The Hurricane drink is a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed by many over the years. It is said to have been invented in the 1940s during World War II, a time when whiskey was in short supply due to the war effort. This scarcity of whiskey led bar owners to turn to other spirits, such as rum, to meet the demands of their customers.
One of the most well-known stories surrounding the invention of the Hurricane drink is that of Pat O'Brien, a bar owner in New Orleans. O'Brien's bar was a popular spot for servicemen during the war, but with whiskey being hard to come by, he had to get creative with his cocktail offerings. In order to obtain a single case of whiskey, O'Brien had to order a staggering 50 cases of rum. This surplus of rum led him to experiment with different rum-based drinks, ultimately leading to the creation of the Hurricane.
The Hurricane drink is typically made with rum, passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, and sometimes a splash of grenadine. It is typically served in a hurricane glass, which is a tall, curvy glass that resembles a hurricane lamp. The drink is known for its vibrant red color and tropical flavors, making it a popular choice among those looking for a refreshing and fruity cocktail.
While Pat O'Brien is often credited with inventing the Hurricane drink, it is worth noting that there may have been other bartenders or establishments during this time who also created their own version of the cocktail. The exact origins of many classic cocktails can be somewhat murky, as recipes and stories are often passed down through generations, sometimes with slight variations and differing accounts.
As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the pleasure of creating and tasting a wide variety of cocktails throughout my career. The Hurricane drink is one that I have come across many times, and it always brings a sense of nostalgia and history to the table. It's fascinating to think about the ingenuity and creativity that went into inventing this drink during a time of limited resources.
While the exact inventor of the Hurricane drink may never be definitively known, Pat O'Brien's bar in New Orleans is often credited with popularizing the cocktail during the 1940s. The scarcity of whiskey during World War II led to the rise of rum-based cocktails, and the Hurricane was born out of this necessity. Whether it was Pat O'Brien or another bartender who first mixed the ingredients together, the Hurricane drink has stood the test of time and remains a beloved classic to this day.