When the heat kicks in or you’re craving something fruity and bold, the Hennessy Hurricane is a go-to cocktail that never disappoints. It’s smooth, tropical, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy—with a splash of that signature Hennessy warmth. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it always hits the spot, especially for weekend get-togethers or winding down on a summer night.
Hennessy Hurricane
What You’ll Need
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail
Glassware: Hurricane glass or tall highball glass
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) Hennessy Cognac
– 1 oz (30 ml) passion fruit syrup
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh orange juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) fresh lime juice
– 1 tsp (5 ml) grenadine
– 1 tsp (5 ml) simple syrup
– Ice cubes
– Orange slice and maraschino cherry, for garnish
Method
- Fill a shaker with ice. Add the Hennessy, passion fruit syrup, orange juice, lime juice, grenadine, and simple syrup.
- Shake it up. Give it a good shake—about 10–15 seconds—until it feels chilled to the touch. This helps everything blend and cools the drink quickly.
- Pour and serve. Strain into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish. Top with an orange slice and a cherry. It’s a small touch that adds a lot of charm.
Tips & Tricks
– Use fresh-squeezed juices whenever possible. It makes a world of difference in flavor.
– If you don’t have passion fruit syrup, pineapple or mango syrup work well too.
– No hurricane glass? A tall highball glass is just fine.
– For a lighter version, cut the simple syrup in half or swap it for honey or agave.
– Want to prep ahead? Mix all the ingredients (except ice and garnish) and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just shake with ice before serving.
What It Tastes Like
This cocktail is a tropical flavor bomb. You get the deep, smooth character of the cognac, bright citrus from the lime and orange, and that unmistakable tropical note from passion fruit. The grenadine adds just a hint of color and sweetness, rounding everything out. It’s bold, fruity, and refreshing with a little kick—a true crowd-pleaser.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the patio. It’s the kind of drink that makes you feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re just in your backyard.
Background & Tradition
The Hurricane cocktail has roots in 1940s New Orleans. It was originally made with rum at Pat O’Brien’s bar, created to use up an overstock of liquor during wartime. The drink got its name from the curvy glass it was served in, shaped like a hurricane lamp. Over time, the drink evolved, and the Hennessy version brings a smooth, elevated twist to this festive classic.
Storage Notes
– You can mix the base (everything but the ice and garnish) and refrigerate for up to 1 day.
– Don’t add ice until you’re ready to serve—it waters down the drink if it sits too long.
– Leftover passion fruit syrup can be stored in the fridge for a couple of weeks and used in other cocktails or even drizzled over fruit.
Food Pairings
Pair your Hennessy Hurricane with foods that can hold their own against its bold flavor:
Spicy Cajun Dishes
Think jambalaya, blackened chicken, or gumbo. The cocktail’s sweetness cools the heat and complements the spices.
Grilled Pineapple or Mango
These caramelized fruits bring out the drink’s tropical notes in a really satisfying way.
Cheese Board
Sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or even a little blue cheese pair nicely with the richness of the cognac and the brightness of the citrus.
Make It Your Own
Substitutions
– Cognac: Try aged rum or bourbon if you want a different base spirit.
– Passion fruit syrup: Pineapple, mango, or guava syrups also work.
– Simple syrup: Swap for honey or agave for a more natural sweetness.
Fun Variations
Hennessy Tropical Storm
– 2 oz Hennessy
– 1 oz pineapple juice
– 1 oz coconut syrup
– 1 oz lime juice
Shake and serve over ice. Creamy and beachy.
Hennessy Sunset
– 2 oz Hennessy
– 1 oz orange juice
– 1 oz lime juice
– 1 tsp grenadine
Shake and pour. The grenadine settles at the bottom, giving it a gorgeous layered look—like a summer sunset.
Hennessy Breeze
– 2 oz Hennessy
– 1 oz cranberry juice
– 1 oz grapefruit juice
– 1 tsp simple syrup
This one’s tart and refreshing. Great if you like a sharper citrus bite.
Virgin Hurricane
Skip the Hennessy and add an extra splash of orange juice, a bit of pineapple or mango juice, and top with sparkling water. Still fruity and festive, just without the alcohol.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Just mix everything except the ice and garnish. Keep it chilled and shake with ice before serving.
What if I don’t have passion fruit syrup?
Pineapple or mango syrup will still give you that tropical vibe.
How sweet is this drink?
It’s on the sweeter side, but you can dial it back by cutting down on the syrups or using unsweetened juice.
What kind of ice should I use?
Regular cubes work fine, but if you want to get fancy, crushed ice makes it feel extra refreshing.
How do I know I’ve shaken it enough?
When the outside of your shaker feels cold and a little frosty, you’re good to go.
Can I batch this for a party?
Absolutely. Just multiply the recipe by how many servings you need. Mix everything in a pitcher, and pour over ice when ready.
The Hennessy Hurricane is one of those drinks that brings the fun with every sip. Whether you’re making one for yourself or a whole tray for friends, it’s a vibrant, flavorful cocktail that’s easy to love and even easier to tweak to your taste. Try a few variations and pair it with your favorite dishes—it’s a drink that plays well with others.
