The BEST New Orleans Hurricane Punch Recipe, Inspired by Pat O’Brien’s Libations

There’s a hurricane incoming, and it’s a category 5 – which is to say, 5 out of 5 stars for deliciousness!

One of Louisiana’s most famous drinks, Hurricane Punch is liable to blow you away with its perfect combo of citrusy tang and fruity sweetness tied together with a splash – or many splashes – of rum.

Most notably associated with the French Quarter in New Orleans, this iconic cocktail is widely sought after by tourists with great taste, and is a menu must-have for any real Mardi Gras party. One sip of a Hurricane cocktail and you’ll feel like you’re strolling down Bourbon Street, footsteps tapping in time to those jazzy tunes.

That’s right, you don’t actually have to be in the Big Easy to get your Mardi Gras groove on! Perfect for parties or a special treat, you can have Hurricane Punch right at home. Sweet as summertime and idyllically tropical, you can serve up this cocktail with Etouffee, Shrimp Po Boys, Gumbo, and Beignets for a quintessential Cajun celebration!

Because this classic cocktail is so popular, there are a bevy of variations on the original Hurricane Punch recipe. Over the years, everyone has put their own special spin on the tropical refresher. The 1940s original created at Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans will always be the go-to, but it also serves as the perfect starting point for some delicious experimentation!

But how was the original Hurricane cocktail invented? And how did it earn its rather ominous title??

The Creation of Pat O’Brien’s Hurricane Cocktails (and Our All-Time Favorite Hurricane Punch Recipe)

Hurricane cocktails were first created at the legendary Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans as a rather genius way of using up excess rum during World War II.

At the time, whiskey was hard to come by, but that didn’t stop it from being the most popular request at local bars (now enjoying post-Prohibition life). All the while, rum, of which there was enough to flood the entire town, was snubbed at every turn. Considered cheap – in price and quality – crates of the stuff sat gathering dust, even as the whiskey well ran dry.

In order to deal with the supply and demand dissonance, distributors drove a hard bargain with bars: for every bottle of whiskey, they also had to purchase 50 cases of rum.

What was Pat O’Brien supposed to do with all of that rum? Well, he got creative. (Though he could’ve just called Captain Jack Sparrow…) Hurricane Punch was the extremely tasty solution that turned the rum problem into a roaring success.

The original hurricane drink recipe was made with only three ingredients: gold rum, lemon juice, and passion fruit syrup. This has morphed throughout the years and varies greatly from recipe to recipe. 

And as the legend goes, the Hurricane got its name because the cocktail was first served in a glass resembling a hurricane lamp. The rest, as they say, is history.¹

But don’t let the fruitiness and sweetness of the drink fool you. It packs a punch, no pun intended and can be pretty strong. Like a real storm, this one can sneak up on you, so sip slowly – you’ll thank me later! (Note: when making your own version at home, you can always add more fruit juices and less rum!)

Today, you can still sit at the legendary Pat O’Brien’s courtyard overlooking the “flaming fountain” in New Orleans and enjoy the original fruity libation. And, if you happen to be visiting the Orlando area, you can stop by Pat O’Brien’s Orlando in the heart of CityWalk at Universal Orlando Resort. The replica of the famed bar in New Orleans delights fans with some of the best classic Louisiana dishes, along with the ever-popular Hurricane cocktail!

But maybe even better than having the OG Hurricane at Pat O’Brien’s is savoring it right at home, where you can add your very own twist to the cocktail (and enjoy it while wearing your pajamas)! Nervous about experimenting? Have no fear. The MouseEarsTV Creative Team has taken care of all the kitchen cluttering and done it for you! After hours of research gathering and careful analysis (and probably a few too many taste tests), we present to you The Perfect Hurricane Party Punch Recipe. 

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Photo: MouseEars TV Creative Team