One of our favorite things about New Orleans is, and there are a boat load,  is the Classic Hurricane cocktail and stopping by Pat O’Brien’s tavern. This Nola landmark is the birthplace of the Hurricane. Like any classic Tiki cocktail, the back story is half the fun. The story goes something like this. Back during Prohibition, Pat the proprietor of a local speakeasy  the Tipperary, had a problem. His suppliers of illegal libation kept bringing him more rum than his patrons were drinking, leading to an inventory problem. In an effort to get rid of his over stocked rum, Pat got a large hurricane lamp shaped glass, put in copious amounts of rum, mixed in some fruit juices and simple syrup and an classic was born.

Classic Hurricane cocktail recipe

2 oz. of quality light rum

2 oz. of quality dark rum

1 1/2 oz. fresh orange juice

2 oz. passion fruit juice

1/2 oz. fresh lime juice

1/4 oz. grenadine

1/4 oz. simple syrup

So, next time you find yourself in the big easy, or just want to be in a Mardi Gras frame of mind, mix up a Classic Hurricane cocktail recipe. We recommend buying yourself  a whole bunch of cheap Mardi Gras beads, these can be very convenient as your female guests start on their second Classic Hurricane cocktail. Just remember that if your now heavily beaded lady friend wants to have a third Classic Hurricane cocktail…. this may be counter productive to the desired result.