Hurricane Cocktail: The Legendary Drink Born in WWII New Orleans

The tradition of enjoying cocktails on Fat Tuesday stems from a rich blend of cultural history and the desire to celebrate life before Lent’s austerity begins. Thanks to New Orleans’ legendary cocktail culture, Fat Tuesday became synonymous with creative, vibrant drinks—a legacy that continues to invigorate Mardi Gras celebrations across the globe.  Dive deeper into the flavors and traditions that define these festive moments with the  Big Easy Basic Epicurean Explorer, which delivers a exploration New Orleans History, culture and recipes to inspire your culinary adventures.

The Birth of the Hurricane Cocktail

During World War II, whiskey vanished from New Orleans bars — rationed, restricted, impossible to find. But rum? Rum flooded the docks by the barrel. Distributors demanded bars buy up to 50 cases of rum just to get a single case of whiskey. Pat O'Brien's, one of New Orleans' most iconic bars, found itself with a stockroom bursting with Caribbean rum and customers craving something stronger than beer.

The solution? They invented a storm.

The Creation

Bartender Louis Culligan crafted a new cocktail using what was available: light and dark rums mixed with passion fruit syrup, fresh citrus juices, and just enough sweetness to balance the potent concoction. Served in a unique glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, the drink swirled with dark rum and bright tropical colors — chaos and excitement in a glass.

The Hurricane went from a drink of necessity during rum surplus to a legendary symbol of New Orleans nightlife and Mardi Gras revelry.

Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

• 2 oz light rum
• 2 oz dark rum
• 1 oz passion fruit syrup
• 1 oz orange juice
• 1/2 oz lime juice
• 1 tbsp simple syrup (equal parts Orange Vanilla Sugar & water)
• Orange slice & cherry for garnish

Instructions

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with cubed ice.
2. Add all ingredients and shake well.
3. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. 
4. Garnish with an orange slice and cherry.

Pro Tip: Make your own simple syrup with equal parts sugar and water. Heat gently until dissolved, then cool before using.

The Hurricane cocktail perfectly embodies the spirit of Fat Tuesday — turning surplus into celebration, making something extraordinary from what you have, and capturing the vibrant soul of New Orleans. Whether you’re ringing in Mardi Gras or simply want to taste a piece of history, this cocktail invites you to raise a glass to creativity and culture.

Ready to explore more unique flavors and culinary traditions? Check out the Epicurean Explorer Subscription Bags for curated ingredients, spice blends, and guides that bring global taste adventures right to your door.

Cheers to rich traditions, bold flavors, and unforgettable celebrations!