As the winds pick up and the clouds gather, there’s nothing like hunkering down for a hurricane… with a drink in hand! Enter the Hurricane Drinking Game—a fun and spirited way to take the edge off storm season. While we’re all glued to the weather channel and social media, why not add a little fun with some easy-to-follow drinking prompts? Don’t worry, safety is still the top priority.
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What is a Hurricane Drinking Game?
In hurricane-prone areas, the stress of waiting out a storm can weigh heavy. The hurricane drinking game is here to lighten the mood by turning storm-watching into a playful event. Born out of the need to find humor amidst nature’s chaos, this game involves following specific prompts based on storm coverage—whether it’s the words “hunker down,” satellite images larger than your state, or clips of reporters battling the winds.
Not only does this game make passing the time more entertaining, but it’s also a great excuse to gather (safely) with friends or family and have a good laugh while the storm passes outside.
Essential Hurricane Drinking Game Rules
Now for the important part: the rules. Here are a few time-tested prompts to make your hurricane drinking game a memorable one.
The Weather Channel Rulebook
This is where it all begins. As the storm tracker takes center stage, your drinking game begins:
- If the meteorologist says “hunker down” — drink.
- Spot a satellite image larger than your state? Drink.
- Every time they mention “feeder bands” — yep, you guessed it, drink again.
- See anyone boarding up windows or carrying sandbags? It’s drinking time.
News Broadcast and Social Media Prompts
News outlets will ramp up their coverage, and that’s where your fun begins:
- When the camera cuts to a reporter soaked and battling wind — take a big drink.
- Hear any mention of “historic storm,” “unprecedented flooding,” or the classic “storm surge”? Drink up.
- On social media, spot any hurricane memes or exaggerated weather reports? Yep, that’s another drink.
Community Input: Reddit and Quora Rules
From Reddit threads to Quora discussions, people have taken the hurricane drinking game to new creative levels. Some of the most popular community-sourced rules include:
- Drinking every time someone on social media posts a panicked storm photo.
- Regional shoutouts in news broadcasts—drink if they mention your specific town or neighborhood.
- Customizing rules based on local news anchors’ habits. Have a favorite reporter who always says a certain phrase? That’s your new cue to drink.
Top 5 Hurricane Cocktails You’ve Never Heard Of
Everyone’s heard of The Hurricane cocktail (a rum-based classic), but when you’re riding out a storm, you need variety! Here are five offbeat hurricane-inspired cocktails that will blow your mind (not your roof off):
1. Eye of the Storm
A visually striking cocktail that swirls as dramatically as the storm itself.
- Ingredients: Blue Curacao, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and a dash of grenadine for that blood-red storm eye effect.
- Instructions: Pour the grenadine first, add ice, then layer the rum and Blue Curacao for a storm-in-a-glass look. Watch the colors twist together like a spinning cyclone.
2. Category 5 Punch
Dangerous yet delicious, this drink packs a serious punch—literally.
- Ingredients: Dark rum, light rum, passion fruit juice, orange juice, and a touch of bitters.
- Instructions: Mix all the ingredients, add crushed ice, and garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail umbrella (because what’s a hurricane without flying debris?).
3. Tropical Typhoon
Inspired by Pacific typhoons, this drink has a refreshing, exotic twist.
- Ingredients: Tequila, mango puree, lime juice, and a pinch of chili powder.
- Instructions: Shake with ice, pour into a salt-rimmed glass, and top with a chili pepper for a spicy surprise. It’s the calm before the storm.
4. Storm Surge Sangria
This stormy twist on sangria is perfect for sharing.
- Ingredients: Red wine, brandy, oranges, lemons, and a dash of ginger beer for that extra kick of stormy fizz.
- Instructions: Combine wine, brandy, and fruits in a pitcher, then chill. Right before serving, top with ginger beer and ice for a refreshing rush.
5. Windy Whisky Sour
For the whisky lovers out there, this twist on a whisky sour will knock you sideways.
- Ingredients: Bourbon, lemon juice, honey, and a splash of soda water.
- Instructions: Shake the bourbon, lemon juice, and honey together, serve over ice, and top with soda water for a breezy, tart finish.
Hurricane Survival Kits: The Party Edition
Forget the boring old emergency kits—let’s create a hurricane survival kit that’ll have you ready for anything, from a power outage to a spontaneous dance party. Here’s your must-have list:
1. Drinks, Drinks, and More Drinks
Stockpile not just your regular storm beverages but also ingredients for fun cocktails or mocktails. Ensure you have a mix of spirits (rum, tequila, vodka), mixers, and plenty of ice (if you have a generator or cooler). Don’t forget the beer and wine, just in case your power’s out for a while.
2. Non-Perishable Party Snacks
You won’t be able to order pizza during a storm, so make sure your pantry is party-ready. Get chips, popcorn, crackers, cheese dip, canned salsa, and sweets like candy or cookies. That way, you can munch while you’re glued to the weather updates.
3. Board Games and Card Decks
When the Wi-Fi goes out, it’s time to break out the board games! Keep classics like Dungeons and Dragons and Catan at the ready. If you’re more into card games, try lively options like F*ck the Dealer or the Horse Race drinking game. These fun-filled games will keep you entertained and make the time fly as you wait for the storm to pass.
4. Flashlights and Fun Lighting
The power is out, but the fun doesn’t have to stop! Break out the glow sticks, battery-powered string lights, and candles to create a cozy (and party-friendly) atmosphere. You can also host a shadow puppet contest—whoever creates the best “hurricane” puppet wins!
5. Portable Speakers for a Stormy Playlist
Music is essential for keeping the vibe fun, so be sure your portable speaker is fully charged. Why not create a storm-themed playlist featuring hits like “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC, “Rock You Like a Hurricane” by Scorpions, and “Riders on the Storm” by The Doors? For added fun, turn Thunderstruck into a drinking game—take a sip every time you hear one of the 33 “Thunders”! It’s a perfect way to keep spirits high while waiting out the storm.
Now you’re set for a hurricane party where the only thing blowing away is boredom. Just remember to balance fun with safety—keep emergency supplies handy, stay informed, and of course, drink responsibly.