The Dark and Stormy is a classic cocktail made with lime, dark rum and ginger beer. It is refreshing and delicious. In my opinion, it’s even better than its cousin, The Moscow Mule. Fun fact- this drink is the national drink of Bermuda.
This popular cocktail can be found all around the world, so you have probably seen it on many menus. Now it’s time to learn to make it at home. This is one of the simplest cocktails to make, and it turns out perfect and refreshing every time.
Often, the rum is served floating on top like a dark and stormy sky. An important detail for this drink recipe is that you need to use dark rum.
Cocktail Ideas: Rum Runner, Cuba Libre, Jungle Bird, Classic Mojito, Manahattan, Old Fashioned, Negroni, Tom Collins , Classic Gimlet, Painkiller, Green Tea Shot and Boilermaker.
Ingredients in a Dark and Stormy:
- Goslings Black Seal Rum – Goslings Rum actually has a trademark on this drink’s name, so if you want to make it properly you need to use Goslings Rum. I tried it out and it’s absolutely delicious.
- Ginger Beer – Spicy ginger beer adds adds both sweetness and a bit of kick to your drink.
- Lime – The lime is technically optional, but I love it and would not skip it. It adds so much flavor. Juice half a lime and use the other half to create a lime wedge garnish.
How to Mix a Dark and Stormy:
Add ice, ginger beer and lime juice to a highball glass. Leave about two inches at the top for your rum. Top the drink with two ounces of dark rum. This creates a mysterious look, like a storm. Garnish with a wedge of lime.
Tips For Making
- Add a splash of lime juice if you love the flavor (I do!).
- If you don’t have ginger beer on hand, gingerale is an acceptable substitute. It will create a sweeter finished drink.
- Be sure to use black rum (also called dark rum) but not spiced rum. Spiced rum is also dark, but it has a different flavor that isn’t best for this drink.
History
Stories say that the Dark ’n Stormy was first created by sailors who enjoyed rum with ginger beer for its medicinal qualities. It was thought to be an old-fashioned cure for seasickness.
The official credit for this drink’s creation goes to Goslings Black Seal rum from Bermuda. Goslings rum dates back to 1806. In 1991 Goslings black rum successfully registered a trademark for any drink titled Dark ’n Stormy, so technically it must be made with Goslings rum and, of course, that’s how we are making it here. On many menus you will find a drink called a Safe Harbor, which is basically a Dark and Stormy re-named to avoid legal issues.
The Dark ‘n Stormy is named for it’s coloring- which looks like clear water with an ominous cloud over head. The color of the cloud is so dark that only a fool or a dead man would dare sail in that direction.
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More Ginger Beer Cocktails:
- Moscow Mule When you swap the rum for Vodka, you have a Moscow Mule.
- Kentucky Mule When you swap the rum for Whiskey, you have a Moscow Mule.
- Mexican Mule When you swap the rum for Tequila, you have a Moscow Mule.
- Gin Mule When you swap the rum for Gin, you have a Moscow Mule.
- Moscow Mule Jello Shots
If You Love a Dark & Stormy, Try These:
FAQ:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why isn’t a Dark & Stormy served in a copper mug?
Technically, a Dark & Stormy is not a mule cocktail because lime isn’t an essential ingredient and it is traditionally served in a highball glass instead of a mug.
What is the best rum for a Dark & Stormy?
Goslings Black Seal Rum. If substituting, be sure to use a dark rum.
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces dark rum (Goslings Black Seal rum)
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 5 ounces ginger beer
- 1 slice lime (to garnish )
Instructions
- Fill a glass with ice.
- Add ginger beer and lime juice to the glass.
- Top with rum.
- Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
- This is a lightly sweet cocktail. If you prefer a sweeter version, add one to two tablespoons of simple syrup and stir in.
- The Dark and Stormy cocktail is technically not a mule cocktail and is traditionally served in a highball glass instead of a copper mug. Feel free to use what you prefer.
- Floating the rum on the top of the drink is visually pleasing, but if you prefer a less rum-forward first sip, we suggest giving it a stir before serving.
Nutrition
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated, using Spoonacular, for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
Easy to make- and its really refreshing with the lime and ginger. I’ve made this several times already.
Love the bite of a Dark ‘n Stormy. Spot on about using Goslings Black Seal. I haven’t tried Trader Joe’s ginger beer yet, but I can highly recommend the Q brand. I also plan to try a non-alcoholic dark rum, like Dark Cane Spirit.
I love the Q brand as well. 🙂