How to Make a New Orleans-Style Hurricane Cocktail

Mardi Gras is French for “Fat Tuesday,” a day when people eat and drink in excess before fasting for Lent begins. New Orleans is famous for its Mardi Gras carnival, with days of parades and celebrations with plenty of food and drink. The most legendary Mardi Gras recipe in New Orleans? It’s easily the hurricane drink.

Want to bring the spirit of the Big Easy to your kitchen? Indulge in our best Fat Tuesday recipes.

What Is a Hurricane Drink?

The very first hurricane was concocted at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans in the 1940s. Due to a scotch shortage in America during World War II, bar owners purchased rum to compensate. The bartenders at Pat O’Brien’s invented the fruity drink and mixed them in bulk in an attempt to reduce their overwhelming surplus of rum. It turns out, patrons couldn’t get enough of the cocktail!

The fruity elixir was eventually served in a hurricane glass and the name stuck.

How to Make a Hurricane Drink

The recipe below makes one cocktail.

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 tablespoon simple syrup
• 1 tablespoon grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry, for garnish

Editor’s Tip: You can buy passion fruit juice or puree in the beverage aisle of many grocery stores. You can also find it on Amazon.

Directions

Step 1: Shake ingredients

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

Step 2: Pour into a glass

Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.

Step 3: Top with garnish

Garnish your hurricane drink with a cherry and an orange slice. À votre santé! (Cheers!) Here’s our collection of the best Mardi Gras drinks.

Do I Need a Hurricane Glass?

The hurricane drink can be enjoyed in pretty much any type of glass, but is traditionally served in a tall, curvy “hurricane glass.” These glasses can be purchased at many home goods stores or you can buy a set on Amazon.

Next, learn about Mardi Gras desserts, including the famous king cake.

More New Orleans-Inspired Recipes for Mardi Gras

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Check out these other Fat Tuesday recipes that are so delicious.

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Mini MuffulettaPeople love these hearty little sandwich wedges. The New Orleans recipe is great for a party and can be made the day before.—Gareth Craner, Minden, Nevada

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Crawfish EtouffeeI like to serve this Cajun sensation when I entertain. Etouffee is typically served with shellfish over rice and is similar to gumbo. This recipe has its roots in New Orleans and the bayou country of Louisiana. —Tamra Duncan, Lincoln, Arkansas

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New Orleans BeignetsThese sweet, square and holeless French doughnuts are known as beignets. New Orleans’ traditional breakfast always includes a few of these powdered sugar delicacies. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana

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Paczki are another Fat Tuesday tradition.

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Bourbon Pecan PralinesLike authentic pecan pralines found in New Orleans, these treats are sweet, crunchy and rich! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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