Hurricane New Orleans Drink: A Taste of Iconic Cocktails

The Hurricane cocktail, a vibrant and fruity concoction, has become an iconic symbol of New Orleans’ lively culture and spirited nightlife. This beloved drink, enjoyed by locals and tourists alike, captures the essence of the city’s fun-loving attitude and rich culinary heritage.

TL;DR

• The Hurricane was created at Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans during World War II to utilize a surplus of rum.
• The classic recipe combines light and dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
• Popular spots to savor an authentic Hurricane include Pat O’Brien’s, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, and Tropical Isle.

The Origin and Evolution of the Hurricane Drink

The story of the Hurricane cocktail begins in the 1940s at the famous Pat O’Brien’s bar in the French Quarter. During World War II, whiskey was scarce, but rum was abundant. Bar owners like Pat O’Brien were forced to purchase large quantities of rum to secure other sought-after liquors. To make use of the excess rum, the bartenders at Pat O’Brien’s crafted a new cocktail that would become a sensation – the Hurricane.

The original Hurricane recipe was a potent blend of light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, and lemon juice, served in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a wider variety of fruit juices and syrups, creating the sweet and tangy flavor profile we know and love today.

Ingredients and How to Make a Classic Hurricane

To make a classic Hurricane at home, you’ll need the following 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 maraschino cherry for garnish

To mix the perfect Hurricane, combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into a tall hurricane glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry, and enjoy the taste of New Orleans in every sip.

Where to Find the Best Hurricane in New Orleans

No visit to New Orleans is complete without sampling an authentic Hurricane cocktail. Here are some of the top spots to enjoy this iconic drink:

Pat O’Brien’s Bar

Address: 718 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: Open daily 10am-2am

As the birthplace of the Hurricane, Pat O’Brien’s is a must-visit for any cocktail enthusiast. Sip your Hurricane in their famous courtyard, complete with a flaming fountain.

Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop

Address: 941 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116

Hours: Open 24/7

This historic bar, located in a building dating back to the 1700s, offers a unique atmosphere and a delicious Hurricane made with their signature mix.

Tropical Isle

Address: 600 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours: Open daily 11am-2am

Known for their “Hand Grenade” cocktail, Tropical Isle also serves up a mean Hurricane. Enjoy your drink while people-watching on lively Bourbon Street.

The Art and Science of Cocktail Making: The Hurricane’s Place in Mixology

Crafting the perfect Hurricane requires a delicate balance of sweet and sour flavors, as well as a keen eye for presentation. Mixologists in New Orleans take pride in using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create their signature Hurricanes, often adding their own unique twists to the classic recipe.

The Hurricane has also influenced cocktail trends beyond the borders of New Orleans. Its popularity has inspired countless variations and adaptations, cementing its place in the annals of mixology history.

Celebrating Mardi Gras with a Hurricane in Hand

No Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans is complete without a Hurricane or two. The drink’s festive appearance and potent kick make it the perfect companion for the city’s annual Carnival season. As you stroll down Bourbon Street, taking in the vibrant sights and sounds of Mardi Gras, a Hurricane in hand will help you embrace the joyful spirit of the occasion.

Beyond the Hurricane: Exploring New Orleans’ Cocktail Scene

While the Hurricane reigns supreme, New Orleans boasts an impressive array of other iconic cocktails. The Sazerac, often cited as America’s first cocktail, originated in the city and features rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters, and absinthe. The Vieux Carré, named after the French Quarter, is another local favorite, combining rye whiskey, cognac, sweet vermouth, and bitters.

For those looking to explore New Orleans‘ cocktail culture further, a visit to the Museum of the American Cocktail (1504 O.C. Haley Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70113; Open Wed-Sun 11am-5pm) is a must. This unique museum showcases the history and artistry behind America’s most beloved cocktails, including the Hurricane.

Preserving Tradition While Embracing Innovation

As the cocktail scene in New Orleans continues to evolve, many bars and mixologists are finding ways to put their own creative spin on the classic Hurricane. Some establishments, like Cane & Table (1113 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116; Open daily 3pm-11pm), offer a more refined take on the drink, using premium rums and house-made syrups.

Others, like Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29 (321 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130; Open Wed-Sun 3pm-10pm), have taken inspiration from the Hurricane to create entirely new tropical cocktails that pay homage to the city’s tiki culture.

Despite these innovations, the traditional Hurricane remains a beloved staple of New Orleans’ cocktail scene. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the city’s ability to preserve its rich culinary heritage while also embracing new ideas and flavors.

The Hurricane cocktail is more than just a drink – it’s a symbol of New Orleans’ vibrant spirit and resilient character. Whether you’re sipping a classic version at Pat O’Brien’s or trying a modern twist at a trendy new bar, the Hurricane is sure to leave a lasting impression. So the next time you find yourself in the Big Easy, be sure to raise a glass of this iconic cocktail and let the good times roll!