bartenders at the famed Pat O’Brien’s Bar created this vibrant rum punch in the 1940s and named it after the common household lamps designed to protect a flickering flame from the high winds of punishing coastal storms. The bar’s owners needed a bold, eye-catching vessel for their new drink, so they commissioned a local glassware supplier to produce vessels in bulk that mimicked the rounded base and flared top of a hurricane lamp. What began as a creative marketing decision soon became iconic when tourists started taking the glasses home as souvenirs. Today, the recognizable hurricane glass is permanently linked to both this drink and the celebratory spirit of New Orleans nightlife.
You’ll love how this cocktail brings a taste of the Crescent City right to your home. Dark and light rum play off each other with deep notes of molasses and vanilla. Passion fruit, orange, and lime juices bring in vibrant sweetness and just enough tartness to keep the drink in balance. Grenadine adds vivid red color and berry-forward complexity. Tweak the amount of simple syrup to your taste preferences—or leave it out entirely if you’re using juice that’s already sweetened.
Form and function of the hurricane glass
A hurricane glass does more than look festive—it enhances your drinking experience. Its wide, curved bowl accommodates large amounts of crushed ice, keeping fruit-filled drinks cold without diluting flavor. The flared rim opens up the aromatics of rum and citrus so you can appreciate the cocktail’s full scent, while the height and volume (usually around 20 ounces) beautifully display layered colors and garnishes. These qualities make the hurricane glass ideal not just for this cocktail but also for other tropical, high-volume drinks, like this Piña Colada Recipe, this Singapore Sling Recipe, and this Blue Hawaiian Drink Recipe. It’s a piece of glassware that celebrates both form and function—a little dramatic, a little indulgent, and perfectly suited to the spirited culture that created it.
If you haven’t got hurricane glasses on hand, don’t fret! A highball or large wine glass makes an excellent everyday stand-in. Both offer the volume needed for ice-heavy, juice-forward drinks while letting the vibrant color show through. A stemmed beer glass or tall water glass also works fine for larger batches or casual sipping. The goal is to choose a glass that’s tall enough to hold 12–16 ounces and wide enough for ice and fruit garnishes—any vessel meeting those criteria will let this bold, tropical cocktail shine.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover hurricane cocktails—sans ice and garnish—in an airtight glass container or pitcher in the fridge for up to 1-2 days. This is also one of few citrus-based drinks that freeze well for up to 2 months. Just use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter for 30-60 minutes, then shake or stir well before serving over fresh ice.
Serving suggestions
Serve hurricane cocktails alongside dishes that evoke the revelry and resilience of New Orleans. Pair a Shrimp Po’ Boy or Baked Honey Cajun Salmon with Haitian Rice And Beans for an authentic Crescent City meal. And don’t forget this Beignet Recipe for a sweet finish!
Ingredients
- 2 ounces light rum
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 2 ounces passion fruit juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup or to taste
- Cherry and orange slice optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add the light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, and simple syrup.
- Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 10–15 seconds, until well chilled and mixed.
- Fill a hurricane glass with fresh ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry, if desired. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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