A hurricane glass is a curvy, tall glass that is used to serve tropical cocktails, especially those containing rum. The shape of the glass allows you to pile in fruit garnishes, and the narrow top helps concentrate the aromas. While most known for holding sweet, fruity rum drinks, a variety of cocktails can be served in a hurricane glass.
What is a Hurricane Glass?
A hurricane glass is a specialty cocktail glass that is tall and curvy, narrowing at the top. It resembles an upside-down cone on a stem. The wide bottom allows you to load up the drink with ice cubes. The curvy shape gives plenty of room for festive garnishes like pineapple chunks, citrus wheels, umbrellas, or orchids. The narrow mouth at the top helps capture the aromas of the drink. Hurricane glasses usually hold around 14-20 ounces.
The hurricane glass was named after the classic Hurricane cocktail, which was invented at Pat O’Brien’s bar in the French Quarter of New Orleans in the 1940s. The strong, rum-based drink was served in a curvy glass which was said to resemble the shape of a hurricane lamp. The appeal of the cocktail quickly made the serving glass popular across the country.
Today, hurricane glasses are ubiquitous in tiki bars, resorts, cruises, and anywhere tropical cocktails are served. The distinctive shape adds to the island vacation vibe. While they were designed for sweet rum drinks, hurricane glasses can be used to serve a variety of cocktails.
Classic Rum Cocktails
Here are some of the most iconic rum cocktails traditionally served in hurricane glasses:
Hurricane
The Hurricane is the signature cocktail served at Pat O’Brien’s bar in New Orleans. It was created during World War II when rum was plentiful and other liquors were in short supply. The potent mix of rum, passionfruit juice, and lemon became a hit with sailors on leave. The early version was served in a glass shaped like a hurricane lamp, which became known as a hurricane glass. The cocktail is still a best-selling drink in New Orleans, especially among tourists and college students.
Planters Punch
A Planters Punch is a tropical drink made with rum, citrus juices, syrup, and grenadine. It originated in the West Indies in the late 19th century. The fruity, vibrant cocktail is commonly served in a hurricane glass topped with pineapple chunks or other fruit. It’s a Caribbean classic found on many resort menus. The tall hurricane glass lets you build the layered drink with ice and garnish it lavishly.
Mai Tai
A Mai Tai is an iconic tiki drink made with rum, Curacao, orgeat syrup, and lime juice. It was invented by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in the 1940s in his famous Oakland tiki bar. The Mai Tai became one of the most popular cocktails in mid-century America. The drink is traditionally served in a hurricane glass decorated with a colorful orchid or paper parasol. The shape shows off the drink’s layers and complex flavors.
Zombie
Donn Beach (aka Don the Beachcomber) created the Zombie in the 1930s at his Los Angeles tiki bar. It amps up a Planters Punch with multiple rums and tropical fruit juices. The stiff drink was served in a hurricane glass with a tiny parasol. The Zombie became the signature drink of the tiki craze and still has a cult following. A properly made Zombie is packed with rum and will give you a “tropical buzz” befitting the name.
Piña Colada
The Piña Colada dates to the 1950s in Puerto Rico. The creamy blend of rum, coconut, and pineapple is a tropical dream. Bars often serve Piña Coladas in a hurricane glass lined with coconut shavings and topped with pineapple. The wide glass perfectly displays the decadent layers. Piña Coladas are a popular poolside cocktail on tropical vacations. The hurricane glass fits the island lifestyle.
Mojito
A Cuban Mojito is built in a tall hurricane glass right at your table. The glass is filled with crushed ice, white rum, mint leaves, lime juice, sugar syrup, and club soda. Cuban tradition calls for the ingredients to be mixed and muddled with a long-handled wood muddler right in the serving glass. The hurricane shape allows plenty of room for the mint leaves to be pressed and incorporated into the drink. It also cools it down quickly.
Fruity Cocktails
In addition to rum drinks, plenty of fruity cocktails are well-suited to hurricane glasses. The tall shape and narrow top bring out the best in these sweet libations.
Frosé
Frosé is an icy summer cocktail made by blending rosé wine with vodka and fruit. It’s like an adult slushy. Frosé is always served straight up in a hurricane glass. The shape shows off the frozen pink drink crowned with fresh berries. It’s mimosa meets milkshake, ideal for languid summer drinking.
Sangria
Sangria is a wine punch originating in Spain that’s made with red wine, brandy, fruit juice, sliced fruit, and club soda. Bars often serve individual portions of sangria in hurricane glasses filled with oranges, apples, or berries. The narrow top concentrates the fruity aromas. Hurricane glasses are perfect for showing off vivid sangria colors and chunks of fruit.
Bellini
A Bellini is a sparkling Italian cocktail that mixes Prosecco with peach puree. Invented in Venice, it’s a frothy summer refresher. A Bellini is always served in a tall champagne flute. But hurricane glasses can also be used to stunning effect. The shapely glass perfectly displays the creamy peach drink crowned with bubbles.
Mimosa
A Mimosa is a brunch favorite that combines fresh orange juice and bubbly wine. Individual mimosas are ideally served in slim champagne flutes. But hurricane glasses also work beautifully for this bright beverage. The shape shows off the effervescent drink and the stem keeps it chilled.
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Hurricane glasses aren’t just for cocktails. They can also display non-alcoholic drinks with panache. Here are some crowd-pleasing options to fill those curvy glasses for teetotalers or daytime events.
Iced Tea
A properly brewed glass of iced tea can be just as refreshing as a cocktail on a hot day. Sweet tea or Arnold Palmers (iced tea with lemonade) look right at home in hurricane glasses. Embellish them with lemon wheels or mint sprigs. Tall hurricane glasses keep iced tea cold and are perfect for sipping on a porch swing.
Lemonade
A hurricane glass is ideal for serving fruit-infused lemonade or limeade. The shapely glass shows off the vibrant citrus colors and allows you to pile in fruit slices. Spiked lemonades with a shot of vodka or gin also look fabulous in hurricane glasses. The stem keeps them cold.
Juices
Fresh juices like orange, grapefruit, pineapple, or tomato make delicious and nutritious drinks for hurricane glasses. Top them off with fruit like orange slices or grapes. The curvy glass displays colorful fruit blends beautifully.
Smoothies
Thick, ice-cold fruit smoothies are perfect poolside treats, and hurricane glasses show them off to perfection. You can get creative with combinations like banana mango, pomegranate blueberry, or key lime pie. Top with fruit, shredded coconut, or cocoa powder.
Milkshakes
Old fashioned ice cream milkshakes are quintessential hot weather refreshers. Serve them tall in a hurricane glass topped with whipped cream and a bright cherry. The glass displays all those creamy layers. Add a colorful paper straw for a retro touch.
Italian Sodas
Italian sodas are a popular non-alcoholic drink made by mixing flavored syrups with soda water. They look dazzling layered in a hurricane glass. The shape shows off the colors and bubbles. Garnish with citrus wheels or berries. A stemmed hurricane glass is ideal for sipping these fun, fizzy drinks.
How to Garnish Drinks in Hurricane Glasses
One of the joys of serving cocktails in hurricane glasses is artistically garnishing them. The key is to use bright, fresh garnishes that enhance the look and taste of the drink. Here are some garnish ideas:
Fruit
- Pineapple chunks, wedges, or spears
- Orange slices or wheels
- Maraschino cherries
- Lemon, lime, or grapefruit wheels
- Olives
- Whole strawberries or raspberries
- Grape skewers
- Melon balls
Herbs
- Mint sprigs
- Rosemary sprigs
- Lavender blossoms
- Basil leaves
Flowers and Greenery
- Orchids
- Hibiscus blossoms
- Lilikoi flowers
- Bougainvillea blossoms
- Star fruit leaves
- Citrus leaves
Miscellaneous
- Paper parasols
- Small tropical birds or butterflies on a pick
- Cocktail umbrellas
- Sparklers
- Curls of citrus zest
- Toasted coconuts
- Sprigs of lavender
Aim for garnishes that enhance the flavors already present in the cocktail. For example, garnish a Mojito with mint leaves and lime wheels. Embellish a Mai Tai with pineapple and an orchid. Have fun combining colors, shapes, and textures to take your hurricane glass presentation to the next level.
Serving Drinks in Hurricane Glasses
Here are some tips for serving cocktails and other drinks in hurricane glasses:
- Chill the hurricane glasses ahead of time before making the drinks. Keep them in the freezer or fill them with ice water to get them frosty cold before adding ingredients.
- Use plenty of ice cubes. Fill the hurricane glass at least halfway with ice before adding liquids and garnishes. This keeps the drink chilled and diluted properly.
- Layer creams and liqueurs first. For tropical cocktails, pour heavier ingredients like cream of coconut on the bottom before lighter mixers.
- Pour slowly and gently over a barspoon to prevent foaming. Top with any sparkling wines or sodas at the end.
- Insert garnishes attractively. Skewer fruits and aim them upward. Fan citrus wheels along the side. Drop mint sprigs evenly around the glass.
- Consider color palettes. Match the drink to the garnishes for a coordinated look. Use contrasting colors for dramatic effect.
- Add garnishes just before serving so they look fresh and lively.
- Set the hurricane glass on a napkin or coaster to collect condensation and splashes.
- Remind guests that hurricane glasses tend to tip easily. Caution them to grasp the stem and drink slowly.
Cocktail Recipes for Hurricane Glasses
Mai Tai
Ingredients:
- 2 oz aged rum
- 1 oz orange Curaçao
- 1 oz orgeat (almond) syrup
- 3⁄4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1⁄4 oz simple syrup
- Pineapple wedge and orchid for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a hurricane glass with crushed ice.
- Pour the rum, Curaçao, orgeat syrup, lime juice, and simple syrup into a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into the hurricane glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and orchid.
Hurricane
Ingredients:
- 2 oz light rum
- 2 oz dark rum
- 2 oz passionfruit juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1⁄2 oz simple syrup
- Orange wheel and maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a hurricane glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Pour all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously to chill.
- Strain into the hurricane glass.
- Garnish with an orange wheel and maraschino cherry skewer.
Planters Punch
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 oz dark rum
- 3⁄4 oz lime juice
- 1⁄2 oz pomegranate juice
- 1⁄2 oz orange juice
- 1⁄2 oz honey syrup
- 3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Pineapple wedge, orange wheel, and mint for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a hurricane glass halfway with crushed ice.
- Add all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake to blend and chill.
- Strain into the hurricane glass.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge, orange wheel, and mint sprig.
Bellini
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Prosecco
- 1 oz white peach puree
- Peach slice for garnish
Instructions:
- Spoon the peach puree into a chilled hurricane glass.
- Slowly pour in the Prosecco.
- Gently stir 3-4 times only to integrate.
- Garnish with a thin peach slice.
Conclusion
Hurricane glasses have a sculptural beauty that brings drama and sophistication to cocktails. While they were originally designed for tiki drinks like the Hurricane and Mai Tai, their appeal has made them a versatile glass for creative mixology. They can transform everything from fruity rum libations to non-alcoholic juices and smoothies into artful creations. With their signature shape and generous capacity, hurricane glasses are ideal for highlighting tropical flavors and artistic garnishes.