Drink up: Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe
Welcome friends! I am delighted to share with you today one of my all-time favorite cocktail recipes – the Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe. This delicious drink, originally created by Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans as a way to use up surplus rum after World War II, has since become a beloved staple in southern-style cuisine.
Nothing beats the refreshing sweetness of this cocktail at any summertime soiree or a cozy evening with family and friends. It’s perfect for any occasion, be it a barbecue party, a dinner gathering, or just a nightcap on your porch. This tasty concoction is sure to brighten up your mood and transport you to the iconic streets of New Orleans.
With its signature blend of passion fruit, pineapple juice, and rum, the Southern Hurricane is more than just a drink; it’s a taste of southern comfort that will leave you craving for more. This recipe serves up to six people, but its big batch variation can satisfy even the most substantial group of guests. So come along, and let’s indulge in the flavorful journey of the Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When I think of the South, I picture warm summers, big front porches, and glasses filled to the brim with a refreshing cocktail. And for me, there’s no better Southern cocktail than a Hurricane. That’s why I’m excited to share my twist on this classic drink: the Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe.
First of all, let’s talk about the ingredients. This isn’t just any old Hurricane cocktail recipe; it features a perfect balance of orange juice, pineapple juice, passion fruit puree, and lime juice–all mixed together with light rum, dark rum, and a splash of Southern Comfort. The result is an explosion of flavor that will transport you right to the heart of New Orleans.
But what sets this recipe apart is how easy it is to make in a big batch. You can throw everything into a pitcher and mix it up in no time at all. It’s perfect for serving at parties or gatherings (when it’s safe to do so, of course), or for a quiet night in with your favorite people.
Not only is this Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe delicious and easy to make, but it also has a fascinating backstory. It was created by Pat O’Brien during World War II when there were few supplies available, but liquor was abundant. He had to get creative with the few ingredients he had on hand: rum, lime juice, and passion fruit syrup. After experimenting with different proportions and adding more ingredients (including more rum), Pat O’Brien came up with the now-famous Hurricane cocktail that we know and love today.
So if you’re looking for a delicious drink that packs a punch and has a rich history behind it, look no further than the Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe. Give it a try and see for yourself why this hurricane cocktail has been a beloved staple in Southern cocktail culture for decades!
Ingredient List
To make a Southern Hurricane Pitcher, you will need the following ingredients:
Juice:
- 2 cups of pineapple juice
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice
Alcohol:
- 5 ounces of light rum
- 5 ounces of dark rum
Liqueur and Syrups:
- 1 ½ ounces of southern comfort
- 1 ½ ounces of passion fruit juice
- ½ oz of grenadine
- Simple syrup (to taste)
Sweet & Sour Mix
- 4 cup of sweet sour mix (or sour mix)
Ice and Garnish
- Ice for the pitcher and the glasses
- Maraschino cherries and pineapples slices (for garnish)
Note that if you’re making a big batch, multiply the above measurements accordingly.
The Recipe How-To
Let me walk you through the steps on how to create a perfect pitcher of Southern Hurricane Cocktail. This recipe is perfect for parties or gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (16 oz) Light Rum
- 1 cup (8 oz) Dark Rum
- 1 ½ cups (12 oz) Southern Comfort
- 1 cup (8 oz) Pineapple Juice
- 1 cup (8 oz) Orange Juice
- ⅔ cup (5.3 oz) Passion Fruit Juice
- ⅓ cup (2.6 oz) Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice
- 1 cup Sweet-Sour Mix or Sour Mix* (homemade or store-bought)
- ½ oz grenadine
- Ice Cubes
- Maraschino cherries for garnish
Directions
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In a large pitcher, combine light and dark rum, Southern Comfort, and mix well.
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Add pineapple juice, orange juice, passion fruit juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, sweet-sour mix or sour mix to the pitcher with no ice yet.
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Stir the mixture until everything is mixed together.
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Pour in the grenadine into the pitcher and mix it gently to have an even color throughout.
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Finally, add ice to the pitcher until full.
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Serve in hurricane glasses and garnish them with maraschino cherry at the top.
And there you go! Your Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe is ready to serve! It’s a perfect refreshing drink that will make your party guests feel satisfied even on a hot summer day!
Substitutions and Variations
If you are looking to add a twist to the traditional Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe, there are a few ingredient substitutions and variations that you can try.
For those who prefer a fruitier taste, substitute 1 cup of passion fruit juice for the pineapple juice in the recipe. This will give your Hurricane Cocktail an even more tropical flavor! You can also opt to use freshly squeezed orange juice instead of store-bought juice. Simply juice 2-3 fresh oranges and add it to the mixture, replacing the need for store-bought orange juice.
If you wish to make the cocktail a bit more potent, you can use 2 ounces of white rum instead of light rum for a stronger taste. Dark rum can also be used instead of light rum if you want a more robust flavor.
For those who don’t fancy using Southern Comfort, substitute it with another brand of peach liqueur or even coconut rum. Adding coconut rum will transport you straight to a tropical island while adding peach schnapps will increase its sweetness.
Another variation for making the Hurricane Cocktail is to use grenadine ice cubes instead of plain ice cubes. To create these cubes, simply add grenadine (use approximately one tablespoon) in each ice cube mold before freezing. This will give your cocktail a hint of that classic maraschino taste while keeping your drink cold!
No matter which substitution or variation you choose, I advise experimenting with different ingredients to create your perfect ‘Hurricane Drink’. So, step out of your comfort zone and have some fun mixing up new flavors!
Serving and Pairing
Now it’s time to serve your delicious Southern Hurricane concoction! This drink looks especially impressive when served in the proper hurricane glass. The wide-mouthed glass tapers to a narrow base, mimicking the curves of a hurricane lamp.
You can also add a festive touch by garnishing with maraschino cherries or a slice of fresh pineapple. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add a pop of flavor to each sip.
This Southern Hurricane is the perfect drink to accompany your favorite southern-style foods. Pair it with spicy jambalaya, crispy fried chicken, or a hearty seafood boil for an authentic Louisiana experience.
If you’re looking for a lighter food pairing, try serving this drink alongside some fresh fruit or cheese and crackers. The tropical flavors in the Southern Hurricane pair well with most fruits and cheeses, making it an excellent addition to any appetizer platter.
Remember to drink responsibly and never drink and drive. One serving of this cocktail contains approximately 2 ounces of alcohol, so be sure to pace yourself!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My darlings, if you find yourself needing an easy way to serve up some liquid sunshine for your guests, I’ve got just the trick. The Southern Hurricane is perfect for making ahead and storing.
If you’re serving a big batch of hurricanes, it’s best to mix everything together in a pitcher or container and store it in the fridge. Leave out the ice and garnishes though – those are best added last minute.
But let’s say you’ve got some leftover hurricane mix that you don’t want to go to waste. Fear not! You can store your mix for later use. Just separate it into airtight containers and store them in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating is simple, my lovelies. If you’ve stored your mixture in the fridge, simply take it out 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve and give it a good stir. Now if you’re using frozen hurricane mix, defrost overnight in the fridge and give it a good shake or stir before serving.
To ensure that your Southern Hurricane tastes just as fresh as when you first made it, don’t add ice or garnish until right before serving. And remember that your hurricanes are best enjoyed with good company and a relaxed southern vibe.
Take care darlings!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make sure your Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe turns out perfectly, here are some tips that will help you along the way.
Firstly, when it comes to choosing the rum for this recipe, I recommend using a combination of dark and light rum. The dark adds a rich flavor, while the light adds a subtle hint of sweetness. Additionally, using freshly squeezed fruit juices will result in a fresher taste than using pre-packaged juices.
As for the sweet and sour mix, making your own is always preferable to using store-bought mixtures. You can easily make a homemade sweet and sour mix by combining 1 cup of simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water boiled together until sugar is dissolved) with 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
It’s also important to remember that the passion fruit puree is essential to the original Hurricane Drink Recipe. If you’re having trouble finding it in stores, don’t worry – you can always make your own puree by blending fresh passion fruit with a little water.
Another tip is to invest in a cocktail shaker if you don’t already have one. This tool helps to properly mix all of the ingredients together for the perfect consistency.
Lastly, if you’re making Hurricanes Pitcher for a big group, be sure to make enough! It’s better to err on the side of caution and make too much rather than not enough. If there are leftovers, they can always be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for later enjoyment.
These tips will ensure that your Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe turns out delicious and satisfies anyone craving mixed drinks with fruity tastes.
FAQ
As a chef and expert mixologist, I understand that some questions might arise when trying out new recipes like the Southern Hurricane Pitcher. Therefore, in this section, I will address some of the most common concerns that people might have about this cocktail. Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions that might help you make the perfect Southern Hurricane Pitcher at home.
What’s a Hurricane drink made of?
If you’re in the mood for a fun and tropical cocktail with a kick, try the Hurricane. This refreshing mixed drink combines two types of rum, tangy lime and orange juices, sweet passion fruit puree, grenadine, and simple syrup to create a fruity and boozy flavor explosion that will be sure to get the party started.
What is a Hurricane pitcher?
For this recipe, you’ll need both dark and light rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, and some maraschino cherries to give the final dish a sweet and fruity touch.
What is the world famous Hurricane drink?
The Hurricane cocktail, sweet and red, is a favorite among tourists visiting the French Quarter. It is commonly served with a cherry and orange slice, and has an interesting backstory. This cocktail was invented during World War II at Pat O’Brien’s bar, as a rum-based substitute for whiskey which was difficult to acquire at the time.
Who made the original Hurricane drink?
During World War II, whiskey became scarce due to the manufacturing replacing the distilleries. This led to an increase in demand for rum. Bar owners had to order 50 cases of rum to acquire a single case of whiskey. It was during this period that Pat O’Brien’s signature drink, the Hurricane, was created.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Southern Hurricane Pitcher recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves tropical drinks and wants to add some Southern flair to their cocktail repertoire. The perfect blend of sweet and sour, along with the bold flavors of dark and light rum, make this drink a real crowd pleaser.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit juices or add your own twist to this recipe. After all, cooking and mixology are all about creativity and making something unique that reflects your individual style.
Remember, when it comes to enjoying a Southern Hurricane Pitcher, there’s really no wrong way to do it. Whether you’re sipping slowly on a hot summer day or blending up a big batch for a party, this drink is sure to transport you straight to the tropics with just one sip. So go ahead and mix one up today – you won’t be disappointed!
Southern Hurricane Pitcher Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups Southern Comfort
- 2 cups prepared sweet-and-sour mix
- 2 cups orange juice
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce grenadine
Instructions
- Mix all together in a pitcher.
- Pour over ice into tall glasses.
- Garnish with an orange wedge and a cherry.