Learn how to make a classic Hurricane cocktail with light rum, dark rum, passionfruit, orange juice and fresh lime. This tropical favourite is perfect for parties, summer entertaining and sharing with friends.
The Hurricane is one of those cocktails that instantly puts people in a holiday mood. Packed with tropical fruit flavours, two types of rum and a splash of grenadine, it’s colourful, refreshing and made for celebrations.
Originally created in New Orleans, the Hurricane has become a favourite around the world thanks to its bold flavour and easy-drinking style. Whether you’re mixing one for yourself or making a batch for your next barbecue, this recipe is simple to follow and guaranteed to impress.
Hurricane Cocktail At a Glance
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Serves | 1 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Glassware | Hurricane Glass |
| Main Spirit | Light & Dark Rum |
Ingredients
- 60 ml light rum
- 60 ml dark rum
- 60 ml passionfruit juice
- 60 ml orange juice
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 30 ml grenadine
- Ice cubes
- Orange slice, to garnish
- Maraschino cherry, to garnish
Equipment You’ll Need
For this recipe you’ll need:
- Cocktail shaker
- Jigger
- Hawthorne strainer
- Hurricane glass
- Citrus juicer (optional)
Looking to build your home bar? Read our guides to the Best Cocktail Shaker Sets, Best Bartender Jiggers, Best Cocktail Strainers and best hurricane glasses.
How to Make a Hurricane Cocktail
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add the light rum, dark rum, passionfruit juice, orange juice, lime juice and grenadine.
- Shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until well chilled.
- Fill a Hurricane glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry before serving.
Behind the Bar with KAD
One of the biggest mistakes people make with a Hurricane is serving it warm. This cocktail is packed with fruit juice, so it tastes best when it’s ice cold. Chill your glass beforehand and don’t be shy with the ice. It keeps the drink refreshing and stops it from becoming overly sweet as it warms up.
Recipe Notes
- Fresh lime juice gives the cocktail a much brighter flavour.
- A quality grenadine made with pomegranate tastes noticeably better than artificial syrups.
- Chilling your glass before serving helps keep the drink colder for longer.
- If making a batch, wait until just before serving to add ice.
- Garnish with fresh fruit for the best presentation.
Easy Variations
Frozen Hurricane
Blend all the ingredients with ice for a frozen tropical cocktail that’s perfect on hot summer days.
Sparkling Hurricane
Top the finished drink with a splash of soda water or sparkling wine for a lighter finish.
Berry Hurricane
Replace the grenadine with raspberry syrup for a fruity twist.
Hurricane Mocktail
Swap the rum for extra orange and passionfruit juice, then top with sparkling water for a refreshing alcohol-free version.
What to Serve with a Hurricane
The Hurricane pairs beautifully with bold, tropical flavours.
Some of my favourites include:
- Grilled prawns
- Cajun chicken
- Fish tacos
- Pulled pork sliders
- Pineapple salsa
- Tropical fruit platters
It’s the perfect cocktail for summer barbecues, birthdays and pool parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called a Hurricane?
The cocktail gets its name from the curved Hurricane glass it was originally served in at Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans.
Can I make a Hurricane in advance?
Yes. Mix all the ingredients except the ice and store them in the fridge. Shake or stir with fresh ice just before serving.
What’s the best rum to use?
A combination of light and dark rum creates the most balanced flavour, but you can also use a quality aged rum for extra depth.
Can I make a Hurricane without passionfruit juice?
Yes. Mango juice or pineapple juice can be used as alternatives, although the flavour will be slightly different.
How strong is a Hurricane?
With two measures of rum, a Hurricane is a strong cocktail. Enjoy it responsibly and always serve it with plenty of food and water available.
More Cocktail Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Hurricane recipe, you might also like:
Final Thoughts
The Hurricane is everything a tropical cocktail should be. It’s colourful, fruity and full of flavour, making it a fantastic choice for entertaining or relaxing with friends on a warm afternoon.
While it’s easy to make, using fresh ingredients and good-quality rum really takes it to the next level. Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, try one of the variations above and make it your own.
If you’re building your cocktail skills, this is one recipe that’s well worth adding to your collection.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here
If you are looking for more easy-to-follow recipes check out our Cuba Libre Cocktail