Say 'Good Night' to Irene with a Hurricane Cocktail

Near the Potomac River waterfront on King Street in Old Town, Alexandria, you'll find many businesses preparing for Hurricane Irene with sandbags at their doorsteps and welcoming last-minute tourists taking a look around.

It's Friday afternoon, a day before Hurricane Irene is expected to blow into town. Just a few blocks from the water sits 219 Restaurant, a New Orleans-style bistro with ornate chandeliers and a jazz and piano bar upstairs.

Manager Chris Taylor said he's worried about the possible impact the storm might have on the last few days of Alexandria Restaurant Week, an annual event held each August when local restaurants offer specials to locals and tourists.

But if the weather turns ugly as expected, Taylor shared a recipe for two drinks for any revelers out there who care to welcome Hurricane Irene with a hurricane party.

The Hurricane is a drink made famous at Pat O'Brien's the bar in New Orleans. Taylor shared his recipe for a Hurricane as well as for a "Dark & Stormy," something a little less strong. (The Hurricane might be a Category 5 drink and Dark & Stormy, a Category 2??)

Enjoy!

Hurricane (recipe courtesy of Chris Taylor, 219 Restaurant, Old Town Alexandria, VA)

2 ounces of Bacardi Silver Rum

2 ounces of Meyers Dark Rum

2 ounces of Passion Fruit Juice

1 ounce of orange juice

1 ounce of fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon of simple syrup

1 tablespoon of Grenadine

Combine all ingredients in a shaker glass. Shake well and pour into a hurricane glass and garnish with an orange and cherry.

Dark & Stormy (recipe courtesy of Chris Taylor, 219 Restaurant, Old Town Alexandria, VA)

2 ounces of Goslings Dark Rum (or dark rum)

5 ounces of Ginger Beer

Lime wedge