Aloha!

The HurricaneWith Mardi Gras around the corner it is time to have a Hurricane.  The Hurricane cocktail was invented by Pat O’Brien’s during World War II in New Orleans. During the war many varieties of liquor were in short supply.  In order to get a case of whiskey distributors would require a bar to purchase several cases of rum.  As a result there was plenty of extra rum lying around. So, to get rid of it the Hurricane was invented.  The Hurricane is served in a glass that looks like a hurricane lamp, and that’s how it got it’s name.

There are numerous versions of a Hurricane, but I thought I’d share a simple one that tastes really good. After all who wants to spend Mardi Gras making complicated cocktails?

To make a Hurricane put crushed ice in your cocktail shaker and add:

• 2 oz Dark Rum
• 2 oz Passion Fruit Syrup
• 1.5 oz Lemon Juice

Shake it up really good.  Then, pour the drink into a Hurricane Glass, unstrained.  You can garnish with an orange slice or a cherry.

The Hurricane is on the sweeter side of the scale.  One or two of these is enough for me in a night.  It is still a great drink. It is amazing what kind of flavor comes from just three ingredients.  The passion fruit gives it a nice fruity flavor and there is a hint of the lemon juice to cut down against all the sweetness.  The dark rum comes through and adds a hint of molasses.  This is a drink I make for myself year round.

Enjoy your Hurricane and Happy Mardi Gras!

Damon