Contents
Blue Hurricane cocktail recipe
The Blue Hurricane Cocktail is a vibrant and tropical drink known for its striking blue color. Originating from the bustling streets of New Orleans, this cerulean concoction has become a staple in bars and parties alike, especially during the raucous celebrations of Mardi Gras.
This cocktail is a vibrant variation of the classic Hurricane. Both drinks rely on a potent rum base, complemented by a medley of tropical fruit juices. The difference between them is the addition of Blue Curaçao. This orange-flavored liqueur imparts the drink’s signature azure hue.
| Aspect | Classic Hurricane | Blue Hurricane |
| Color | Reddish-orange | Vibrant blue |
| Primary Flavors | Passion fruit, Citrus | Pineapple, Orange |
| Sweetness Level | Moderate | Slightly sweeter |
| Alcohol Prominence | High | Moderate to high |
The Blue Hurricane cocktail’s flavor profile hinges on a delicate balance between sweetness and acidity. The sweetness comes primarily from the Blue Curaçao and pineapple juice, while the acidity is provided by citrus juices, typically lemon or lime.
If you love this cocktail, try other Blue Curaçao drinks here.
During Mardi Gras, this electric blue cocktail becomes iconic, perfectly matching the festival’s purple, green, and gold colors. On Bourbon Street, it’s common to see revelers holding giant Hurricane glasses, capturing the spirit of “laissez les bon temps rouler” (let the good times roll). Here’s how to make the Blue Hurricane Cocktail:
Blue Hurricane Cocktail
Ingredients
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz dark rum
- 1.5 oz blue curaçao
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz orange juice
- Ice
- Lemon twist or dark maraschino cherries optional
- Simple syrup to taste optional
Instructions
- Fill a shaker with ice, then add light rum, dark rum, blue curaçao, lime juice, pineapple juice, and orange juice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lemon twist or maraschino cherries
Notes
- Pineapple wedge and cherry: Classic tropical appeal
- Orange wheel: Complements the Blue Curaçao
- Edible flowers: Add an elegant touch
- High-octane version: Increase rum quantity or add a float of overproof rum
- Lighter variation: Reduce alcohol and increase juice proportions
- Mocktail version: Omit alcohol and use substitute elements (You can check the below section)
Variations
Non-alcoholic version
A non-alcoholic Blue Hurricane Cocktail can be crafted using the following alternatives:
- Replace rum with coconut water or a mix of pineapple and orange juices
- Use blue curaçao syrup instead of the liqueur
- Add a splash of cream of coconut for richness
Incorporate a dash of almond extract to mimic rum’s complexity
Mardi Gras Blue Hurricane
The Mardi Gras Blue Hurricane embodies the festive spirit of New Orleans’ famous carnival. This variation features:
- Additional purple and green layers to represent Mardi Gras colors
- Edible glitter or shimmer dust for extra flair
- A king cake-flavored rum or syrup
To create the layered effect:
- Pour the blue mixture over ice
- Slowly add a layer of green melon liqueur
- Float a layer of purple grape vodka on top
The layers represent the traditional colors and add complexity to the flavor profile, with each sip offering a slightly different taste experience.
Mexican Blue Hurricane
The Mexican Blue Hurricane Cocktail puts a south-of-the-border spin on this New Orleans classic. This variation features:
- Tequila as the base spirit instead of rum
- The addition of blue agave syrup
- A tajín rim for a spicy-salty kick
Here’s my favorite recipe for this variation:
- Rim a hurricane glass with tajín
- In a shaker, combine:
- 60 ml 2 oz silver tequila
- 30 ml 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 45 ml 1.5 oz pineapple juice
- 30 ml 1 oz lime juice
- 15 ml 0.5 oz blue agave syrup
- Shake with ice and strain into the prepared glass
- Garnish with a dehydrated lime wheel and a small red chili pepper
This Mexican-inspired version offers a more agave-forward profile with a delightful balance of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The tajín rim adds an exciting contrast to the drink’s sweetness, making each sip a multi-layered experience.
Spiced Blue Hurricane
The Spiced Blue Hurricane Cocktail adds a warming dimension to the tropical classic. Key modifications include:
- Replacing white rum with spiced rum
- Adding a dash of aromatic bitters
- Incorporating a cinnamon-sugar rim
Here’s a quick recipe you can try:
- 60 ml (2 oz) spiced rum
- 30 ml (1 oz) blue curaçao
- 45 ml (1.5 oz) pineapple juice
- 30 ml (1 oz) orange juice
- 15 ml (0.5 oz) lime juice
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters
Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise for added aroma.
Fruit juice substitutions
The fruit juice components of the cocktail can be customized for varied flavor profiles. Some interesting substitutions I’ve tried include:
| Original Juice | Substitution | Resulting Flavor Profile |
| Pineapple | Mango | Sweeter, with a tropical richness |
| Orange | Blood orange | Deeper citrus notes, slight bitterness |
| Lemon | Yuzu | Unique citrus flavor, floral undertones |
| Passion fruit | Guava | Musky sweetness, exotic twist |
These substitutions can create unique variations that cater to individual tastes or seasonal availability.
How to pair
The Blue Hurricane’s tropical profile complements a variety of cuisines. It particularly shines when paired with spicy dishes. The cocktail’s sweetness and fruity notes provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heat, creating a harmonious balance on the palate. Based on my culinary experiments, here are some excellent pairing options:
- Desserts:
- Passion fruit tart
- Coconut macaroons
- Blue velvet cupcakes
- Cajun and Creole dishes:
- Jambalaya
- Blackened fish
- Shrimp étouffée
- Caribbean-inspired foods:
- Jerk chicken
- Coconut shrimp
- Mango salsa with plantain chips
- Asian fusion appetizers:
- Pineapple fried rice
- Thai-style fish cakes
- Lemongrass chicken skewers
