The History of Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane and How to Make It at Home

Few cocktails carry as much cultural legacy as the Hurricane. Originating in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, this vivid ruby-red drink became a symbol of Southern hospitality, lively celebrations, and Crescent City nightlife.

The Birth of an Iconic New Orleans Drink

The story of the Hurricane begins during World War II. At the time, domestic spirits like whiskey, bourbon, and scotch were in extremely short supply due to wartime grain rationing and distillery conversions for military production.

However, Caribbean rum was abundant. To secure even a single case of coveted scotch or whiskey, distributors forced bar owners to purchase up to 50 cases of rum.

Faced with a massive surplus of rum at his New Orleans establishment, bar owner Pat O’Brien and his head bartender, Louis Culligan, needed a creative solution. They crafted a sweet, fruity blend of passion fruit syrup, citrus, and a heavy pour of dark and light rum to mask the harshness of the plentiful spirit.

To serve this potent new concoction, they poured it into curved glass lamp shades reminiscent of traditional hurricane oil lamps. The drink was an instant sensation among visiting sailors, locals, and tourists alike.

How to Prepare the Perfect Hurricane

Making an authentic New Orleans Hurricane at home requires only a few steps when using the official mix.

Ingredients:

• Equal parts: Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix and Gold/Amber Rum (e.g., 2 oz Mix + 2 oz Rum per standard cocktail)

• Cracked ice

• Garnish: Fresh orange slice and a maraschino cherry

Step-by-Step Preparation:

1. Fill the Glass: Fill a tall Hurricane glass or highball glass with cracked ice.

2. Combine: Pour equal parts Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix and your favorite gold or dark rum over the ice.

3. Stir: Stir thoroughly until well chilled and vibrant red throughout.

4. Garnish & Serve: Top with an orange wheel and a maraschino cherry, insert a straw, and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: For hot summer days or party crowds, you can also blend the mix, rum, and ice together in a blender to create Frozen Hurricanes.

Where to Buy Authentic Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Mix

Whether hosting a small gathering or throwing a Mardi Gras bash, you can purchase official mixes directly online:

• Standard Bottle (33.8 oz): Ideal for smaller parties or casual weekend drinks. You can order it here: Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix 33.8 oz.

• Party Size (1 Gallon / 128 oz): Perfect for large celebrations, tailgates, or batching big pitchers. You can order it here: Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Mix Gallon.