Monday, June 1, 2020

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Today marks the official start of hurricane season. (Already? Wasn’t it just March?) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is forecasting that the 2020 season will be “extremely active.” We already have had two named storms (Arthur and Bertha) and at this moment Cristobal is gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA is predicting that three to six of this year’s many tropical storms could intensify into Category 3 or higher hurricanes.

For those of us living on the eastern side of the country, we know this means more than just cancelled vacation plans. (Been there, done that more than once!) It means scary winds, copious rain, property damage, power outages, even evacuations, not to mention the danger to human lives.

Come on, 2020! Give us a break!

I guess we have really pissed off Mother Earth, haven’t we?

Today’s cocktail is my version of The Hurricane. This one is strong, but hey! I feel like today, with all the bad news swirling around me, I need it!

In a shaker with ice, combine 2 ounces light rum, 2 ounce dark rum, 1 ounce lime juice, 1 ounce orange juice, 1 1/2 ounces passion fruit juice, 1/2 ounce simple syrup, and 1 teaspoon grenadine. Shake and strain into a hurricane glass filled with fresh ice, and garnish with an orange wheel and a cherry.

Please drink responsibly!