Pat O'Brien's Hurricane
A quintessential New Orleans cocktail born of wartime necessity, this potent and deceptively drinkable concoction evolved from a simple three-ingredient sour to a complex, fruit-forward punch.
20%
ABV
370
Calories
Hurricane
Glass
Flavor Journey
History & Heritage
“The Hurricane was created in the 1940s at Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans during World War II. Faced with a surplus of rum due to wartime rationing of domestic spirits, Pat O'Brien and Charlie Cantrell tasked head bartender Louis Culligan with creating a new drink. Culligan's creation combined rum, lemon juice, and Fassionola (a passion fruit-based syrup), served in a hurricane lamp-shaped glass. The drink quickly became a sensation and a symbol of New Orleans nightlife. Harry Craddock noted in 1930 that it was "one that has traveled, and is asked for, around the world."”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Fill a cocktail shaker with cracked ice
Add dark Jamaican rum, fresh lemon juice, and Fassionola syrup
Shake vigorously until shaker is well-chilled and frosty
Pour entire contents of shaker (including ice) into a large Hurricane glass
Top with more crushed ice if necessary to fill the glass
Glassware
26-ounce Hurricane glass
Garnish
Fresh orange slice
High-quality maraschino cherry (such as Luxardo)
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use quality Jamaican rum like Appleton Estate or Myers's Original Dark
Fresh lemon juice is essential - never use bottled
Make your own Fassionola or use high-quality passion fruit syrup
Serve ice cold in a well-chilled hurricane glass
Use cracked or crushed ice for proper dilution and texture
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Pat O'Brien's Hurricane.
Other Variations
Lime Juice Variation
Use fresh lime juice instead of lemon for a tarter, more tropical profile.
Changes
Modern Pat O'Brien's Hurricane
Blend of light and dark rum with proprietary red mix and various fruit juices.
Changes
Category 5 Hurricane
Stronger version with addition of high-proof rum float.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Trader Vic's Planter's Punch
Trader Vic's definitive version of Planter's Punch - a harmonious blend of bold Jamaican rum, bright citrus, and just enough sweetness to create a refreshingly complex tropical experience.
Amaretto Stone Sour
A brunchy amaretto sour variation—amaretto brightened with lemon and fresh orange juice, shaken and served over ice.
Bee's Knees
Prohibition-era gin, lemon, and honey shaken into a bright, velvety sour whose sweetness once softened rough bathtub gin.