Hurricane Isaac is a reminder that hurricanes are no joke. Here in Austin, Texas, we might receive some of the rain produced but never have to prepare to bunker down like our coastline friends. But there is one hurricane that we all hope would make land fall more often—especially at our local bar—and that’s the hurricane cocktail.

It’s All in the Glass

The hurricane is a New Orleans original drink. In the days of World War II, whiskey was in short supply. Liquor vendors sought to increase their sales, while at the same time stymieing the consumption of their whiskey stock by requiring that bar owners order a certain number of cases of more abundant rum in order to receive a case of whiskey. Pat O’Brien, owner of the aptly and now famous bar Pat O’Brien’s, came up with a daiquiri variation of rum and fruit juices and gave it to sailors in an attempt to get rid of his stock of rum. Years later, the hurricane lamp glass was invented and used by the staff at Pat O’Brien’s giving the drink its now famous name.

If you have ever been to New Orleans you will know that just about every bar now serves their own hurricane, but Pat O’Brien’s still serve the original and will give you the glass to take home with you. These glasses are probably one of the most sought after souvenirs by tourists. Most other bars, and especially during Mardis Gras, will serve theirs in a plastic cup, since plastic open containers are perfectly legal in New Orleans, while glass containers are not.

The Gentleman Weathers the Storm

I don’t usually drink a lot of rum. It’s not that I have anything against it, just not my choice liquor. But the hurricane is like a drunk assassin—not like an assassin who is inebriated, but like an assassin that instead of killing you, gets you drunk. It is so sweet and delicious that you could down too many, too quickly. Having a whole batch of hurricane cocktail mixed up is like being a kid with a freshly made pitcher of Kool-Aid. You start by having one glass, but before the after-school cartoons are over you have drunk the entire pitcher and your mom is desperately trying to not lose her mind over your overindulgent sugar rush.

Like with most drinks, the Hurricane has several variations depending on the bar, or pre-mix if you decide to go that route. Here’s the recipe that I find to be delicious—of course you can make a whole pitcher or punch bowl with this, just maintain the same ratios and you will be good:

Hurricane

2 oz. – Light Rum
2 oz. – Dark Rum
1 oz. – Amaretto (Not usually in most Hurricanes, but trust me, it adds just a little something)
2 oz. – Passion Fruit Juice
1 oz. – Orange Juice
1 Tsp. – Fresh Lime Juice (Use fresh. That stuff in the little plastic lime will not be as good)
1 Dash – Simple Syrup (Leave this out if you prefer a less sweet mix)
1 Dash – Grenadine
Orange Slice and Cherry for Garnish

Just mix all theses ingredients together, garnish, put it on the rocks and you too can enjoy this gem from New Orleans. Just beware of the category five hangover after too many of these.

-- The Gentleman