Hurricane cocktail and Mint Julep © Tash Jayasinghe

I just returned from an awesome four day trip to New Orleans. Go there if you have a sliver of a chance. I had a great time, the people are welcoming, the food amazing and culture oozes out of every crack.

And my god, do they drink! It’s not uncommon to stroll from bar to bar with a couple of beers in your hands. They don’t let the morning light stop them either, people are still partying on the streets throughout the day.

I don’t mean to sound like an alcho, but this is one of my top ten places!

If you want a little piece of New Orleans magic, I would recommend a hurricane cocktail and mint julep, in that order.

Hurricane cocktail:

• 4 ounces (120mls) rum
• 2 ounces (60mls) passion fruit juice
• 1 ounce (30ml) orange juice
• 1 lime, juice squeezed into drink
• 1 tb sugar syrup (boil equal quantities of sugar and water until it thickens to honey consistency. Let cool then use.)
• 1 tb grenadine

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail mixer. Pile a long cocktail glass with ice.*

Garnish with a cherry if you feel fancy.

Mint Julep:

• 3 sprigs fresh mint, washed.
• 1 1/2 tsp white sugar
• a dash of soda water
• 3 ounces (90mls) whiskey

Put the mint, sugar and a tablespoon of the water into a long glass. Smash this mixture with the back of spoon for 30 seconds. Add ice. Pour in whiskey. Top with soda as needed. Garnish with mint. Serve with a smile.

*A typical American habit is to fill the whole glass with ice and then pour in the drink. Personally, my teeth freeze and it’s far too cold for me, but when in Rome. If you’re the bartender and you don’t want to be busy the whole night, make double the quantities and put half the ice. Simple, effective and fun to watch.