- The invention of the cocktail is credited to Pat O'Brien's in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ian McNulty, a freelance writer who writes about the French Quarter, writes that the hurricane drink was created during World War II when bartenders were forced to buy cases of rum if they also wanted to buy whiskey. Thus, the bartenders were faced with having too much rum on their hands. They came up with a creative mix using a lot of rum and served the drink in a tall glass that was shaped like a hurricane glass, which is where the name comes from. Today the drink is still served in the same type of glass and it is a souvenir for visitors.
- A hurricane lamp is known for its distinctive shape. Its shape was designed in such a way that the tall glass chimney would protect the oil-burning flame from wind. Once oil-burning lamps were no longer in vogue people still used them occasionally and have adapted the glass lamps into many shapes, sizes and colors. Today they are often electric, but still designed as if they need to block the draft.
- The hurricane glass is designed in the shape of the hurricane lamp chimney (the glass part that protected the flame). The glass has a short foot and is most often used to serve mixed drinks. It is a popular style that can be purchased in most stores where glassware is sold.
- Hurricane glass windows are designed to withstand hurricane winds over 140 mph and withstand impact from flying debris. The windows have two layers of glass, but in between those layers is a layer of plastic that cushions the glass and prevents breaking. In other words, they are shatter-resistant, as are car windshields which are designed to crack without pieces flying at passengers.
- A guide in the Sun-Sentinel newspaper (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) considers hurricane glass windows practical because they eliminate the need for storm shutters. The building will always be prepared for a storm, even if it is unexpected. However, they must be installed by a contractor and often require the window frame replacement, with costs running around $50 per square foot.
