Paul Kushner
The Vodka Hurricane is a colorful, fruit-forward cocktail that delivers bold flavor with a smooth vodka base. This version swaps out the traditional rum for vodka, giving the drink a lighter and cleaner taste while still keeping all the tropical character. Passion fruit juice brings a sweet and slightly tart richness, while orange and lime juices add bright citrus notes that keep the flavors balanced. A splash of grenadine deepens the color and adds just a touch of extra sweetness. Refreshing, vibrant, and easy to sip, the Vodka Hurricane is perfect for warm evenings, casual gatherings, or festive celebrations.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Tasting Notes
The Vodka Hurricane is bright, juicy, and a little sweet with just enough citrus to keep things balanced. Passion fruit and orange juices bring a punch of fruit flavor, while the lime adds some tang to lighten it up. Vodka keeps the base neutral, letting the mixers shine. The simple syrup rounds everything out, and the grenadine gives it that deep red color and a smooth, fruity finish. Garnished with a cherry and orange slice, it’s a bold, colorful drink that’s easy to sip, especially when you want something with a tropical feel without the rum.
Equipment and Glassware
You’ll need a shaker, a jigger or measuring tool, and a strainer. A citrus juicer will also come in handy if you’re using fresh juice. For serving, the classic choice is a hurricane glass, but a tall highball or large rocks glass works too. Make sure to have a bar spoon or cocktail pick for placing the garnishes. This drink is best served over fresh ice, so keep an ice scoop or tongs nearby. No blender needed just a good shake and a clean pour.
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz passion fruit juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz grenadine
- Garnish: orange slice and cherry
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Pour into a hurricane or tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice whenever possible for a brighter finish.
- Chill your glass before pouring to keep the drink colder longer.
- Add grenadine last for a nice layered visual effect.
- Adjust sweetness by lowering the simple syrup slightly if using sweet juices.
- Try flavored vodka (like citrus or tropical) for a twist.
- If you want more tartness, increase the lime juice to 0.75 oz.
- Always shake with plenty of ice to chill and mix the juices well.
When to Serve
The Vodka Hurricane works great at BBQs, summer parties, beach days, and anywhere you’d usually want a tiki-style drink. It’s easy to build for a crowd and can be pre-batched ahead of time for pitcher service. Since it skips the heavier rum base, it’s a little lighter and more approachable for people who aren’t into strong drinks. Serve this during daylight hours, early evening, or anytime you’re looking for a laid-back drink that feels fun but still easygoing.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Vodka
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Absolut
- Smirnoff
- New Amsterdam
- Ketel One
Similar Cocktails
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz passion fruit juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- ½ oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz grenadine
- Garnish: orange slice and cherry
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice.
- Add vodka, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Pour into a hurricane or tall glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.
Notes
Pro Tips
- Use fresh citrus juice for the best flavor it keeps the drink bright and sharp.
- If you want a more layered look, pour the grenadine last and let it settle before stirring.
- Swap in a splash of soda water if you want it lighter and a little fizzy.
- Add a reusable straw for easier sipping, especially in a taller glass.
