Savory LifeRECIPES

Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

Updated November 5, 2026

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

Jump to recipe

Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Cocktail Recipe

The Hurricane is a sweet, rum-forward cocktail born in New Orleans at Pat O’Brien’s Bar during the 1940s. It combines light and dark rum with passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup, served over ice in a tall hurricane glass. This recipe delivers that iconic fruity punch with a boozy kick, and it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz (60 ml) light rum
  • 2 oz (60 ml) dark rum
  • 2 oz (60 ml) passion fruit juice (or passion fruit nectar)
  • 1 oz (30 ml) fresh orange juice
  • ½ oz (15 ml) fresh lime juice
  • 1 oz (30 ml) simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) crushed ice, plus more for serving
  • Orange slice and cherry, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with the crushed ice.
  2. Pour in the light rum, dark rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
  3. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
  4. Fill a tall hurricane glass with fresh crushed ice.
  5. Strain the cocktail into the glass.
  6. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Passion fruit juice: If you can’t find passion fruit juice, use passion fruit nectar or a 50/50 mix of passion fruit pulp and water. You can also substitute with a good quality passion fruit syrup, but reduce the simple syrup to ½ oz (15 ml) to balance sweetness.
  • Rum choice: Use a good-quality dark rum like Gosling’s or Myers’s for depth. Avoid spiced rums unless you want a different flavor profile.
  • Sweetness: The original is quite sweet. Adjust the simple syrup to your taste, but keep in mind the passion fruit and citrus need some sweetness to balance.
  • Ice matters: Crushed ice dilutes faster than cubes, giving that classic slushy texture. If you use cubes, shake longer to chill properly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Hurricane in a tall hurricane glass over crushed ice. It’s a festive drink perfect for Mardi Gras parties, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a tropical vibe. Pair it with spicy Cajun dishes like jambalaya or blackened fish to contrast the heat. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and add an extra splash of orange juice and a bit of club soda.

Variations

  • Frozen Hurricane: Blend all ingredients with 1 cup (240 ml) of ice until smooth, then serve in a hurricane glass with a straw.
  • Spiced Hurricane: Replace the dark rum with spiced rum for a warmer, more aromatic flavor.
  • Passion Fruit Punch: Make a big batch by multiplying the recipe and serving from a pitcher. Add a splash of grenadine for extra color.
  • Low-Sugar: Use a sugar-free simple syrup and fresh juices to cut down on calories without losing flavor.

Storage and Reheating

This cocktail is best made fresh. However, you can mix the juices and simple syrup ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Add the rum and shake only when ready to serve. Do not store the finished cocktail with ice, as it will water down. There is no reheating needed for a cold drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bottled lime juice instead of fresh? Fresh lime juice is always better for flavor. Bottled lime juice often has preservatives and a different acidity, which can alter the taste. If you’re in a pinch, use bottled but reduce the simple syrup slightly.

What if I don’t have passion fruit juice? You can substitute with a mix of mango and pineapple juice, but the flavor will be different. Passion fruit is key to the authentic taste. Look for it in the international aisle or online.

How strong is this cocktail? With 4 oz (120 ml) of rum, this is a strong drink. The fruit juices and syrup mask the alcohol, so drink responsibly. It’s meant to be sipped slowly.

Can I make a big batch for a party? Yes, multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and mix in a large pitcher. Add the rum and juices, but hold the ice until serving to avoid dilution. Keep the pitcher refrigerated.

Is it okay to use dark rum only? Yes, you can use all dark rum for a richer flavor. Just reduce the amount to 4 oz (120 ml) total, and you’ll still get a delicious drink.

What’s the best glass to serve in? A tall hurricane glass is traditional, but any highball or Collins glass works. The shape of the glass helps showcase the color and allows for plenty of ice.

This Hurricane cocktail is for adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.

Related

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).