Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

Hello there, cocktail lovers! Today, we’re setting sail on a flavor voyage with a classic cocktail that’s as dramatic as its name suggests: the Dark & Stormy. I half-apologize in advance for all the ocean & ship references, but ya know… Rum, pirates… I just can’t help myself.

Copyright A Bar Above, generated with AI

The Tale of the Dark & Stormy

The Dark & Stormy hails from Bermuda; in fact, it’s the national drink of the British territory. Some say it was the brainchild of British sailors who mixed their ginger beer with dark rum to help keep the sea sickness at bay. Others say it was actually the resourceful locals who blended the bold flavors of their local rum with the spicy zing of ginger.

Gosling’s Rum claims that, according to legend, the name of this popular cocktail was derived after a fisherman proclaimed that the drink looked like a cloud “only a fool or a dead man would sail under.” And, after all, it does use authentic dark rum, so the name could allude to the liquor and to the sea– although that doesn’t speak to the origin of the drink’s creation, of course.

But whatever its true history, this drink packs a powerful punch full of flavor, although it’s quite simple to make.

Stock product photo via Goslings Rum

What You’ll Need: Dark and Stormy Ingredients

This ginger beer cocktail lives in the highball cocktail family, using 2-3 ingredients (some people add a squeeze of lime, while others include 1/4-1/2 ounce). To make a classic Dark & Stormy, you need only three simple components:

1. Dark Rum: Go for a rich, full-bodied rum with lots of character. We like to use Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, not just because it’s traditional but because it has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Also, this drink is actually trademarked by Gosling’s, so there’s that. Whichever brand you go with, choose a flavorful dark rum that will play off the spicy ginger beer.
2. Ginger Beer: We’re not talking ginger ale. You’ll need a strong, fiery ginger beer with bite. The spicier, the better in our opinion. It’s the “storm” to the rum’s “dark,” after all. Gosling makes their own, but of course, choose your favorite (like Fever-Tree ginger beer or Bundaberg ginger beer, both of which are quite popular).
3. Fresh Lime Juice: For that zesty, fresh kick of citrus that cuts through the spicy sweetness of ginger beer, you’ll use a little squeeze of lime (up to 1/2 ounce, based on personal preference of how much additional lime flavor you really want), as well as a lime wheel garnish.

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Variations and Twists

Now, for my more adventurous friends, here are some twists on the classic:

• Swap Out the Rum: Try a smoky mezcal, bourbon, or spicy rye whiskey if you’re feeling brave.
• Play with the Ginger Beer: There are so many varieties & brands out there. Experiment with different types to find your perfect storm– like hibiscus, tropical, or blood orange.
• Add a Splash of Flavor: A bit of pineapple juice or a couple dashes of bitters can add a whole new dimension to your cocktail. (More on bitters & infusions here.)
• Juice it Up: Not feeling the ginger beer? Try fresh ginger juice and soda water instead! This can help control the ginger flavor, too, by using more or less juice– which the classic version doesn’t really offer.
• Simplify the Recipe: Try using ginger simple syrup instead of ginger beer or juice; you can top it off with sparkling water. Note that this will add a new sweetness to the recipe.

Photo by A Bar Above, generated with AI

Time to Make Your Own Dark and Stormy Cocktail

The Dark & Stormy is bold, it’s adventurous, and it’s the perfect drink for warm summer nights or backyard parties when you need something easy to make but still a bit out of the ordinary.

Remember, the best part of making drinks at home is making them your own way. So, grab your ingredients, and go make some waves with your creation. Cheers!