How to Make Homemade New Orleans Style Alcohol Beverages

New Orleans is known for its spirits---both the otherworldly and alcoholic varieties. Home to jazz musicians and the lively nightlife of Bourbon Street, the Big Easy knows how to make a mean drink. But you don't have to take a trip south to enjoy the city's unique libations. Whether you're hosting a Mardi Gras party or just want a taste of the Deep South, you can mix up New Orleans-style drinks right at home. Try the classic hurricane cocktail, and for a sweet "hair of the dog," savor a brandy milk punch the next morning.

Things You'll Need

• For the hurricane:
• Two tall glasses
• Ice cubes
• Cocktail shaker
• 2 oz. light rum
• 2 oz. dark rum
• 2 oz. passion-fruit juice
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 1/2-oz. fresh lime juice
• 1 tbsp. simple syrup
• 1 tbsp. grenadine
• Orange wedges
• For the brandy milk punch:
• Two medium glasses
• 2 oz. brandy
• 1 oz. dark rum
• 1/2- tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 cup milk
• Nutmeg

Instructions

Hurricane cocktail

1. Fill two tall glasses halfway with ice cubes.

2. Pour the light rum, dark rum, passion-fruit juice, orange juice, lime juice, simple syrup and grenadine into the cocktail shaker. Shake for a few seconds to mix.

3. Pour the mixture into the two glasses. Garnish each drink with an orange wedge.

Brandy milk punch

1. Place three ice cubes in each medium glass.

2. Pour the brandy, dark rum, simple syrup, vanilla extract and milk into the cocktail shaker. Shake to mix.

3. Divide the mixture between the two glasses. Sprinkle nutmeg on top of each.

Tips & Warnings

• To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Cool mixture before using.

• If you are lactose intolerant, you can substitute plain soy milk for the milk in the brandy milk punch.

References

• "Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails;" Ted Haigh; 2004
• Cocktail Times