Savory LifeRECIPES

Hurricane Cocktail Ingredients & Recipe

Updated November 4, 2026

Total time
5 min
prep 5 min · cook 0 min
Serves
1
one portion

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Hurricane Cocktail Ingredients & Recipe

The Hurricane is a sweet, rum-forward cocktail born in New Orleans, traditionally made with light and dark rum, passion fruit syrup, and citrus. It gets its name from the hurricane-lamp-shaped glass it was first served in, and it remains a beloved party drink for its bold, fruity flavor. This recipe balances the sweetness of the syrup with fresh lemon and orange juice for a bright, refreshing drink that goes down almost too easily.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) light rum
  • 2 oz (60 ml) dark rum (such as Myers’s or Gosling’s)
  • 2 oz (60 ml) passion fruit syrup (or 1 oz/30 ml passion fruit puree + 1 oz/30 ml simple syrup)
  • 1 oz (30 ml) fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 oz (15 ml) simple syrup (optional, if using unsweetened passion fruit puree)
  • Ice cubes
  • Orange slice and a maraschino cherry, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the light rum, dark rum, passion fruit syrup (or puree plus simple syrup), orange juice, and lemon juice.
  2. Shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds until well-chilled.
  3. Fill a hurricane glass (or a large highball glass) with fresh ice.
  4. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
  5. Garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Use fresh citrus: Bottled lemon and orange juice taste flat and overly sweet. Fresh-squeezed juice makes the drink noticeably brighter.
  • Adjust sweetness: Passion fruit syrup varies in sweetness. Taste the drink before serving and add a splash of simple syrup if it’s too tart, or more lemon juice if it’s too sweet.
  • Don’t skip the dark rum: The dark rum adds depth and a hint of molasses that light rum alone can’t provide. If you only have one rum, use 4 oz (120 ml) of a good aged rum.
  • Make a big batch: For a party, multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher. Refrigerate until serving, then pour over ice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hurricane over crushed ice in a tall glass for the classic look. It pairs well with spicy Cajun or Creole dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, or blackened shrimp. It’s also a great standalone sipper for a summer afternoon or Mardi Gras celebration.

Variations

  • Frozen Hurricane: Blend all ingredients with 1 cup (240 ml) of ice until smooth for a slushy version.
  • Passion Fruit Punch: Add 1 oz (30 ml) of pineapple juice and reduce the orange juice to 1/2 oz (15 ml) for a more tropical flavor.
  • Spiced Hurricane: Replace the dark rum with spiced rum and add a dash of Angostura bitters for extra complexity.
  • Non-Alcoholic Hurricane: Omit the rums and increase the passion fruit syrup to 4 oz (120 ml), orange juice to 3 oz (90 ml), and lemon juice to 1 oz (30 ml). Add a splash of grenadine for color.

Storage and Reheating

Hurricanes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can mix the rum, syrup, and juices (without ice) and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before serving over fresh ice. Do not freeze the cocktail as it will become watery when thawed. There is no reheating for this drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is passion fruit syrup, and where can I find it? Passion fruit syrup is a sweetened puree of passion fruit, often used in tropical cocktails. Look for it in well-stocked liquor stores, specialty grocery stores, or online. If you can’t find it, use frozen passion fruit pulp and add simple syrup to taste.

Can I make a Hurricane without passion fruit? Yes, but it won’t be a true Hurricane. Substitute the passion fruit syrup with a combination of 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice and 1 oz (30 ml) pineapple juice, plus 1/2 oz (15 ml) grenadine. This will give a similar color and fruity flavor, though not the same tangy passion fruit taste.

Why is my Hurricane too sweet? The sweetness usually comes from the passion fruit syrup. Try using a less sweet brand, or reduce the amount to 1 1/2 oz (45 ml) and add a squeeze of extra lemon juice to balance it.

Can I use only one type of rum? Absolutely. Use 4 oz (120 ml) of a good aged rum or a dark Jamaican rum for a richer flavor. Light rum alone will make a lighter, less complex drink.

How many drinks does this recipe make? This recipe makes one 8-ounce (240 ml) cocktail. For a standard hurricane glass, that’s about right. If you have larger glasses, scale up the ingredients proportionally.

Is the Hurricane a strong drink? Yes, it packs 4 oz (120 ml) of rum, which is a standard double. The fruit flavors mask the alcohol, so it’s easy to drink too fast. This cocktail is for adults of legal drinking age, and it’s important to drink responsibly.

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