What are Sazerac and Hurricane Cocktails?
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New Orleans is famous for its vibrant cocktail scene, with several iconic drinks originating from the city. Two of the most renowned are the Sazerac and the Hurricane.
Sazerac
The Sazerac is considered one of the oldest known American cocktails, with its origins tracing back to the early 19th century in New Orleans. It was originally made with cognac, but over time, rye whiskey became the more common base. The drink also features absinthe, a sugar cube, and Peychaud’s Bitters, a key ingredient that distinguishes it. The cocktail is named after the Sazerac Coffee House, where it was first served.
Recipe:
- Rinse a chilled old-fashioned glass with absinthe, discarding the excess.
- In a mixing glass, muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters and a splash of water.
- Add 2 oz of rye whiskey to the mixing glass with ice, and stir well.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a twist of lemon peel.
Hurricane
The Hurricane is a fruity and tropical cocktail that became popular in the 1940s. It’s made with light and dark rums, passion fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and grenadine. The drink is served in a curvaceous “hurricane” glass, which it was named after. The creation of the Hurricane is attributed to Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans, designed to help use up an excess of rum.
Recipe:
- In a shaker, combine 1 oz of light rum, 1 oz of dark rum, 1 oz of passion fruit juice, 1/2 oz of orange juice, 1/2 oz of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of simple syrup, and 1 tablespoon of grenadine.
- Fill the shaker with ice, and shake well.
- Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry and an orange slice.
