Hurricane

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Hurricane 

It seemed appropriate to write this article now, as I settle back into real life after two weeks in New Orleans for Tales of the Cocktail. If you have not ever been to the French Quarter in New Orleans, I highly encourage you to do so, sooner than later! Many of the iconic American cocktails originated there, and you can feel the history as you walk through the streets.

New Orleans has one of the best dining and cocktail scenes in the U.S., and even after 12 days there I feel like there are so many places I have not yet been to. One of the most famous bars is Pat O’Briens, which sits right in the heart of the Quarter on Bourbon Street. Pat O’Briens started out as a speakeasy during the days of Prohibition, but was converted to an actual bar in 1933. 

As business grew over the years, Mr. O’Brien realized he needed a larger space and moved into the current location, where it has flourished for now over 75 years. The Hurricane was invented in the 1940’s, during a time when certain liquors like bourbon and scotch were hard to come by. (Don’t forget that all of the American whiskey was destroyed during Prohibition!) 

Luckily there was rum being transported up and down the Mississippi river, but bar owners had to purchase fairly large quantities, some as much as 50 cases! That being said, the need for a full -of- rum cocktail was prevalent, and the Hurricane was born. One of the cool things about the name is that it is not only the name of the drink but also of the GLASS. The hurricane lamp shape became the glass it was served in and still is to this day, and is a very popular souvenir. Summer in New Orleans is extremely hot and humid, and this fruity and refreshing tropical classic cocktail is the perfect way to cool off.

If you go to Pat O’Briens and ask them for the recipe, they will tell you that they use “Pat O’Briens Hurricane mix and Pat O’Briens Hurricane rum” but this is definitely a cocktail you can make at home or in your own bar, with your choice of rum and fresh juices.

-Article written by Cris Dehlavi, The Muse of Mixology-  

My name is Cris Dehlavi and I am a native of Arizona, but have lived in Columbus, Ohio for the past 13 years with my daughter, Desi. I have been running the bar program at “M”, of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurant group since 2005. I am currently the President of Columbus USBG as well as a consultant for bars and restaurants nationally. In 2013, I attended the rigorous B.A.R. 5 Day Spirits Certification and have been recognized as one of the top mixologists in the U.S.A. I am one of the senior managers of the prestigious apprentice program at Tales of the Cocktail and work as a mentor to many bar tenders around Ohio. My contribution to "Got Rum?" magazine will include everything from reviews of national cocktail events, articles on mixology, garnish trends, recipes and techniques, to interviews with some of the leading bartenders in the industry.