Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Cocktail Recipe (Copy Cat)

Every time I have been to New Orleans we have stopped at Pat O'Brien's for a Hurricane Cocktail. These iconic drinks just seem to be one of the many things New Orleans is known for.

I thought it would be fun to make Copy Cat Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Cocktail at home and bring a bit of New Orleans to the Pacific Northwest.

Hurricane Cocktail

Sadly I can't transplant the gorgeous sunny 80-degree weather we enjoyed or the amazing live music all over town but at least we can enjoy this delicious Copy Cat Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Recipe.

Now to figure out how to build a gorgeous outdoor patio complete with fountain and green coated servers in the backyard. Hey, a girl can dream right!

Every time we visit New Orleans and the French Quarter I am amazed by the courtyards behind houses. Such amazing areas that are such a great surprise.

You can pair this Hurricane Cocktail with Cafe du Monde Mix Beignet Mix and have a true New Orleans day at home. 

Tourists flock to New Orleans for great food and epic cocktails. Laissez les bon temps rouler...Let the Good Times Roll!

This drink is perfect for Mardi Gras or a hot summer afternoon. Pat O Brien's Original Hurricane Cocktails pack a punch! You will want to be prepared that these cocktails have 3 ounces of rum in them.

I can tell you that after having one or two of these while relaxing in Pat O'Brien's courtyard I was very very relaxed! LOL!  Thankfully we did not have any place we needed to be and I could just soak up the gorgeous weather in New Orleans and relax.

We have also heard of people enjoying this Classic Hurricane Cocktail while they are waiting out a hurricane. I have never waited out a hurricane storm so I don't honestly know if this is a great idea or not. I am pretty sure I would be super freaked out so maybe a strong cocktail might be good but hmm..

The Hurricane Drink was created in the 1940s when rum was easier to buy than whiskey and other liquors. Pat O’Brien created the original recipe and now sells more than 500,000 of them every year!

They found a way to use excess rum in a delicious fruity cocktail!

This hurricane cocktail recipe includes multiple types of rum and plenty of sweet fruit juices.

Hurricane Cocktail Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make this epic Hurricane Drink Recipe! Specific measurements and step by step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Light white rum
• Dark rum
• Passion Fruit Juice/passion fruit purée
• Orange Juice
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Simple Syrup
• Grenadine Syrup
• Cherry and orange slice for garnish

Equipment Needed

Cocktail Shaker - Please make sure when you are mixing this drink that you hold the top and the bottom of the cocktail shaker including the lid. I have heard of a few people taking showers in cocktail ingredients and spending a lot more time cleaning up than actually enjoying their drinks.

Hurricane lamp shaped Glass - These classic hurricane glasses are a must for serving this drink properly. I mean it tastes the same in a Collins glass or other tall glass but for the classic look, this is the way to go.

How to make a Hurricane Drink

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post but here's a quick version.

Gather all of the ingredients and tools

Add ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice

Shake and strain into a hurricane glass

Garnish and enjoy!

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead – This fruity cocktail can be made up to 24 hours ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator in a covered pitcher. Stir before serving.

Storage – Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a day or two.

Freezing/How to freeze –We have frozen hurricane popsicles that are perfect for a hot summer day.

Recipe Variations

Variations - Change up the fruit juice with pineapple juice, passion fruit syrup or a bit of lemon juice.

Vegetarian Option - This recipe is naturally vegetarian

Vegan Option – This recipe is already vegan.

Alcohol Free Option –To make a mocktail version you can change the rum for water or use non-alcoholic rum 

Stronger – If you prefer a stronger cocktail you can increase the amount of rum

Larger Group/More servings – As written this recipe makes 1 cocktail. You can change the serving size on the recipe card below to make a big batch to fit the size of party you are serving.

Cheater cocktail - If you are throwing a big party and don't want to mix all the things you can buy bulk jugs of Pat O'Brien's Hurricane Cocktail Mix on Amazon. You just have to add the rum, ice, and garnishes.

When to serve a Hurricane Drink

• Mardi Gras
• Summer Cocktail
• Tropical Party

Classic Tropical Cocktails

If you are planning a mardi gras party, pool party or tiki party these classic tropical cocktails are perfect!

Blue Hawaiian Cocktail

Miami Vice Frozen Cocktail 

Pina Colada Recipe

Rainbow Cocktail

Strawberry Margarita 

Funny Drink Names - Check out our entire collection of cocktails and mocktails with funny names.

Red Cocktails - Check out all of our epic red cocktails

Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.

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Originally shared April 12, 2015, Updated on March 2, 2020