Photo courtesy of history.com
Happy Mardi Gras! Fat Tuesday is here and many drinks come to mind to celebrate the occasion. Gin Fizz, Vieux Carre and, of course—the Hurricane, are on the list. The Hurricane is probably one of the most ill-handled mixed drink recipes in the mixology world. I’m sure you all know the story of how it began at Pat O’Brien’s in the 40’s, but now they use a proprietary mix, which is, well, simple and overly sweet. Here are two trusted original recipes from two trusted mixers, and some facts and quiz below.
First, Gaz Regan, from the Joy of Mixology:
1 ½ Oz Light rum
1 ½ Oz Dark rum
1 Oz fresh Orange juice
1 Oz. Fresh lemon juice
2 Oz Passion fruit juice
½ Oz Simple syrup
Grenadine to taste
1 Orange wheel, for garnish
Shake and strain into an ice-filled glass. Add the garnish.
And Beachbum Berry, from Grog Log by Beachbum Berry:
120 (4 Oz) ml Dark rum
60 (2 Oz)ml Fresh lemon juice
60 (2 Oz) ml Passion fruit syrup
Shake well and strain into hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. Garnish with a flag – orange slice with red maraschino cherry.
A Christian holiday and popular cultural phenomenon, Mardi Gras dates back thousands of years to pagan spring and fertility rites. Also known as Carnival, it is celebrated in many countries around the world–mainly those with large Roman Catholic populations–on the day before the religious season of Lent begins. Brazil, Venice and New Orleans play host to some of the holiday’s most famous public festivities, drawing thousands of tourists and revelers every year. source: history.com
Quiz:
Which of the following is NOT a Mardi Gras color?
A) Green
B) Yellow
C) Blue
D) Purple
What year was the first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans?
A) 1837
B) 1876
C) 1911
True or False: Mardi Gras in America was begun in New Orleans?
What is a Krewe?
A) A band of musicians
B) Mardi Gras rowing club
C) A Carnival organization
D) Carnival royalty group
Facts:
By the late 1700’s, Mardi Gras balls and festivals were common in French-ruled New Orleans. When Spain began ruling New Orleans, the festivals were banned, however in 1823, balls were once again allowed, and in 1827, street masking was legal again.
King’s Cake was traditionally served on Epiphany beginning in France in the 12th century. A coin or bean was hidden inside the cake, and whoever found the item was said to have good luck in the coming year. Current traditions now put a small plastic baby, representing the baby Jesus, in the cake. The person who finds the baby is then expected to provide the next King Cake.
Answers:
Which of the following is NOT a Mardi Gras color?
A) Green
B) Yellow
C) Blue
D) Purple
What year was the first Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans?
A) 1837
B) 1876
C) 1911
True or False: Mardi Gras in America was begun in New Orleans? False – A common misconception – Mardi Gras in America was actually begun in Mobile, Alabama in 1703, a year after its {founding;} in 1857, members of a Mobilian mystic society brought Mardi Gras to New Orleans.
What is a Krewe?
A) A band of musicians
B) Mardi Gras rowing club
C) A Carnival organization
D) Carnival royalty group