Hurricane Cocktails to Calm our Nerves

I have to confess, I’ve been glued to the Weather Channel all day!  Watching the slow churn of Hurricane Irma and the varying spaghetti strings is stressful.  Seeing the devastation in her path is heartbreaking.

With the cone covering the entire state, it’s difficult to figure out what to do and where to go.  We will heed the guidance of the Officials.  Fortunately, we have our getaway on the Gulf Coast, so we may head westward with family and friends.

In the meantime, to calm my nerves, I decided to get busy creating something pretty.  And as much as I don’t want to focus on the hurricane, I found myself crafting my own version of none other than a Hurricane Cocktail.

 I figure we might was well sip a happy cocktail while bringing in the flower pots, putting away the lawn chairs and tightening things up.  Anything that could be a flying object must be secured.  In doing all this I can’t help but think again of our Texas friends, who are still enduring the wrath of Harvey.  Our thoughts remain with them.

Back to cocktails and distractions.  The classic Hurricane Cocktail is made of rum, fruit juice, syrup and grenadine.  The Hurricane was created in the 1940’s in New Orleans by Pat O’Brien at his speakeasy called Mr. O’Brien’s Club Tipperary, where the password was “storm’s brewin.”   The drink is typically served in a hurricane lamp-shaped glass, and garnished with a cherry.

Here’s my “Skinny” version to ward off hurricane calories:

• Over ice pour 1 oz White Rum
• Add 2 oz Orange Juice (I used a light version)
• 2 oz Light Cranberry Juice
• A lime squeeze
• Top with an orange and a lemon slice for color

And if you prefer a sweeter version, add a teaspoon of Grenadine. 

Wishing safe harbors to all.

Cheers!

Leslie