Hurricane – 5:00 Fridays

Irene is wreaking havoc on the whole East coast this weekend. It’s a shame because Irene seems like the kind of woman who knits and subscribes to Readers Digest. I pegged her for a cardigan wearing gal who always has mints in her purse and spoons out sugar cubes from a proper sugar bowl. I never imagined Irene would unravel in such a wind swooping mass of destruction. I bet the Hurricane Namers struggle for “I” names so I’m tossing “Ilina” out there as an option. But I don’t want to be associated with any damage and mayhem; I understand it’s a dubious claim to fame.

By the way, did you know that they recycle those name lists every six years? If a Hurricane unleashed deadly damage the name is blacklisted. I’m betting we won’t see Katrina make it through the list again. That name is so tarnished that no amount of sunshine walking is going to repair its reputation.

It’s only fitting that this week’s drink is the one that Pat O’Brien’s made famous in the 1940s.

Hurricane
1 ounce vodka (not the bottom shelf crap, folks)
splash of grenadine
1 ounce gin
1 ounce light rum
1/2 ounce Bacardi 151 (Yowza!)
1 ounce amaretto
splash of Triple Sec
3 ounces grapefruit juice
3 ounces pineapple juice
Vitamin B
2 Tylenol

Fill a tall glass with ice. Use a hurricane glass if you have one. It is important you pour everything into the glass in the order listed. Add the juices last. No need to stir, and if you indulge in a few of these you won’t be stirring at all the next morning, at least not without pain and nausea. Garnish this cocktail with a pineapple slice. Be wary of slurping this goodness through a straw. This is a sipping libation. I speak from experience.

Take Vitamin B and Tylenol before going to bed.

Now let this be a reminder to check your emergency kits!

Stay safe, friends!