NYC's 4 Best Bars For Hurricane Cocktails In 2014
The quintessential red party drink, the Hurricane originated in the 1940's at Pat O'Brien's Tavern in New Orleans, and as the story goes, the cocktail was created to get rid of a large supply of unpopular rum. Served in glasses fashioned out of hurricane lamps, the classic recipe includes light and dark rums, passion fruit juice, orange juice, grenadine and simple syrup. As Fat Tuesday rapidly approaches, here are our picks for New York City's best spots to indulge in the fun kind of hurricanes. By Selena Ricks-Good.
Billy Hurricane's
25 Ave. B
New York, NY
(646) 692-6216
billyhurricanes.com
Although you won't be able to walk outside this bar with your cocktail in a plastic cup, Billy Hurricane's brings the Nawlins party vibe to the East Village. Flashing lights, an astroturf-covered patio, carnival-style games and an oversized "drunk" sign are just part of the charm. Not only can you order a Hurricane here, but you can drink it out of a 32oz mini-boot for $13 if the 16oz version ($7) doesn't provide enough turbulence for you.
Bourbon Street Bar & Grille
346 W. 46th St.
New York, NY
(212) 245-2030
bourbonny.com
This Hell's Kitchen bar is practically giving away Hurricanes--they're just $5 all day, every day. From the moment you see the wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps and a stuffed alligator above the bar, you'll feel as though you really are on Bourbon Street, while the theater-going tourists will remind you of your true surroundings.
Maison Premiere
298 Bedford Ave.
Brooklyn, NY
(347) 335-0446
maisonpremiere.com
If it's not raining too hard, head to the new garden patio at this Williamsburg oyster and absinthe bar for a scene straight from the French Quarter. Among the sprawling cocktail menu you'll find the Hurricane (Appleton Rum, Rhum JM, Lemon, Passion Fruit) served in a traditional hurricane glass.
Ninth Ward
180 2nd Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 979-9273
ninthwardnyc.com
Ninth Ward, from the team behind Scottish bar Shoolbred's, celebrates the vintage, gothic past of New Orleans with a decor of voodoo dolls, a stained glass window, hurricane shutters and lots of dusty trinkets sourced straight from the Big Easy. Naturally, a version of the Hurricane is served here, but if that doesn't provide enough destruction for you, try the Marie Laveau, inspired by the reigning queen of New Orleans voodoo (Partida Blanco Tequila, Fresh Sqeezed Grapefruit, Lime and a dash of Cointreau).
For the latest on the best bars and nightlife in the Tri-State area, follow us on Twitter!
Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.
