Hurricane

Few cocktails make an entrance quite like the Hurricane. Served in its signature curved glass and glowing with deep sunset colors, this rum based favorite has been turning heads for decades. It is bold, fruity, and just strong enough to remind you that you are drinking something serious.

The first time I had a Hurricane was during a summer party with friends who wanted something festive but easy to batch. One sip and I understood the hype. The mix of white rum, dark rum, citrus juices, and passion fruit creates a layered flavor that feels tropical without being overly sweet. I love this because it tastes like a vacation, even if you are just in your backyard.

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Why You’ll Love This

The Hurricane cocktail stands out because it combines multiple fruit flavors with two types of rum. The result is balanced but bold, refreshing yet strong.

Here is why this drink deserves a spot in your cocktail lineup:

• Dual rum base gives it depth and richness
• Bright citrus flavors from lime and orange juice
• Tropical touch from passion fruit puree
• Beautiful layered color thanks to grenadine
• Great for entertaining since it feels festive and impressive

What I appreciate most is how it manages to taste smooth despite having a generous pour of rum. It is a cocktail that feels celebratory from the first sip.

Ingredients

This Hurricane works because each ingredient builds on the last. The white rum keeps it light, the dark rum adds body, and the fruit juices bring brightness and balance.

• 2 oz. white rum
• 2 oz. dark rum
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 0.5 oz. passion fruit puree
• 0.5 oz. simple syrup
• 1 bar spoon grenadine

Suggested Liquor Brands and Substitutions

The rum you choose will shape the final flavor. Since this drink features both white and dark rum, quality matters.

Here are some solid choices:

• Bacardi Superior for a smooth and clean white rum base
• Plantation 3 Stars for a slightly more complex white rum
• Myers’s Dark Rum for rich molasses notes
• Captain Morgan Dark Rum for a softer, slightly sweet finish
• Flor de Caña 4 Year as a balanced white rum option

If you cannot find passion fruit puree, you can substitute passion fruit juice, though the flavor may be lighter. In a pinch, a splash of pineapple juice can add a similar tropical feel, but it will change the taste slightly.

Equipment and Glassware

This cocktail is traditionally served in a hurricane glass, which highlights its color and gives it that classic look. However, you can still enjoy it without specialty glassware.

You will need:

• Hurricane Glass
• Cocktail Shaker
• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Strainer

The curved hurricane glass helps show off the vibrant color. If you do not have one, a tall clear glass works just fine.

How to Make It

Making a Hurricane is simple, but shaking properly ensures the flavors blend well and the drink is nicely chilled.

1. Add ice to the shaker.
2. Add white rum, dark rum, lime juice, orange juice, passion fruit puree, simple syrup, and grenadine.
3. Shake the cocktail shaker.
4. Fill a hurricane glass with ice.
5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
6. Finally, garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.

A good shake for about 15 seconds helps fully combine the juices and rums. The garnish adds aroma and gives it that classic New Orleans style look.

Pro Tips

Small details can elevate your Hurricane from good to great.

• Use fresh citrus juice for the brightest flavor
• Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink colder longer
• Adjust sweetness carefully by adding slightly more or less simple syrup
• Shake firmly to properly mix the puree
• Layer grenadine slowly if you want a more dramatic color effect
• Use quality ice to avoid watering down the drink too quickly
• Taste before serving and tweak if needed

Once you have mastered the base recipe, feel free to adjust the citrus levels or rum ratio to suit your taste.

Variations

The Hurricane is flexible, which makes it fun to personalize.

Try these twists:

• Frozen Hurricane Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy texture
• Spiced Hurricane Add a splash of spiced rum for extra warmth
• Extra fruity version Increase passion fruit puree slightly
• Lighter version Reduce rum to 1.5 oz each and add more orange juice
• Non alcoholic version Replace rum with a mix of orange juice and sparkling water

Each version keeps the tropical heart of the drink while offering a slightly different vibe.

When to Serve and Pairings

The Hurricane shines at events where bold flavors are welcome.

It works well for:

• Summer parties
• Mardi Gras celebrations
• Beach themed gatherings
• Backyard barbecues
• Birthday parties

For food pairings, go with dishes that can stand up to its fruity richness:

• Grilled shrimp skewers
• Jerk chicken
• Pulled pork sliders
• Cajun pasta
• Fried seafood

You can also pair it with other rum cocktails for a cohesive tropical drink menu.

Storage and Serving Notes

Hurricanes are best served fresh after shaking. However, you can prepare the liquid mixture ahead of time for parties.

Combine all ingredients except ice in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Shake individual servings with ice before pouring into glasses.

Avoid adding ice directly to a batch container, as it will dilute the mixture too quickly.

FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about this classic rum cocktail.

Is the Hurricane very strong?
Yes, it contains both white and dark rum, so it has a noticeable kick despite its fruity flavor.

Can I use bottled citrus juice?
Fresh juice is strongly recommended for the best taste.

What if I do not have a hurricane glass?
A tall highball or large rocks glass works perfectly fine.

Can I make this into a punch?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients and serve in a large bowl, adding ice to individual glasses.

What is the purpose of grenadine?
It adds sweetness and contributes to the cocktail’s rich red color.

More Cocktails to Try

If you enjoy rum forward cocktails like the Hurricane, here are a few more worth trying:

• Mai Tai
• Zombie
• Piña Colada
• Bahama Mama
• Blue Hawaiian