"Healthy" Hurricane Drink: Gustav Edition.

You might have been wondering if I would do a special edition post for our dear friend who's now hovering around the Caribbean, causing everyone such a tizzy. And those of you who live here in LA or DID live in LA might be able to see where this is going. :D

HURRICANES!!!

Food Background: http://www.patobriens.com/hurricane.html

Dish type: Drink (alcoholic)

Method Utilized: Pretty traditional

A typical hurricane, depending on the size and bartender, can range from 400-800 calories!

When dealing with alcohols, there really aren't many ways to cut back on the calories--and they're all (sadly) empty calories. However, the lower the proof of the alcohol, the lower the calorie count.

And we can easily make BIG cuts in mixers, and we can ADD more of the original flavor by using flavored rums--suprisingly, calorie counts for flavored hard liquors aren't much higher than regular varieties, because of the lower proof. And adding fresh fruit & fresh fruit juice adds nutrition!

Shopping list:
1 oz. Pineapple flavored rum
1 oz. Passion fruit flavored rum
1 oz. Dark rum
3 oz. Crystal Light Sunrise Classic Orange
3 oz. South Beach Living Tropical Breeze Drink (available in singles packets so you only have to prep 16.9-20oz at a time
2 oz. fresh pineapple (or freshly frozen--bagged fruit from the store sometimes has added sugar & preservatives. I used chunks that I'd frozen earlier.)
1 oz. grenadine
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
crushed ice

Directions:

I used about a tray of ice cubes (because it's all I had--sad face) and added the pineapple, combined in my blender to crush. Then add the rest, and give a quick blend again to get a good mix.

Pour into a hurricane glass (if you have one) and add a straw...



I didn't have as much ice as I'd have liked, that's why it separated a bit. But the taste is still AWESOME!

...then kick back and watch the storm creep slllllllooooooowwwwwwlllllllyyyyy towards you. :D



Makes (2) 16 oz servings (if you have the right amount of ice)

Calories per serving: 160

Plus the added benefits of the lemon juice and fresh pineapple!

Recipe can easily be multiplied for parties & gatherings. So drink up--it's time for a Hurricane Party!