Hurricane packs a sweet punch

By Julio Diaz

If you’re looking for the perfect cocktail to let the good times roll, look no further than the Hurricane.

A New Orleans classic, the Hurricane has blown its way through many a Mardi Gras across the Gulf Coast, Pensacola’s being no exception.

This bright, sweet drink is easy to gulp down, but like its meteorological namesake, it can pack quite a wallop.

In Pensacola, the best place to get an authentic Hurricane is at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Serving up “Historic Pensacola with a bourbon chaser” for 50 years, Seville Quarter is, “As close to New Orleans as you’re going to get,” according to Buck Mitchell, whose family owns and operates the block-wide entertainment complex.

Rosie O’Grady’s Flaming Hurricane, served at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.

“A Hurricane just brings the feeling of New Orleans and that Mardi Gras, good-time feel,” Mitchell said. “When we started serving the Hurricane, it was to have that good connection to our sister city. It’s a ceremonial party drink that says, ‘Let the good times roll.’ ”

Michell said Seville Quarter’s recipe is based on that of the legendary Pat O’Brien’s Bar in New Orleans, where O’Brien is credited with creating the Hurricane.

“We’ve brought that New Orleans spirit from Bourbon Street to Government Street,” Mitchell said. “It’s a classic, staple Mardi Gras drink.”

Rum is the base in a Hurricane, and there’s a lot more of it in there than inexperienced drinkers may realize.

“A lot of people say they don’t taste any alcohol, but there’s a LOT of alcohol in it,” Mitchell said. “It’s a fruity drink with a lot of good rum in it. Ours has a nice, beautiful cherry color with a good mix of light and dark rums, topped off with a little 151.”

A Hurricane tastes so good, you might find yourself drinking it fast. Avoid that rookie mistake and sip it slowly.

“We certainly like to pace people on Hurricanes and make sure people know there is a kick to it,” Mitchell said. “I like to get friends and put multiple straws in, so it becomes Hurricane shooters for a group.”

That’s easy to do at Seville Quarter, where Hurricanes are served up in souvenir glasses in the classic lamp shape, giving customers “A little piece of Pensacola to take home,” Mitchell said.

And if you do find yourself thirsty for another, refills of the souvenir glass come at a discount.

“The glass is very similar to your traditional New Orleans Hurricane glass, reminiscent of the good times,” Mitchell said. “We’ve been serving it in Pensacola for the past 50 years.”

Seville Quarter is at 130 E. Government St., Pensacola, FL 32502. Open 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10:30 a.m. to 2 a.m. Sunday. For more information, call 850-434-6211, or visit www.sevillequarter.com.

Rosie O’Grady’s Flaming Hurricane

2 oz  light rum
2 oz  dark rum
2 oz  passion fruit juice
1 oz  orange juice
½ oz  fresh lime juice
1 Tablespoon  simple syrup
1 Tablespoon  grenadine
Garnish:  orange slice and cherry
1 sugar cube topped with 151 Rum and light on fire

Rosie O’Grady’s Flaming Hurricane, served at Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St.