The Hurricane Cocktail: A New Orleans Tradition

This zippy drink gives revelers an iconic taste of New Orleans nightlife.

A Hurricane cocktail from Pat O'Briens in New Orleans.

Sip a Hurricane from Pat O'Brien's, a world-famous bar in New Orleans.

The famous Flaming Fountain at Pat O'Briens in New Orleans.

See Pat O'Brien's landmark Flaming Fountain, crafted to resemble a Champagne glass.

Few cocktails capture the energy of New Orleans like the Hurricane. Created in the 1940s in the heart of the French Quarter, this vibrant drink was born out of necessity — and a couple swigs of rum.

A Spirited Beginning

During World War II, many New Orleans distilleries were converted to wartime production facilities, making whiskey especially scarce. Rum? Now that was plentiful, and Pat O’Brien’s (or Pat O’s, if you want to sound like a local), was up to a culinary challenge. Mixologists at the now-famous Bourbon Street bar developed a sweet, citrus-forward cocktail served in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp. The name stuck — and so did the drink.

The Legacy of Pat O’Brien’s

Pat O’s began nearly 90 years ago as a speakeasy, but is now known for its piano lounge, flaming courtyard fountains and festive spirit. The bar may be a fan-favorite stop in the French Quarter, but it’s the Hurricane that made it world-famous. In fact, it’s rare to see the courtyard without a smattering of folks enjoying the drink, soaking in the city’s laissez faire culture.

Louisiana’s Cocktail Culture

In Louisiana, our libations reflect our diverse roots, telling the story of our resilient, curious and creative people. Our state’s cocktail history is rich with invention: from the bold Sazerac to the elegant French 75 and the creamy Brandy Milk Punch, it’s no wonder the wild and vivacious Hurricane has its place. Whether you're making one at home or sipping one in the Big Easy, this colorful cocktail is anything but ordinary.