Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

This classic cocktail is incredibly simple to make. You just combine Black Seal Rum with ginger beer and add a squeeze of lime. The result is a bold and spicy drink that’s refreshing with every sip. It’s no surprise it has become a favorite in Bermuda and beyond.

What makes the Dark and Stormy so special is how effortlessly it fits any occasion. Whether you’re relaxing at home or enjoying a warm evening with friends, it’s always the right choice. Its mix of flavors and its story make it a conversation starter too. Even if you’re new to making cocktails, this one is easy to master and sure to impress.

What Is a Dark and Stormy Cocktail?

The Dark and Stormy is a delicious mix of dark rum and ginger beer with a squeeze of lime if you are feeling fancy. It is bold, fizzy, and full of flavor with just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.

Gosling’s Black Seal Rum is the classic choice for this drink. It brings a deep, rich flavor and has a bit of history tied to Bermuda, where the cocktail was created. Ginger beer adds the fizzy spice that makes this drink so refreshing and unique.

It is similar to a Moscow Mule but with rum instead of vodka, giving it a richer, more complex taste. Making one is as simple as pouring dark rum over ice, topping it with ginger beer, and adding a squeeze of lime if you like.

This cocktail is perfect for any occasion, whether you are relaxing at home or enjoying a night with friends. It is easy to make, fun to sip, and a great way to explore the world of rum cocktails.

Ingredients You'll Need for Dark and Stormy

Ready to make a Dark and Stormy? Let’s go over what we’ll need to create this bold and delicious cocktail.

Dark Rum

Dark rum is what gives this drink its rich, deep flavor. For the best results, we recommend Gosling’s Black Seal Rum. Its molasses sweetness and hints of vanilla are a perfect match for the other ingredients.

If you do not have Gosling’s, no problem. Just look for a dark rum with a similar full-bodied taste. The rum you choose will really shape the flavor, so go with one you enjoy.

Ginger Beer

Next, we have ginger beer. This is where the drink gets its spice and fizz. Ginger beer gives the cocktail its signature kick and makes it so refreshing.

If you can find Gosling’s ginger beer, it pairs wonderfully with their rum. Other great options include Fever-Tree and Bundaberg. Look for one with a strong ginger flavor to balance the rum perfectly. The spicier, the better.

Lime

Finally, let’s talk about lime. While it might not be in the original recipe, we love adding a splash of fresh lime juice. It brightens up the flavors and cuts through the sweetness of the rum and the spice of the ginger beer.

We usually use about half a lime per drink, but you can adjust it to your taste. Adding a lime wheel as a garnish gives it a nice pop of color and a fresh aroma.

How to Make a Dark and Stormy Cocktail

Let’s make a Dark and Stormy together. We need dark rum, ginger beer, lime juice, and a few simple bar tools. If you are looking for the perfect tools, check out this cocktail set. It has everything you need to get started.

First, grab a highball glass and fill it with ice. Pour in the ginger beer but leave a little space at the top.

Now, add some fresh lime juice. If you have a citrus squeezer, it makes things easier, but you can just squeeze it by hand if that is what you have.

Next, slowly pour the rum over the back of a spoon so it floats on top. This creates the classic layered look that makes the drink so iconic.

For garnish, a lime wheel or a piece of candied ginger works perfectly. It is a small detail that adds a touch of charm to your cocktail.

The order of ingredients is important. Adding the ginger beer first helps keep it fizzy while floating the rum gives the drink its signature stormy look.

Here is a tip for the best results. Chill your ginger beer before you start to keep your drink fresh and bubbly.

Once everything is ready, mix it up, sip, and enjoy. Cheers to your perfect Dark and Stormy!

The full recipe with exact measurements is in the recipe card below, so be sure to check it out.

Dark and Stormy Recipe Variations

We love putting a fresh spin on the classic Dark and Stormy. There are so many ways to make it your own.

Try swapping out the dark rum for something new. Mezcal adds a smoky flavor, bourbon brings a little sweetness, and spiced rum gives it a warm, cozy feel.

If you like fruity flavors, add a splash of pineapple juice for a tropical twist. Or experiment with flavored ginger beer, like blood orange or tropical, to shake things up without losing that spicy kick.

For a sweeter version, a little simple syrup does the trick, but go easy so the ginger beer stays the star. If you are in the mood for a non-alcoholic option, use a dark rum alternative or mix ginger beer with soda water.

The best part is getting creative. Try these ideas or come up with your own. You might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy a Dark and Stormy.

More Cocktails You'll Love

If you are a fan of the Dark and Stormy, we have some great rum cocktails for you to try. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Moscow Mule
• Rum Swizzle
• Mai Tai
• Painkiller
• Jungle Bird

Ready to explore more? Check out our 2-ingredient rum drinks, easy white rum cocktails, and dark rum cocktails for even more inspiration. These cocktails are perfect for expanding your rum repertoire. Give them a try and let us know your favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the Dark and Stormy cocktail?

The Dark and Stormy was born in Bermuda in the early 1800s. James Gosling started making rum there, which became Gosling's Black Seal Rum.

American sailors mixed this rum with ginger beer. They called it "Dark and Stormy" because it looked like storm clouds over the sea.

Gosling's later trademarked the name to keep the recipe authentic.

What's the difference between ginger ale and ginger beer?

Ginger beer is fermented, giving it a stronger, spicier kick than ginger ale. It often has real ginger and might have a tiny bit of alcohol.

Ginger ale is sweeter and fizzy from added carbonation. It's a non-alcoholic soft drink that's milder than ginger beer.

We prefer ginger beer for a Dark and Stormy. It gives the drink more depth and spice.

Can I use ginger ale instead of ginger beer?

You can use ginger ale, but your Dark and Stormy won't taste the same. Ginger beer's spiciness is key to the drink's authentic flavor.

Ginger ale is sweeter and less complex. It'll make a tasty drink, but it won't be a true Dark and Stormy.

We recommend sticking with ginger beer for the best experience.

What's the best rum for a Dark and Stormy?

Gosling's Black Seal Rum is the official choice for an authentic Dark and Stormy. It's rich and dark, perfect for this cocktail.

If you can't find Gosling's, try Kraken Spiced Rum or Captain Morgan's. These dark rums will give your drink good flavor and color.

Remember, different rums can change the taste. Stick with dark or spiced rums for the best results.

How do I pour a Dark and Stormy?

First, fill a tall glass with ice. Then add ginger beer until the glass is about 3/4 full.

Gently pour the dark rum over the back of a spoon. This helps it float on top of the ginger beer.

Add a lime wedge for garnish. The layers look great and taste even better!

How strong is a Dark and Stormy?

A typical Dark and Stormy has about 2 ounces of rum. This makes it a moderately strong drink.

The alcohol content is usually between 10% and 15%. This can change based on how much rum you use.

We suggest enjoying it slowly to appreciate the flavors fully.

What food pairs well with a Dark and Stormy cocktail?

Seafood dishes go great with a Dark and Stormy. Try it with grilled shrimp or fish tacos.

Spicy foods like jerk chicken complement the ginger beer's kick. The drink's sweetness balances out the heat nicely.

Light, tropical salads also pair well. The refreshing cocktail is perfect with fresh, summery flavors.

Dark and Stormy Cocktail Recipe

The Dark and Stormy is a classic cocktail with bold, refreshing flavors. It combines rich dark rum with the spicy fizz of ginger beer, finished with a splash of lime juice. Simple to mix and always a crowd-pleaser, it is perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Servings 1

Equipment

• Highball glass
• Jigger
• Bar Spoon
• Citrus juicer

Ingredients

  

• 2 ounces dark rum we prefer Goslings Black Seal Rum
• ½ ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces ginger beer Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer works great
• Lime wheel or wedge for garnish

Instructions

 

• Fill a highball glass with ice.
• Pour in 4 ounces of chilled ginger beer, leaving some room at the top.
• Squeeze in ½ ounce of fresh lime juice.
• Slowly pour 2 ounces of dark rum over the back of a spoon to create a layered look.
• Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge.

Notes

• If you cannot find Goslings rum, other dark rums like Mount Gay or Cruzan Black Strap will work too.
• Ginger beer is key, so pick one with bold flavor. Fever-Tree and Q Ginger Beer are great options if Goslings is not available.
• Chill your ginger beer before you start to keep the drink fizzy and refreshing.
• If you want to add some extra flavor, try a dash of Angostura bitters.
• For an icy-cold drink, chill your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before mixing.
• Want to mix things up? Serve your Dark and Stormy in a copper mug. It keeps the drink cold and looks great too.

 

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