Dark n Stormy
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This classic Dark ‘n Stormy© cocktail recipe blends Gosling’s Black Seal Rum with spicy ginger beer and lime juice over ice in a highball glass. This refreshing and tropical drink goes down easy and is super simple to make!
Looking for more rum drinks? Check out the Tropical Rum Drinks page!
Why do they call it Dark and Stormy?
The original Dark ‘n Stormy was created on the island of Bermuda after World War I. British naval officers were brewing up ginger beer to combat sea sickness, then decided to swirl the ginger beer and dark rum together in a cup, a sailor allegedly commented that it looked “the color of a cloud only a fool or a dead man would sail under,” and the name “dark ‘n stormy” was born.
It was created using Goslings Black Seal rum (named for the wax used to seal the bottles) and Barritt’s Ginger Beer, but after the partnership failed and the two companies parted ways, Gosling Brothers created its own ginger beer.
This drink is trademarked by Goslings, so if a bartender, or beverage company ever mixes a drink using a different rum with ginger beer it can’t be called a Dark ‘n Stormy. It is sometimes referred to as Bermuda, Rum Buck, or Safe Harbor.
The Dark ‘n Stormy is the official drink of Bermuda and of the global boating and sailing community.
What you will need
- As you read above, you must use Goslings Black Seal Bermuda Black Rum – at least “I must make it that way” to avoid getting sued, you can use whatever dark rum you like in your own home.
- A spicy, ginger beer like Goslings or Bundaberg from Australia. Contrary to its name, most ginger beers do not contain alcohol so check the label to be sure.
- A lime was run around the rim of the glass in the original recipe. Most bars in the U.S. add lime juice to their versions, so we will call it optional.
- Ice – jigger – highball glasses
Be sure to check out the detailed printable recipe card below
How to make a Dark n Stormy
- Add the ginger beer and lime juice to an ice filled highball glass and float the rum on top.
- Stir (until it looks like a storm cloud)
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve.
Recipe Notes & Tips
- Make sure to use a dark rum preferably from the Caribbean. White or gold rum does not have enough flavor to compete with the spiciness of the ginger beer.
- It is advisable not to use spiced rum in this drink, the ginger beer has its own punch of spice! If you must, cut the amount in half and slowly add more to your liking.
- Ginger ale is not a suitable substitute, its flavor is too weak.
- For a darker, stormier cocktail, float the rum on top of the ginger beer without stirring.
Tools used to create this drink
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If you like this drink
If you are a fan of ginger flavor I suggest that you also check out these Moscow Mule Recipes. It is pretty much the exact same drink, but with vodka instead of rum, and it’s served in a cool copper mug.
- Watermelon Moscow Mule
- Cherry Moscow Mule
- Blackberry Moscow Mule
- Pomegranate Yule Mule
- Irish Mule with Irish whiskey instead of vodka
- Keto Mexican Mule with Tequila
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Enjoy!!
Dark ‘n Stormy
Ingredients
- ice cubes
- 6 ounces ginger beer from 4 to 6 ounces depending on your tastes
- 0.5 ounce lime juice optional
- 2 ounces Goslings Black Seal Dark Rum
- garnish with lime wedge or wheel
Instructions
- Add the ginger beer and lime juice to an ice filled highball glass and float the rum on top.
- Stir (until it looks like a storm cloud)
- Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and serve.
Notes
- Make sure to use a dark rum preferably from the Caribbean. White or gold rum does not have enough flavor to compete with the spiciness of the ginger beer.
- It is advisable not to use spiced rum in this drink, the ginger beer has its own punch of spice! If you must, cut the amount in half and add more to your liking.
- Ginger ale is not a suitable substitute, its flavor is too weak.
- For a darker, stormier cocktail, float the rum on top of the ginger beer without stirring.
- One bottle of ginger beer will make two drinks.
