The Hurricane cocktail has a really cool history. According to legend, New Orleans bar owner Pat O'Brian had a glut of cheap rum that he couldn't get rid of in the early 1940's. At the time spirits like Scotch and Bourbon were the more popular choices but because of World War II the supply was very limited, while the less popular rum was abundant.

Because they had so much of the stuff, liquor distributors required bar owners to purchase the rum in order to buy the good stuff. So, Pat's now stuck with crates of a drink he can't get rid of.

His solution was to mix it with a bunch of fruit juices and give it away to sailors for free. As an added touch he used glasses shaped like hurricane lamps deriving the name.

To his surprise, it became a hit and before long his bar became famous for the sickeningly sweet drink made with crap-rum he was forced to buy.

So, as it turns out, the old adage is true. If life gives you lemons, mix it with vodka and make a lemon drop. In Pat O'Brian's case it was rum, but I think you get the point.